The Tamagotchi is back and millennials can feel the '90s nostalgia
An electronic pet that was part of countless millennial childhoods is returning to North America this summer repackaged as a new product -- Tamagotchi On Wonder Garden.
Unlike the original virtual pet, this updated version can go outside it's house, travel to eight different towns and use exclusive character features in the elusive Wonder Garden. The gadgets will retain their egged shape and come in two new colors: lavender and turquoise.
"It's a lot of fun for kids, especially in today's environment with the coronavirus and everyone at home," Tara Badie, senior director of brand strategy at Bandai America, told "Good Morning America" on Tuesday. "It's something people can enjoy playing for long periods of time."
Tamagotchi On Wonder Garden goes on sale for $59.99 on July 26. Retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target and Gamestop are taking online pre-orders.
Badie explained that the gameplay remains more or less the same within the new game environments, just with better graphics and crisp colors. Among a few minor changes are a relaxed difficulty level that doesn't require user's constant attention and pets can now have children. You don't need an internet connection to play, although a mobile app version is available.
The Japanese gadget was initially released 23 years ago in the United States and became a favorite toy for many kids in the 1990's. Those kids are now adults and plenty have children of their own, making the Tamagotchi On Wonder Garden a family affair.
"It's really exciting to see the generations playing," Badie said. "Kids really enjoy playing with their parents as they take care of their virtual pets together."
Bandai America declined to share sales numbers with "GMA," but claimed pre-sale numbers for the device have already "exceeded our expectations."
