Tamagotchi App; Android Users First to Play as Digital Pets Return; iOS Version to Follow
A new version of the Tamagotchi virtual pet was released on Thursday as a smartphone app available for Android.
The app, titled Tamagotchi L.i.f.e., brings the pixilated pals out of the egg-shaped key chain and into modern handsets.
It appears that the Tamagotchi, which was originally launched in 1996, is returning now because of a significant birthday for the digital pet device, according to the description on the Google Play store.
"It's Tamagotchi's Sweet 16 this year and we're giving you the gift! Bandai has created the first ever Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. App, based on the original virtual pet, and it's yours, FREE!"
The Tamagotchi virtual pets became a hit with kids in the 1990's as the device gave children the chance to take care of a digital pet that required the same attention as their living counterparts. Users had to feed, play, and nurture their Tamagotchi pet. Those who neglected it found that it would die.
The Android app puts the pets in color and high resolution with new characters, signature wallpapers and an option to share on Facebook.
Barry Stagg, chief communications officer at app developer Sync Beatz , was quoted by USA Today that the Tamagotchi line is "like comfort food."
"I think Tamagotchi brings back good memories," Stagg said. "When we were at the Licensing Expo last year, the first thing that people who came up to us and saw what we were doing tended to do was smile. I think there's an openness to build on Tamagotchi's brand equity."
The app is currently available for free, and a version without ads costs 99 cents. It is available on select Android devices running 2.3 and higher, including the Droid 3, Droid Bionic, ZTE X500, Motorola Droid Razr, Samsung Galaxy Note, HTC EVO 4G, Sony Experia Arc S, Samsung Galaxy S III, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Nexus S, and Sensation 4G.
The Tamagotchi L.i.f.e website stated that an iOS version of the app is currently in development.
It is also safe to assume that a new product line will likely emerge as well.
