Bandai just announced that Tamagotchi is coming back as a smartwatch!

Instead of keeping your virtual pet inside your pocket, the Tamagotchi smartwatch now lets you wear it on your wrist.

Tamagotchi Smart (Photo from Bandai Japan)

Reinventing pet in a wearable form plus new features

This day marks the 25th anniversary of the original Tamagotchi's launch during the late '90s and it was so popular that Bandai was able to sell more than 83M units as of March 2021. There's still a community of fans that keep this cute device alive even decades passed by so the company is recreating it as a smartwatch.

It comes in pastel pink and teal colors (Photo from Bandai Japan)

Bandai Namco recently revealed that it's releasing the Tamagotchi Smart. It's a fun-looking smartwatch in a pink or teal pastel-colored silicone with a matching band.

According to the company, the Tamagotchi Smart will have functions the same as the typical smartwatch, including a pedometer and voice controls. Aside from that, this one will boast touch controls like Tamagotchi Pix.

Tamagotchi Pix is another next-generation variant currently being sold in Spain and launching next month in the U.S. With this device, users can tickle and "touch" their pet. In addition to this, users can marry off their Tamagotchi to produce another type of pet.

Moreover, the Tamagotchi Smart uses TamaSma Cards but these will be available separately. The cards resemble tiny plastic keys with chips on them, containing exclusive items and characters that can be downloaded onto this wearable.

Meanwhile, the smartwatch features a voice command functionality that lets you call out your Tama and respond when it chirps back. However, the FAQ page noted that "there is no voice recognition function that recognizes the words themselves." 

Also, Bandai allegedly will equip this watch with a feature called “Power Up”. Reportedly, this lets users record conversations with their pets in hopes of fostering deep and meaningful connections.

Japan price with direct to PHP conversion (no taxes and duties yet):

Bandai Tamagotchi Smart - JPY 7.480 (or around PHP 3.2K)

According to a source, the Tamagotchi’s manufacturer is initially selling the Tamagotchi Smart through lottery. However, the device is said to be available on November 23, 2021. However, there are no details yet if Bandai will release it in other countries aside from Japan.

Sources: Bandai Japan, Gizmodo