| Tamagotchi History: In an Egg Shell The World's First Virtual Pet is Born Tamagotchi, the original virtual pet, first made its impact in pop culture history when Bandai launched the product in 1996, selling more then 40 million units worldwide and 12 million units in the United States and Canada. The launch of Tamagotchi not only spurred the virtual pet phenomenon of the 90s, but it also created a brand new toy category and prompted countless virtual pet imitators. During its peak, 15 Tamagotchi units were sold every minute in the U.S. and Canada.

The originator of Tamagotchi is none other then Bandai employee, Aki Maita, who was searching for the perfect companion that worked with her busy lifestyle and small apartment, and that was tiny enough for her to tote around with her wherever she went. Thus born the world's first virtual pet.

The Next Generation of Tamagotchi - Tamagotchi Connection
Over the past five years, Tamagotchi fans have been clamoring for the return of this brand. According to recent Internet research conducted by Bandai, 100 percent of consumers were aware of Tamagotchi and 85 percent of respondents had played with Tamagotchi — even seven years after its original launch in Japan. Based on this market research and high consumer demand, Bandai decided to launch the advanced Tamagotchi Connection incorporating the elements of the original product with new advanced technology.

The egg-shaped toy simulates the life cycle of a pet, letting kids experience the fun and responsibility of feeding, tending to and caring for their virtual pet. The advanced Tamagotchi Connection features new infrared communication functions allowing the virtual pet to become friends with other Tamagotchi, visit its friends to give gifts or play games together, and eventually have a possible second, third and fourth generation virtual pet.

Tamagotchi Phenomenon, Revisited
The new Tamagotchi Connection is on track to replicate its original success staring in Japan where the first product on the shelf sold out in two days. Tamagotchi Connection is one of the first items to be released in time for the holidays that retailers are anticipating will reinvigorate toy sales. Stay tuned as the virtual pet craze resurfaces and more generations of Tamagotchi are born into this world!

More information about other Tamagotchi and Tamagotchi History can be found from the main page of Tamagotchi Planet.

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