2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the very first Tamagotchi's release and Bandai is introducing a new way for fans to engage with the pixel pets with the Tamagotchi Smart. Although Tamagotchi devices have always been portable thanks to their keyring attachments, this new wearable adopts the shape of a smartwatch so that it's especially easy to take on the go.
The new model boasts touch and voice controls, so that these options can be used to wake up a pet and interact with them. The Tamagotchi Smart also introduces new characters and TamaSma cards, sold separately, that can be loaded to add exclusive characters to the devices. The egg-shaped Smart is not just a pixel pet toy, it's also a functional digital clock and pedometer.
What's Driving This Trend
- Smartwatch Toys
- The intersection of wearable technology and toys presents an opportunity to create engaging smartwatch toys with interactive controls, voices, and new features.
- Virtual Pet Revival
- The reintroduction of virtual pets, such as Tamagotchi, shows a growing nostalgia for retro gadgets and presents the opportunity for updated and improved versions.
- Customization Cards
- The addition of TamaSma cards introduces the potential to create collectible, exclusive customizations for virtual pets, presenting an opportunity for creativity and individuality.
Who This Affects Most
- Toy Industry
- The toy industry can take advantage of the nostalgia for retro games and gadgets and create new versions of old products such as virtual pets with smartwatch capabilities.
- Wearable Technology
- Wearable technology presents an opportunity to create engaging, interactive toys with smartwatch capabilities, and the ability to track health and fitness data.
- Card Industry
- The card industry can explore the creation of customizable cards for use with virtual pet toys that offer a new level of collectibility and creativity for users.
