Brand logo 1 (first used in Japan)
Brand logo 2 (first used internationally)
The modern Tamagotchi franchise is the third major incarnation of the Tamagotchi series of virtual pets by Bandai.
Beginning in Japan in 2008 before debuting internationally in 2019, it marks the technical evolution of Tamagotchi devices, starting with backlit color screens.
It is the successor to both the Tamagotchi Connection and Tamagotchi Plus franchises, carrying over many of the features pioneered by them while expanding on functionality.
List of all Modern Tamagotchi releases[]
- Tamagotchi Plus Color: Released in Japan in November 2008, the Plus Color was the first Tamagotchi with a backlit color display. Carrying over the core functionality of many previous Tamagotchi Plus releases, the Plus Color also introduced weather, travel, gardening, wallpaper remodeling, and modified the functionality of the Happy meter.
- Hexagontchi is a special variant of the Plus Color released in Japan in 2009, with a new theme, characters, and an additional game based on the game show Quiz Hexagon.
- Tamagotchi iD: Released in Japan in November 2009, the iD, which was based on the concurrently-airing Tamagotchi! anime, introduced accessories, which could be purchased and worn by the characters. It also has the ability to download new items, accessories, games, and wallpapers via infrared communication.
- The iD came in two standard versions: the standard version and the "Lovely Melody" version, which changed several characters.
- A third version, the Conan version, was distributed exclusively by Shōnen Sunday Manga Magazine, and features an exclusive background and location.
- Tamagotchi iD L: Released in Japan in March 2011, the iD L built upon the features previously introduced with the iD and Plus Color, and introduces the Henshin Jo feature and the option of adopting Tama Pets.
- The iD L was released in English in Hong Kong and the UK. This version is commonly known as the iDL English, or iDLE.
- The "15th Anniversary Version" is the second version, featuring a roster of vintage characters, as well as new locations based on the vintage Tamagotchi era.
- The "Princess Spacy Version" is the third version, featuring new characters and a new Tama Pet.
- Tamagotchi P's: Released in Japan in November 2012, the P's features a port above the screen where the user can insert a Tama Deco Pierce, a special accessory that downloads new characters, items, locations, and games onto the device. The device also introduces four-way connectivity, introduces personality traits, diary recording, and part-time jobs.
- Tamagotchi 4U: Released in Japan in September 2014, the 4U replaces the traditional infrared port with NFC technology, which can also download new content from "Touch Spots". The 4U also records the user's personality and emotions, features the unique Personality Stage, and has a face plate that can be changed out from many different designs.
- Tamagotchi 4U+: Released in Japan in July 2015, the 4U+ introduces several new characters and Personality Stage evolutions, new games, and features several quality-of-life improvements from the 4U.
- Tamagotchi m!x: Released in Japan in July 2016, the m!x introduced a new gene-mixing feature where the second generation babies onward would inherit traits of their parents.
- A total of six major versions were released, each featuring unique characters and locations.
- Tamagotchi On: Released in Japan in November 2018, the United States in July 2019, and South Korea in October 2019, the Tamagotchi On carries the same gene concept from the m!x, but also includes twins, pets, and Bluetooth connectivity to a mobile application.
- A total of seven different versions were produced, four exclusive to Japan and one exclusive to the United States.
- Tamagotchi Pix: Released globally throughout the summer of 2021, the Pix is the first color-screen model not to be released in Japan. It features a built-in camera and touch pad buttons instead of plastic buttons,
- Tamagotchi Smart: Released in Japan in November 2021, the Smart replaces the standard button operation with a touch screen, and is worn on the wrist like a wristwatch. It also has voice recognition, a step counter, and a rechargeable battery.
- Tamagotchi Uni: Released globally in July 2023, the Uni carries features the Smart and Pix, features a new personality mechanic, and includes Wi-Fi connectivity.
Tie-In Devices[]
- Tamagotchi Nano: Released as an accessory for the Tamagotchi iD in October 2010 in Japan, the Nano expands upon the Tamagotchi Mini by including new characters, a larger screen, and a game.
- A second version was released in Japan in June 2011, featuring two new baby characters, three new adult characters, and an alternate background print.
- Tamagotchi Nano would later expand into its own series of virtual pets.
- More iD! Tamagotchi Home Station Plus: Released in October 2010 in Japan, the Home Station is an accessory for the Tamagotchi iD. The user can create and unlock items that can then be downloaded onto the Tamagotchi iD and iD L.
Design[]
Unlike the previous Tamagotchi franchises, the modern franchise of Tamagotchi virtual pets does not feature a singular body design. However, all color models share a 64 bit backlit color display with 128x128 resolution. All models feature a lanyard loop hole for the user to insert their own, as they do not come with an attached keychain. Most models are similar in size and weight, about 2.7 inches (about 6.86 centimeters) tall, making them larger than previous models. The screen is only lit when the Tamagotchi is active; after about 30 seconds, the display will go dark, and can only be reactivated by pressing a button. Most models feature an infrared port at the top of the device. All models prior to the Pix and Smart feature hard plastic buttons, as opposed to the rubber buttons from other models. Every model (except the Smart) requires two AAA batteries.
Common Functions[]
Growth and Lifespan[]
On every model, the Tamagotchi will go through several stages of life once it has been born. The Tamagotchi will progress through each stage of life through Evolution, transforming into a different character over time. How well the user cares for the Tamagotchi will determine which character it will evolve into. Some models also feature special characters that can only be obtained under certain conditions. With the sole exception of the Plus Color and Hexagontchi, color models do not include a senior stage.
Care is directly tied with the life span through a measurement known as "Care Mistakes". If the user fails to respond to a call for attention for 15 minutes, the icon turns off and a care mistake is recorded. The more often the user makes care mistakes, the more likely the user will raise an unhealthy adult, as well as increase the likelihood of death.
Clock and Calendar[]
The clock and calendar must first be set before the Tamagotchi can hatch, along with the user's birthday. When the clock is active, pressing the A button will switch between 12-hour format and 24-hour format. Models typically only feature the month and day, but starting from the Pix and Smart, they now also include the year.
Throughout the year, depending on what calendar day the Tamagotchi is on, different seasonal animations will play; for example, a Jack-o-Lantern will appear on the screen in late October to celebrate Halloween. Holidays may vary between regions. In addition, every model will have special events on the user's birthday.
Health Meter[]
Every model features a Health meter screen that shows the Tamagotchi's overall stats. This icon is always the first icon. Checking the stats will allow the user to know how hungry or happy the Tamagotchi currently is, as well as its age, weight, gender, generation, and Gotchi Points. Other stats that vary between models, such as personality type, are also shown here.
The Happy meter functions differently between most models, and takes significantly more effort to fill than on the vintage, Connection, Plus, and Nano models. On some versions, the length of the Happy meter grows depending on certain conditions.
Settings[]
Typically located in the Health Meter icon, the settings allow the user to adjust the date and time, turn the sound on or off, or change the screen brightness.
Living Room[]
On all versions, the main screen in which the Tamagotchi lives can be altered by purchasing or downloading new designs. Each device begins with a default background, which is always available for free in the shop.
Feed[]
In the feeding icon, the user can select meals and snacks to feed their Tamagotchi, with meals satisfying hunger and snacks improving happiness. On many versions, each Tamagotchi has their own unique food preferences. On later models, adults dislike the default meal option, encouraging the user to instead try other options.
In most versions, the feeding icon includes an additional option for a restaurant. It is only accessible from the child stage onward, and includes a variety of meals and snacks to choose from.
Bathroom and Cleanliness[]
On all models, the Tamagotchi will leave poo on the screen throughout their life. The user must select the appropriate icon to clear it away. Leaving poo on the screen for too long may result in illness, while multiple poop on the screen drastically increase the likelihood of illness. In addition, the Tamagotchi will perform an animation just before they poo. If the user selects the bathroom icon in time, the Tamagotchi will use a toilet instead, and gain a Happy heart.
The user must also maintain the Tamagotchi's hygiene by making sure the living room is clean and the Tamagotchi bathes regularly. The item to clean the living room (typically a broom or a vacuum) is located with the items, while the option to bathe the Tamagotchi is often under the bathroom icon. Failure to bathe will cause the Tamagotchi to take on a dirty appearance; likewise, failing to clean the living room will result in it turning dark brown in color. In both instances, the Tamagotchi will not be able to leave the house until both they and the house are clean.
Items and Accessories[]
Items and accessories can be purchased from stores or earned from completing certain tasks, and will be available to use in a dedicated inventory icon. When selected, items will play a special animation. Accessories are clothing options that the Tamagotchi can wear. Different devices may also categorize different kinds of items, such as cleaning tools or rare treasures.
Travel[]
With the Travel function (typically indicated by an icon of a door), the user's Tamagotchi can leave their house and visit a variety of locations across the Tamagotchi Planet. Typically, the unit begins with only one location available, and more become unlocked once certain conditions are met. Unlocking every destination and discovering what each one can offer is one of
Games[]
Rather than being a standalone icon, games on modern Tamagotchi pets are instead accessed from a location in the Travel menu, typically under the "Arcade" location. Performing well in game earns Gotchi Points.
Starting from the M!x onward, as the Tamagotchi cannot leave the house while still a baby, the user can't play games until the child stage.
Connection[]
Nearly every model features an infrared port that can connect to other models. When connected, the two characters can play games and exchange presents. The more frequently two units connect, the stronger their friendship will become. When two adults of opposite genders connect, they can fall in love and eventually marry.
The majority of models can only connect and marry with others of the same type, with the exceptions of the the Plus Color, iD, and iDL models.
Medicine[]
Every model features Sickness, an ailment that prevents the user from caring for their pet. It is indicated by a black skull floating above the Tamagotchi. Selecting the appropriate icon (or menu option on some versions) will cure the Tamagotchi of the sickness. Feeding a significant amount of Snacks in a short period of time will cause the Tamagotchi to get a cavity, indicated by tooth, which is cured the same way. This icon is also used to remove the Grim Gotchi if the Tamagotchi is about to die, or to stop the Tamagotchi from running away.
Notebook[]
The Notebook icon keeps track of every unit the Tamagotchi has connected with, showing their name and current friendship level.
Attention[]
Every releases features an "Attention" feature, wherein the Tamagotchi calls out to the user when it needs something. Typically, the pet will call if either its Hungry or Happy meter empties, when it gets sick, or if it's about to die or run away.
Marriage[]
On almost all versions, once the Tamagotchi has become an adult, they will be able to marry another Tamagotchi and begin the next generations. Marriage can occur when connecting two devices together, through visiting a Matchmaker option, or from befriending potential marriage partners in other locations. Once the baby is born, the parent will leave, and the user will begin caring for the baby.
Death and Departure[]
A Tamagotchi will eventually die or run away due to neglect, depending on the device. Once the pet has departed, the user will be able to see the Tamagotchi's final stats. Pressing the A and C buttons together will make the life cycle start over again. All food, items, Gotchi Points, and most unlocked locations will be preserved.