Tamagotchi — introduced?

Introduced: 1996 in Japan; May 1997 in the U.S..

Tamagotchi — the craze?

The craze: Tens of millions sold in the first two years; schools banned them because they died during class.

Toy Files · 🎛️ Electronic & handheld

G33Z3R Toy Files · 1997–1999

When did Tamagotchi come out?

Tamagotchi

Introduced: 1996 in Japan; May 1997 in the U.S.
Made by: Bandai
The craze: Tens of millions sold in the first two years; schools banned them because they died during class
Still made?: Yes, in color and connected versions

🗳️ Did you have one?

Be one of the first to weigh in. No account needed.

The file

An egg-shaped keychain with a pet inside that needed feeding, cleaning and attention, and would die in a day if it didn't get them. Younger Gen X had them in high school; their kids have them now.

The schools-banning-them story is real: teachers confiscated them and the pets died in the desk drawer. That was the first time a toy made a whole generation feel guilt.

Sources: Wikipedia — Tamagotchi

Did you have a Tamagotchi? Tell us about it — or about the year you asked and didn't get one.

The drive, the dance, the heartbreak, the summer. Add a memory of Tamagotchi.

When did Tamagotchi come out?

The file

Did you have a Tamagotchi? Tell us about it — or about the year you asked and didn't get one.

Community Memories

More from the Toy Files

When did Bop It come out?

Why was Furby banned by the NSA?

Was the Talkboy a real product before Home Alone 2?

When did Lazer Tag come out?