Tamagotchi’s Latest Virtual Pet Toy Comes With A Built-In Camera

By Mikelle Leow, 22 Apr 2021

Image via CNW Group/Bandai America

A couple of years back, the nostalgic Tamagotchi toy returned for the modern era with significant design changes, including a color screen.

The latest version, the Tamagotchi Pix, is built with a camera and comes with touch buttons. At this rate, the next Tamagotchi might follow in the footsteps of the smartphone industry and get a phone function.

While the specifications of this mini camera are unclear, it’s safe to say that it is not truly intended for taking Instagrammable shots. Tamagotchi owners can now take selfies with their virtual pets, cook with them, and use the feature to host playdates. They can also share any pictures taken with the camera on a built-in social feed.

According to Tamagotchi maker Bandai, the new touch buttons allow more interaction with characters, including giving baths and the ability to pet the characters with a simple swipe of a finger.

Besides these core additions, the new Tamagotchi enables cooking and food delivery, as well as the option to explore the real world. In a meta fashion, how you raise your pet will affect gameplay and influence the character’s future career.

The new gadget comes at a price of US$59.99. Pre-orders have opened for some of the colors on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Toys “R” Us.