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This page is about the franchise. See Tamagotchi Connection (disambiguation) for other similar named pages.

Tamagotchi Connection (also known as Tamagotchi Connexion in Europe) is the second major international Tamagotchi franchise, following the original era.

It launched in 2004 and the final model was released in 2015. Its Japanese equivalent is the Tamagotchi Plus franchise, and several models are identical between regions.

The franchise was rebooted in 2024 with a new model to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

List of Tamagotchi Connection releases[]

  • Tamagotchi Connection Version 1: The first major virtual pet in the franchise released in 2004, the Version 1 reintroduced the Tamagotchi brand, as well as adding core features that would carry over to future models, such as connectivity, items, and marriage. In Japan, this version was released as the Kaettekita! Tamagotchi Plus, or simply the Tamagotchi Plus.
  • Tamagotchi Connection Version 2: Released in 2005, the Version 2 introduced Gotchi Points, passcodes, and a larger roster of characters.
  • Tamagotchi Connection Version 3: Released in 2006, the Version 3 introduced connectivity to TamaTown on the PC, as well as introducing new characters and items.
  • Tamagotchi Connection Version 4: Released in October 2006 in Europe and January 2007 in the USA, the version 4 introduced Skill Points, character groups, and jobs.
  • Tamagotchi Connection Version 5: Released in 2008, the Version 5 introduces a wider screen, the ability to raise up three characters together, and the ability to form special families through marriage. In Japan, this version was released as the Family Iro Iro! Tamagotchi Plus.
    • A second version, known as the Tamagotchi Connection Version 5 Celebrity, was released in fall 2008. It introduces new games, characters, and items. In Japan, this version was released as the Dream Royal Family Tamagotchi Plus.
  • Tamagotchi Music Star: Released in late 2008 in the USA and 2009 worldwide, the Music Star focuses on training the Tamagotchi in music, leading it to eventually form a professional band.
    • This model is referred to as a Tamagotchi Connection Version 6 in the Asia/Oceania/Australia region.
  • TamaTown Tama-Go: Released in fall 2010, the TamaTown Tama-Go has a largely different build from the previous models, and introduces a 4-part grayscale LCD to allow for more detailed sprites. It features connectivity with Gotchi Figures, which unlock new items and games when connected.
  • Tamagotchi Friends: Released in 2014, the Tamagotchi Friends connects to other models with NFC technology instead of infrared, and features more detailed sprites than previous models.
    • While the North American and European models are identical in functionality, they feature three different base games each.
    • A second version, the Tamagotchi Friends: Dream Town Digital Friend, was released in the USA in 2015. This version features new travel destinations, more games, more characters, and less limitations for connecting.
  • Tamagotchi Connection: Tamagotchi Connection is the 20th anniversary release of the Connection and Plus series. It is heavily based on the Tamagotchi Connection V3, while incorporating features, characters and games from the Keitai Kaitsuu Tamagotchi Plus

Tie-in devices[]

  • Tamagotchi Mini: Released in late 2005, the Mini is a simplified virtual pet featuring characters from the original Tamagotchi. The Mini was later rereleased in 2017 to celebrate Tamagotchi's 20th anniversary. In Japan, this version was released as the Chibi Tamagotchi.
  • Tamawalkie: Released in late 2008 exclusively in the Asian/Australian/Oceanic region, the Tamawalkie is a pedometer pet that features traveling across the USA to collect items to repair a broken UFO.

Design[]

V1Diagram

Diagram of a V1, from the instruction manual.

The Tamagotchi Connection models have a larger body than the vintage models, measuring at about 5.6cm tall and 4.8cm wide (about 2.2 inches tall by 1.9 inches wide). Its screen is larger but with smaller pixels, with early models featuring a resolution of 32 x 30. It features an infrared port across the top of the shell, and the keychain hole is to the right. The international versions featured a clasp ball chain, while the US versions have a chain link and key ring. Like its predecessors, it utilizes a black-and-white LCD screen over a printed background, though unlike the classic Tamagotchi, the background print varies between shells, and some limited edition shells feature exclusive background prints.

The Version 1, Version 2, and Music Star share the same mold, while other releases have a similar size and shape, but have an additional design to the left side, such as an antenna. The Version 3 has a cell phone antenna on the left side, the Version 4 has an antenna with a ball on top, the Version 4.5 has an antenna with a star on top, and both Version 5 models have an antenna shaped like a square house with a pointed roof.

Common Features[]

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, and how long the pet can or will live in turn. Many models also feature special characters that can only be obtained under certain conditions. New to the Connection models is the senior stage, which only occurs if the user's adult Tamagotchi lives for a prolonged period without marrying. The Version 5 models also exclusively feature the parent stage, where the adult character becomes a more parental form once the next generation begins.

Unlike the vintage models, the Connection models do not feature set life spans for each character. Instead, 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. On most versions, performing well in the two base games can reverse a care mistake, prolonging the Tamagotchi's life and improving their chances of getting a healthy adult.

Clock and Calendar[]

As with the original models, the clock must first be set before the Tamagotchi can hatch. When the clock is active, pressing the A button will switch between 12-hour format and 24-hour format. A new addition to the Connection models is the calendar, which must have the month and day set along with the clock. The user will also be tasked with putting in their birthday.

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 play a special animation 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 age, weight, gender, generation, and Gotchi Points. Other stats that vary between models, such as Training meter or Skill Points, are also shown here.

Generation[]

Each version measures Generations, which shows how many times the user has raised and married a Tamagotchi. On certain versions, whether the generation is an odd or even number will determine which adults the user can raise. The First generation sometimes functions differently from other generations.

Feed[]

The feeding icon is the second release on every device. There are always at least two food options. The "Meal" option gives food that fills the Hungry meter, and the "Snack" option gives food that fills the Happy meter. Both options increase the Tamagotchi's weight. Staring from the Version 2, additional food options may be purchased, and each character has their own unique food preferences; a food they like will make them happy, while a food they dislike will upset them.

Bathroom[]

On all models, they 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.

Games[]

Every model features at least two games, and when played well, they will increase the Tamagotchi's Happy meter and decrease weight. On all models prior to the Version 5, the Tamagotchi must be over its base weight in order to play the games, and will refuse to play otherwise. Starting from the Version 2, the game selection grows as the Tamagotchi progresses through its life cycle stages.

Gotchi Points[]

Gotchi Points are a currency that appear on every model from the Version 2 onward. It is a currency earned from performing well in the games, and they can be exchanged for items and foods in the shop. Later models feature additional ways of earning Gotchi Points, including randomly through using certain items or in the mail, through TamaTown, or from work paychecks.

Shop and Passwords[]

From the Version 2 onward, every model features a shop where Gotchi Points can be exchanged. Four items are in stock at any given time, and the store's stock will change twice throughout the day. On rare occasions, the shop may have a sale, and all items will be half their standard price.

On Versions 2 through 4.5, pressing the A button on the shop entry screen will trigger the salesman to have a "shocked" expression. From here, the user can enter a passcode by pressing the three buttons in a specific order. Entering the correct passcode will award a special item to the user's inventory. Each model has five such passcodes, and entering the fifth passcode will replace the fifth item with a special rare item, which can only be obtained once. Any time the user inputs a passcode afterword, the item will be available for purchase instead of being awarded for free.

Items[]

On every version, items are accumulated via a variety of means, and then can be used by selecting them from the inventory. Many items are limited to only adults being permitted to use them.

Connection[]

With the exception of the Tamagotchi Friends models, every Tamagotchi Connection 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.

Compatibility[]

Versions 1 through V4.5 can all connect and marry each other, as well as the Tamagotchi Plus. The Version 5 pets can connect and marry with the Music Star, and can connect with (but not marry) the TamaTown Tama-Go. The Music Star and Tama-Go can both connect and marry. On all models, if the character data on one unit is not present on the other unit, the character will be rendered as Nazotchi as a placeholder.

TamaTown[]

TamaTown was an interactive website where a user could upload their Tamagotchi through a passcode system, play games, and unlock special items for their Tamagotchi. It was introduced on the Version 3, and different iterations of TamaTown were part of the core features of every version released afterward. As TamaTown has been shut down, the only way to access much of the exclusive content is through code manipulation.

Training[]

Many models feature Training, which is used to either scold the pet for misbehavior, or praise the pet for good behavior. Each time Training is successfully implemented, the Training meter in the health meter will increase.

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.

Light[]

On all releases, the Tamagotchi will go to sleep at night, necessitating that the user turn the pet's lights off. When the pet wakes up in the morning, they will turn the lights back on themselves. While the lights are their own independent icon on early versions, later versions have the Tamagotchi turn the lights off themselves, negating the need for the user to intervene.

Notebook[]

The Notebook icon keeps track of every unit the Tamagotchi has connected with, showing their name and current friendship level. On later versions, this icon is also used to wrap gifts to send to other devices, throw items away, or donate Gotchi Points to the Gotchi King.

Attention[]

Every releases features an "Attention" icon, which lights up when the Tamagotchi needs something, accompanied by a beep. Typically, the pet will call if either its Hungry or Happy meter empties, if its making a Training call, when it gets sick, or when it goes to sleep at night.

Marriage[]

Once the Tamagotchi has been an adult for 48 hours, it will be able to marry when connecting to other devices. Starting 72 hours after becoming an adult, a Matchmaker will appear every day at 10:30 AM, 3 PM, and 7 PM to offer a potential partner. Once the character marries, it will produce a baby, and the parent and child will stay together for two days. At midnight after the second day, the parent will leave, and the user will begin raising the baby in the morning, starting the next generation.

Death and Departure[]

A Tamagotchi will eventually die or leave, due to either neglect or old age. On early versions, it is depicted by a floating egg with wings. On the Version 5, it is indicated by a UFO floating away. From the Music Star onward, it is indicated by a letter on the screen, with "Bye Bye" written beneath. Once the pet has departed, pressing the A and C buttons together will make the life cycle start over again. On early versions, all items and Gotchi Points were lost upon death.

Sound[]

Pressing the A and C buttons simultaneously will bring up a menu to disable or enable the sound. This can only be done on the main screen, and won't work if the Tamagotchi is in the middle of a specific animation.

Pause Mode[]

Pressing the A and B buttons together at any time while the Tamagotchi is idle will activate Pause mode. In this state, the character will appear stationary on the screen with the word "PAUSE" above or below it. The clock will continue to run, but the Tamagotchi's growth and needs will stop until Pause mode is deactivated. Pause mode appears on all versions except the European Tamagotchi Connexion and the 20th anniversary re-release. While Pause mode features in the Tamagotchi Connection Version 5 series, the function is accessed via the Travel Show (or the Family Trip Ticket item). In all versions, the user can alternatively leave it on the clock set screen to pause it, and this is the only way to pause it in both of the former cases.


Tamagotchi Releases
Tamagotchi Tamagotchi (1996 Pet)Mothra TamagotchiTamagotchi AngelGenjintch TamagotchiTamagotchi Osutchi and MesutchiMori de Hakken! TamagotchTamagotchi OceanTamaOtchDoraemontchiDebirutch no TamagotchYasashii TamagotchSantaclautch no Tamagotch
Tamagotchi Plus Keitai Kaitsuu Tamagotchi Plus (Akai) (Hanerutchi 1) • Chou Jinsei Enjoi Tamagotchi Plus (Ura) (Hanerutchi 2) • Oden-Kun Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi Connection Tamagotchi Connection Version 1Tamagotchi Connection Version 2Tamagotchi Connection Version 3Tamagotchi Connection Version 4 (4.5) • Tamagotchi Connection Version 5 (Celebrity) • Tamagotchi Music StarTamaTown Tama-GoTamagotchi Friends (Dream Town Digital Friend) • Tamagotchi Connection (2024)
Color Generation Tamagotchi Plus Color (Hexagontchi) • Tamagotchi iD (iD L) • Tamagotchi P'sTamagotchi 4U (4U+) • Tamagotchi m!xTamagotchi OnTamagotchi PixTamagotchi SmartTamagotchi Uni
Mini Tamagotchi Tamagotchi MiniTamagoChu
Tamagotchi Nano Tamagotchi NanoPocket UsatamaGudetama TamagotchiEevee x TamagotchiPocket UsapiyoPac-Man TamagotchiEvatchiDemon Slayer TamagotchiHello Kitty TamagotchiJordy TamagotchiExtellatchiTwistetchiBT21 TamagotchiPUI PUI MolcartchiR2-D2 TamagotchiKamen RidertchiJujutsutchiToy Story TamagotchiTourabutchiTinyTAN TamagotchiKingdom Hearts TamagotchiJurassic World TamagotchiSpy x Family TamagotchiGrogu TamagotchiChoppertchiHatsune MikutchiTorevetchiHarry Potter TamagotchiPekoratchiCrayon Shin-chan Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi Nano Colorful Tamagotchi Nano Colorful Detective ConanTamagotchi Nano Colorful Hololive Fantasitchi
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