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The Tamagotchi (たまごっち) is a handheld Digital Pet created in 1996 by Aki Maita and sold by Bandai . The Tamagotchi is housed in a small and simple egg-shaped computer. Three buttons (A, B, and C) allow the user to select and perform an activity, including:
  • Feeding the Tamagotchi a piece of food or a snack.

  • Playing a game with the Tamagotchi.

  • Cleaning up a Tamagotchi's feces and urine.

  • Checking its age, discipline, hunger, weight, and happiness levels.

  • Connecting to the computer

  • Connecting with other Tamagotchi



MEANING OF "TAMAGOTCHI".

According to as "Tamagotch" without the "i" in Japan.


TAMAGOTCHI RELEASES

''Main Article: List Of Tamagotchi Releases ''

Some 36 tamagotchi versions have been released between 1996 and 2007 . These include the original Tamagotchi, Christmas-themed Tamagotchi and newer tamagotchi versions, known as Connection, Connexion or Ketai, which can communicate with other Tamagotchi for games and breeding. The most recent version is the new V4.5 Tamagotchi in which the character can go to school and when it grows up may get a job. There is also a website designed to work with V4 and V4.5 Tamagotchi Connections.


OTHER TAMAGOTCHI GAMES


Game Boy

The first Tamagotchi game for the Nintendo Game Boy portable game system was released simultaneously in both Japan and the United States. ''Tamagotchi'' (''Game de Hakken!! Tamagotchi'' in Japan) corresponds to the first two generations of the original Tamagotchi digital pets, with similar gameplay.

The second game in the series (''Game de Hakken!! Tamagotchi v2'', released only in Japan) features characters from the Mori and Umi (Forest and Ocean) Tamagotchi.

The third Tamagotich game(''Game de Hakken!! Tamagotchi Osucchi to Mesucchi'', again released only in Japan) is based on Osutchi and Mesutchi, featuring a unique cartridge with a user-replaceable battery and independent piezo buzzer that alerts players to turn on their Game Boy system and care for their digital pet.

Nintendo DS

'''' (''Tamagotchi no Puchi Puchi Omisechi'' in Japan) is a simulator game for the Nintendo DS in which the player has to work in many different shops to earn Gotchi Points. ''Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop'' was the first Tamagotchi-based game to focus not on caring for a virtual pet; rather, the player's Tamagotchi partner works in the various shops, performing mini-games to help customers. There is no option to care for the Tamagotchi as a digital pet. The goal of the game is to make the various shops "royal" by having Princess Tamako visit them.

The sequel to ''Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop'', '''' (''Tamagotchi no Puchi Puchi Omisecchi Gohi-kini'' in Japan) contains different or upgraded shops and over 100 types of Tamagotchi characters to interact with. Players again partner up with their Tamagotchi to cater to customers' needs rather than focusing solely upon caring for a Tamagotchi and helping it grow. In this game, "Gotchi points" may be earned to feed and clothe the Tamagotchi, and to buy decorations for its home. The more that you play in each store, new upgrades of the stores will then be unlocked. If you already have a Tamagotchi, you can receive codes to trade for prizes within the game.

It has been said that the series will receive another sequel, entitled ''Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 3''. {Link without Title} It was already released in Japan, and no US release date has been confirmed yet.


Wii

'' of games - in it, the player must race around a board, playing mini-games in order to become the next Tamagotchi President. {Link without Title}


CRITICISM AND CONTROVERSY


The major controversy over Tamagotchi digital pets involves children taking them to School . Worry over potential ownership disputes, class disruptions, and general distraction from schoolwork has led schools to ban the product. {Link without Title}

''‘Tamagotchi’ oder ‘vergiss die Reset-Taste’. Ein Märchen für Kinder und Erwachsene'' (Tamagotchi, or "Forget the reset button" - A tale for children and adults), a German short children's opera, was created in 1999 by Siegfried Carl (lyrics) and Joschi Krüger (composer) as criticism against the Tamagotchi hype. Lyrics (in German)

On August 03, 2005, South Australian MP Nick Xenophon attempted to ban the Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 (or at least have it classified R18+ ) due to the slot game featured on it, fearing that it would make kids grow up to become "the gambling addicts of tomorrow". {Link without Title}


IN OTHER MEDIA


Film

On the 1st June 2007, it was announced by Reuters that an animated Tamagotchi film is to be released in December 2007. The film will be about a Mametchi which tries to build a time travel experiment but ends up accidentally bringing a human girl named Tampopo who is brought to their planet by a shooting star, and the planet appears to be having some sort of earthquake disaster. The movie will soon be released on December 15, 2007, and will be distributed by Toho . {Link without Title}


Animated Video

An animated video called Tamagotchi Video Adventures was produced in 1997, which is approximately 40 minutes long. Cosmotchi sends fourteen tamagotchi to Earth to collect objects in order to complete a Museum exhibit for Grand Gotchi. Whoever brings back the most desirable item receives a medal of honor. A music video and a how-to-draw session follow the movie.


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