Tamagotchi On
© 2020 Bandai America, Inc.
The evolution of the original blockbuster virtual life toy (first reviewed in 1997) continues, even as the interface and egg-shaped form factor has stayed the same. This year's edition still targets girls, and has a color screen and bluetooth connectivity, so it can communicate with your smart phone or other nearby Tamagotchi toys in order to reproduce. Another thing that has changed -- the price. At $60 this version represents a large part of your toy budget. Note that you can still buy the original Tamagotchi for $20, and there is also a Pac Man themed edition (also $20). The Tamagatchi babies, called My Tama, take on characteristics of their parents. The play pattern is the same -- you control a little alien creature, deciding what they eat, when they play, toilet issues and more. You can also adopt a pet (called a TamaPet). The app lets you download additional content. A new daycare drop-off feature lets you freeze your play while you're at school. There are two themes; both targeting girls -- Fairies and Magic. Learn more at www.tamagotchi.com
$60
Teaches: Virtual life, logic