About Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi is the iconic virtual pet brand created by Bandai, first released in Japan on November 23, 1996, and launched in North America in 1997. Invented by Akihiro Yokoi of WiZ and Aki Maita of Bandai, Tamagotchi became a global pop culture phenomenon and pioneered the entire virtual pet genre that captivated millions of children worldwide. The name Tamagotchi is a portmanteau of the Japanese words "tamago" (egg) and "uotchi" (watch), reflecting its distinctive egg-shaped design. Each handheld device features a simple three-button interface and LCD screen, challenging owners to nurture their digital pet through various life stages from hatching to adulthood. The concept originated when inventor Akihiro Yokoi saw a commercial of a young boy wanting to take his pet turtle everywhere with him. Tamagotchi became one of the most successful toys of the 1990s, winning the Swedish Retail Institute's Christmas Gift of the Year in 1997. Its creators were even awarded the tongue-in-cheek Ig Nobel Prize for economics, dubbed the father and mother of Tamagotchi. With over 98 million units sold worldwide as of 2025, Tamagotchi remains a beloved nostalgic brand that continues to release new versions for each generation. Compare Tamagotchi Original Electronic Pet prices at Grocefully to find the best deals on this classic virtual pet at UK toy retailers and supermarkets.
