Tamagotchi

Tamagotchi is a line of digital pet toys created in Japan by Aki Maita and developed by WiZ and Bandai. The name "Tamagotchi" is a portmanteau of the Japanese word "tamago" (meaning "egg") and the English word "watch." The first Tamagotchi was released in Japan in 1996 and quickly became a global phenomenon, popularizing the concept of virtual pets.

A Tamagotchi is a small, egg-shaped device with a simple interface, featuring a digital screen and a few buttons. Users are responsible for the care and feeding of a virtual creature that hatches from an egg. The creature's needs include feeding, discipline, and play, which are managed through the device's interface. If the user neglects these responsibilities, the creature can become ill or even die, requiring the user to start over with a new egg.

The original Tamagotchi device was a simple, monochrome LCD screen with three buttons. Over the years, the design and features of Tamagotchi devices have evolved, incorporating color screens, more complex games, and connectivity features that allow multiple Tamagotchi to interact. Despite these advancements, the core concept of caring for a virtual pet remains the same.

Tamagotchi has had a significant cultural impact, influencing the development of other virtual pet toys and video games. It has also been the subject of educational studies, particularly regarding its role in teaching responsibility to children. The brand continues to be popular, with new versions and merchandise released regularly.