Tamagotchi

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Tamagotchi Plus (Marutchi)

The Tamagotchi (たまごっち　Tamagotchi) is a handheld virtual pet created in 1997 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 the options to feed or play with the Tamagotchi, among other things. To keep the Tamagotchi happy, the user has to play games with it. The Tamagotchi evolves into one of a wide range of "characters" three or four times in its lifetime depending on how well the user takes care of it, and which version of Tamagotchi the user has.

There are often "secret" characters, which the Tamagotchi will only evolve into if the user follows a specific series of steps.

Contents

1 Name Origin/Pronunciation
2 Types of Tamagotchi

3 Tamagotchi Console Releases

3.1 Game Boy
3.2 Nintendo DS
3.3 Wii

4 Criticism
5 External links

Name Origin/Pronunciation

The name combines the Japanese word for egg ("tamago") and the syllable "chi" which denotes affection, so it could be taken to mean "loveable egg". It is also a pun on both "wotchi" (ウォッチ; borrowed from English "watch", as in the time piece) and "tomodachi" (Japanese for friend). Also, because "tamago" is Japanese for egg, and "tomodachi" is Japanese for friend, Tamagotchi could be taken to mean "egg-friend."

In Japanese and most other languages it is pronounced with a long "o" sound — ta-ma-goh-chee — although in the United States it is typically pronounced with a short "o" sound – "ta-ma-gah-chee". In Japan, the final "i" is usually elided, thus becoming Tamagotch. This is a common occurrence in the Japanese language.

Types of Tamagotchi

The Original Tamagotchi

The original Tamagotchi was released in 1997 in both Japan and America.
7(1 hidden) adult characters, two teen characters, one toddler character, and one baby character, for a total of 11 characters are available.
There is Generation 1 (also known as P1) and Generation 2 (also known as P2). They have different characters, and a number of other minor differences, such as different games and different Meal and Snack options. The screen is the same size on both.

Tenshitchi no Tamagotchi (Tamagotchi Angel or Angelgotchi)

Released in August 1997 with three different designs.
Features a motion-sensor.
Five secret characters.

Mori no Tamagotch (Tamagotchi Garden)

Released in February 1998 with four different designs. It was scheduled for release in America as "Tamagotchi Garden" but was never released.
This Tamagotchi introduced the "predator" function also used in the later Umi no Tamagotch (Tamagotchi Ocean). Occasionally, a predator (one is a foot and one is a frog from the ocean) attacks, and the care taker has to use the voice and touch-sensitive functions by shouting or tapping at the screen to scare away the predator. If the attack is a success, the Tamagotchi may become sick or even die.
Another notable function of the Mori no Tamagotchi is its teenager phase: It is replaced by a cocoon, which stays for 24 hours, during which time the care taker controls a temperature dial. If the environment is mostly hot, the Tamagotchi will change into the "warmer" creature for that quality of care, and vice versa for cold.
There are two types of eggs that can be selected to hatch in this Tamagotchi. The white egg is more like a traditional Tamagotchi, where it changes based on how it is cared for. The spotted egg always changes into kabutchi, the stag beetle, where the goal is to make it as large as possible (a "length" meter is displayed to track this).

Umi no Tamagotch (Tamagotchi Ocean)

Released in March of 1998 in Japan with four different colors.
Released in the United States in 1998 with four colors as "Tamagotchi Ocean"
This is known as one of the hardest Tamagotchi to raise, needing near-constant attention.
This Tamagotchi includes the "predator" function also used in the Mori no Tamagotch. Occasionally, a predator (a Polar Bear) will attack while the Tamagotchi takes a nap, and the care taker has to use the touch-sensitive functions by tapping at the screen to scare away the predator. Like in Mori no Tamagotch, if the attack is successful, the Tamagotchi may become made sick or even die.
Includes a "water quality" meter in the status screen. Flushing the screen makes the screen "cleaner," but if all four skulls on the meter are filled, the water becomes black and it has to be flushed in order to see the Tamagotchi again. This is a secondary use for the cleaning function and is not used in any other Tamagotchi to date.

Mesutchi and Osutchi

Released in December of 1997 in Japan only.
Features interlocking mating using the same technology that Digimon introduced for the Tamagotchis to give birth.
Both Mesutchi and Osutchi features 31 characters each. Five different generations of Tamagotchi are available, but only one has a growth chart that is affected by caretaking skills; the other four are linear.
If the caretaker becomes lazy on his or her care for their Mesutchi/Osutchi, the Tamagotchi will become an unmateable creature.
If the caretaker feeds the Tamagotchi too much food and it starts to weigh 99 pounds, it will turn into a "Debutchi" which takes up the whole screen. The caretaker then has to help lower the weight of the Tamagotchi before normal functions resume.

Tamaotch

This is named after Japanese actress Tamao Nakamura and released in April 1998.

Debirutchi no Tamagotch(Tamagotchi Devil)

Released in September of 1998 in four colors for ¥2079.
Some aspects of the care are similar to the Tenshitchi no Tamagotch (Tamagotchi Angel, Angelgotchi), only the Devilgotchi Power is supposed to be kept at a minimum, while the Angelgotchi Power is supposed to be kept high.
Care is almost exactly the same as Angelgotchi, but unlike the Angelgotchi characters, who are eager and did good deeds for the caretaker, the Devilgotchi characters are naughty and played tricks on the caretaker.
The Devilgotchi game was almost the same as the Angelgotchi game, but unlike the Angelgotchi game where the caretaker had to help the Angelgotchi jump over the stars, on the Devilgotchi game, the caretaker had to help the Devilgotchi catch the stars in its mouth so it could eat them.
Uses a touch screen and a voice sensitive unit, similar to Umi no Tamagotchi.

Yasashii Tamagotch

Released in October of 1998 in three colors.
Acting as an "Easy Tamagotchi," it has slightly different evolutions than the first set of Tamagotchi toys, and also features a larger case.
In the place of icons, backlit buttons were used, and the number of buttons at the bottom of the case were reduced to two: Select and Cancel.

Santaclautch

A Santa Claus and Christmas-themed Tamagotchi.
The Santaclautchi character does not evolve, but can be changed by means of equipping different items. If it is taken care of badly, Santaclautchi returns to his house and "Super Kuchipatchi" will have to return him to the screen.
Santaclautchi has to go to each Tamagotchi's house, assisted by the care taker, and give them a present. If Santaclautchi does not deliver the presents in time, the Tamagotchi gets mad, Santaclautchi gets upset, and the care taker has to start over.

Genjintchi

Also known as the Caveman Tamagotchi.
Genjintchi was released only in theatres playing the movie "Peking Man", which is the movie the virtual pet is based on.

Mothra Tamagotchi

The character is a winged beast called Mothra Tamagotchi.
Released only in Japan

Tamagotchi Plus

Released in Japan on March 20, 2004.
Mostly the same as the Tamagotchi Connexion/Connection Version 1, the only difference being the language.
Includes characters from the original Tamagotchi as well as several characters new to the Tamagotchi series.
Implements an infrared port to connect to other Tamagotchi to "make friends," play games and exchange presents with other Tamagotchi's (Tamagotchi Plus, Connexion, and Connection), including later models, and also breed and create a new generation of Tamagotchi.
Can also connect to Deka (huge) Tamagotchi in Japanese retail stores and restaurants for an exclusive "friend".

Tamagotchi Connexion

This English-language version of the Tamagotchi Plus released in Oceania, Asia, and Europe. It is mainly the same as the later U.S.-released Tamagotchi Connection, with slight changes in the wording of menu screens (such as 'style' instead of 'gender', and 'absent' instead of 'away'). There are extra differences too, such as the connecting screen saying 'Proceed' with a line below instead of 'Connect' without a line below.

Tamagotchi Connection

The English-language version of the Tamagotchi Plus released in North America on August 15, 2004.

Also called "V1" or "Version 1".
Changes the language from Tamagotchi Connexion to conform to the U.S. variation of English (e.g. 'gender' instead of 'style')
Allows players to connect via infared to other players systems and become friends, get married, and produce offspring.
There are six stages of life: egg, infant, child, teenager, adult and senior; the senior stage is new to the Tamagotchi product.

Keitai Kaitsuu Tamagotchi Plus (K-Plus)

Connects to Japanese mobile phones.
*In order to connect the Tamagotchi with cell phones, cell phone users first had to download a Tamagotchi game onto their phone. Afterwards, when connecting, the Tamagotchi could do many things, such as visit its parents, play games, and even find a mate.
Connects to the original Tamagotchi Plus and Deka Tamagotchi models.
Ten digit passwords unlock food from each region of Japan and items for the Tamagotchi.
Features old characters as well as new characters not in the original Tamagotchi Plus.

Hanerutchi

Features characters from the Japanese show "haneru no tobira" and a small amount of Tamagotchi characters
Debuted in two colors with identical designs (white with green or red stripe and back)
Limited-edition metallic white with blue stripe was also released.
Similar to Keitai Tamagotchi, only with different characters.

Chibi Tamagotchi (Tamagotchi Mini)

This model is a miniature Tamagotchi 80% of the size of the original toy which has limited features and is promoted as a fashion accessory.
In Japan, the three colors available are identical to three of the six colors of the original Tamagotchi (pink, light blue, and white). The keychain attachment is a small ball-chain loop.
In America, it debuted with four colors (black with flames, light blue, pink, and purple) and several months later followed with four more colors (yellow with dots, purple with dots, a darker blue, and yellow with stripes). The keychain attachment is a short link-chain with a lanyard clasp at the end.
7 Adult characters are present, along with a secret character in the Japanese version only.

Tamagotchi Connection Version 2

(Also called Version 2, Vr. 2, Ver. 2, or V2) Version two of the Tamagotchi Connection (the cousin to Japanese Tamagotchi Plus) was released on June 21 2005 in the U.S. with new features. It included:

Newer Characters and ones taken from older tamagotchis like Osutchi and Mesutchi and the original Tamagotchi.
"Gotchi Points," or GP, were introduced in V2. GP are earned by playing the games and are used to buy items from a shop. The maximum amount of GP is 9999.
Caretakers can connect (using IR capability) with other users; the user is able to choose whether to play a game or give a present.
The option to connect to either Version 1 or Version 2 Tamagotchi was introduced.
Five codes are available on the V2 that unlock special items.
Features the ability to pause by holding the A and B buttons. Hitting the A and B buttons together again removes the pause.

Tamagotchi Plus Akai Series

Released July 23 2005 in Japan.
Mono-color red LCD.
New red-theme characters including a tomato, daruma, tengu, heart, and cherry.
New red-theme foods including pizza, wine, peaches, and red rice.
Same games as the Keitai and Hanerutchi Tamagotchi with different graphics.
Connects with Japanese mobile phones, Keitai Tamagotchi, Deka tamagotchis at stores in Japan, the home Deka, and Hanerutchi.

O-uchi no Deka Tamagotchi

O-uchi (home) version of the Deka (huge) Tamagotchi.

Released July 2005 in Japan.
Currently the rarest Tamagotchi of the new generation to date.
Features a stand for tabletop display and three-position volume adjust.
The user plays games and receives Gotchi Points that the user can transfer to a Keitai, Hanerutchi, Akai series, or Entama. The user can also spend it on gifts for the Deka character, or upgrade the character's house. Items the user buys alter the little room the Tamagotchi lives in.
When the user upgrades the house, the way the house looks is altered. Sometimes the user also receives a special item, and sometimes the user also receives pets to take care of. The user doesn't have to feed or clean up after the pets, but they do get lonely if they aren't played with and petted for a long time.
Special green-colored edition sold at Japanese Toys-R-Us stores available either paired with an Akai series Tamagotchi or alone.

Chou Jinsei Enjoi Tamagotchi Plus (EnTama)

Released November 2005 in Japan.

This Tamagotchi has many more features than the Keitai.
Can link to [E-Tamago]. From there, the user can enter Tamagotchi Town and take part in many activities and play many games. The user can even shop and buy things for the EnTama, which are recieved via 14-digit passcodes.
Can connect to the Home Deka, but can only trade points and not items.
Features three character groups: Intelligence, Kindness and Style, also known as Mamezoku, Kutchizoku, and Memezoku, respectively.
There is a Chou Jinsei Enjoi accessory available, called a Kakeibo (account book) Tamagotch. It features a touchscreen, and is quite big (10cm tall, 7.5cm wide), although the Deka is larger. On the bottom of the egg it has 'TMGC TOWN GINZA STREET' engraved in it. There are no buttons on this accessory.
A small strand of beads is attached rather than a keychain or mini-strap.
Features include: school, jobs, online interactivity, and cooking. There are only cooking-specific items that the user can buy which are separate from the general foods and snacks.
The first Tamagotchi to remove two of the Tamagotchi's original primary functions: the discipline and the lights (the Tamagotchi turns the lights out on its own).
There are a total of 58 characters featured on this Tamagotchi (42 Basic characters, three Secret Characters, and 10 Call Dating Service characters). Thus, this Tamagotchi has the most characters featured on any Tamagotchi, beating the Version 3 by six characters.
Three new games.

Tamagotchi Connection Version 3

(Also known as Version 3, V3, Ver. 3, VR3, or Tama V3)

The third version of the Tamagotchi Connection series was released at the end of January 2006. Like the Version 2, it borrows some features from the latest version of the Japanese toy, but greatly simplifies them. This means that the V3 does not go to school, get a career, or receive a salary.

Debuted with 6 new colors: Green with Tropical Flowers, Blue with Waves, Translucent Yellow, Arctic Camouflage, "Ice Cream," and Silver with Black Buttons. However, even newer colours were released on the official [Tamagotchi Connection website], such as Blue with Bubbles and Graffiti. Only the first 6 colours were released elsewhere throughout the world, though so far, the U.S. currently has the most V3 colours.
Has a little bump on the top, like the antenna on a cell phone, similar to the Keitai Tamagotchi. Also, the 'antenna' distinguishes it from the versions 1 and 2. Note that in Japanese Tamagotchis, this 'antenna' can be used to connect to certain cell phones to allow the Tamagotchi to travel, but this feature was taken out in the U.S. version.
Adds 20+ new characters, many from Osutchi, Mesutchi and K-Plus 2, thus bringing the total number of Tamagotchi Connection characters to 52.
Is able to connect with Version 1 and 2, as well as other V3 Tamagotchis.
Offers connection to [Tamatown.com] which, similar to the Japanese counterpart, generates codes which the user can input into the toy and receive souvenirs, which are items that the user can look at (but the Tamagotchi can't play with or eat them). Passwords also give the shop items and food, which cost GP. The Tamagotchi can eat the food that the user buys in Tamagotchi Town.
Other than the code from the Nintendo DS Game, the passwords unlocked on the pet or on TamaTown.com will not work on any other Tamagotchi, thanks to the username system on both Tamatown and the Tamagotchi itself.
6 new games.
New games on connecting. The winner gets a certain amount of points depending on what stage the connecting Tamagotchis are in.
The Version 3 is infamous for having more technical glitches than any other Tamagotchi, such as items or souvenirs disappearing between generations or characters disappearing from the Family list. This is suspected to be because the V3 was either rushed or not tested properly before being released.
Seven codes are available on the V3 that unlock special items.

Ura Jinsei Enjoy Tamagotchi Plus (uratama)

This article or section contains information about scheduled or expected .
It may contain information of a speculative nature and the content may change dramatically as the product release approaches and more information becomes available.

Coming July 22, 2006 to Japan.
Mono-color blue LCD.
Similar to the EnTama, with stars replacing the round decorative "antenna" and beads; the blue-colored counterpart to the previous generation's red-colored "akai series".
It signifies the "Ura" world.
Connects with the TamaStation, which are large gaming type centers all around Japan, the DekaTama, Entamas, and Keitai.
Within the TamaStation, the user can earn special items by winning Games For example: "Call dating service" which the care taker uses it to get special, Rare Character generations (three to earn)
Currently 6 starter designs for when it comes out.
New games, characters and new designs.
Main characters have dramatically changed, for example, Mametchi renamed to Uramametchi, and features a tail, Ura Kuchipatchi has a horn on its head, and Uramemetchi has wings.

Hanerutchi 2

An updated Entama-like version of the Hanerutchi.
It is yet to be released.
To be available in red and blue designs similar to the first Hanerutchi.

Tamagotchi Connection Version 4

In a recent article on toy industry news site Playthings, it was announced there would be a Version 4 of Tamagotchi Connection and that the first designs coming in January 2007 would be decided by fans voting on the Tamagotchi website.

Tamagotchi Console Releases

Game Boy

Three Tamagotchi games for the Nintendo Game Boy portable game system were released in Japan. The first one, also released in the United States, corresponds to the first two generations of the original Tamagotchi and had similar gameplay. The second game features characters from the Mori and Umi (Forest and Ocean) Tamagotchi. The final game released is based on Osutchi and Mesutchi, and features a unique cartridge with a user-replaceable battery and independent peizo buzzer that alerts players to turn on their Game Boy system and care for their virtual pet. Each had the smile game(to make them happy), the study game(to make them smart) and the sports game(to make them strong).

Nintendo DS

Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop is not a virtual pet game, however it has characters from Tamagotchi and ties-in with the "TamaTown" concept presented in the EnTama series in Japan and the Connection series in the United States and Europe.

Wii

A Tamagotchi game has been announced for the Nintendo Wii.#redirect

Criticism

There has been much criticism over the years over the Tamagotchi. One common criticism includes children taking them to school and using them during classes. This has led schools to ban the product from being allowed to be brought to school. Bandai eventually added a "PAUSE" feature to the Tamagotchi line to solve the problem, but it is still a common issue.

On August 03, 2005 South Australian No Pokies MP Nick Xenophon attempted to ban the Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 due to the Slot Game featured on it, fearing that it will make kids wish to gamble in the future. This backfired, as many Australians went out and bought Tamagotchis. In the end, Nick decided not to ban the virtual pets, but to let parents be aware of the toy's contents.#redirect

In 1998, a French driver killed a cyclist and injured another after she took her eye off the road trying to save her Tamagotchi while driving. [1]

External links

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