The Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. App recreates the experience of caring for and feeding your own pocket creature. The app's release marks the brand's re-expansion to North America, after it was a powerhouse in the late 1990s.
The Tamagotchi app recreates the classic experience of owning a virtual pet in its Toy Mode, which replicates the classic egg keychain design best known by fans on the phone's screen. It features the three familiar buttons to navigate the menus.
Players can get into "App Mode" by swiping with two fingers, which brings the Tamagotchi into full color on the screen. You'll be able to access all the menu functions with touch controls from there. You'll recognize the actions to feed, vaccinate, poke and clean up after your pet. You can also check its weight, happiness and discipline.
A new feature you'll find: being able to play Rock Paper Scissors with your Tamagotchi. (Letting it win will make your pet happier.)
You can also take photos and share them on Facebook directly from the app.
Tamagotchi was released by Namco Bandai in 1997, and more than 79 million of the hard-shelled electronic toys have been sold since. The brand still has a huge presence in Japan, with a popular cartoon tie-in just renewed for a sixth season. Sync Beatz Entertainment acquired the license from Namco Bandai for this app and future products, and partnered with the company on its creation.
The app's expected audience, says Sync Beatz CMO Shin Ueno, are 22- to 29-year-olds who carried their Tamagotchis to school — and then had them confiscated in class in the late '90s.
The app is only available through Google Play now but will come to iOS devices soon, Ueno says.
Do you have fond memories of your Tamagotchi? Share them in the comments below.
Photos and Post by Mashable
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