Tamagotchi coming to Nintendo DS

TOKYO--Bandai's hit virtual-pet game is making its way to Nintendo's newest handheld. According to the company's Web site, a game based on Tamagotchi is currently in development for a September release on the DS.

Bandai originally released the Tamagotchi virtual pet series in 1996. The egg-shaped electronic gizmos let people get in touch with their maternal side by caring for a digital pet. The cybercreatures appear on a small LCD screen, require virtual food, and go through several stages of "growing." The toy was a sensational hit, selling a massive 40 million units in just two years.

Bandai brought back Tamagotchi last year with the release of two new versions, and the new Tamagotchis are making a minor comeback among grade-schoolers in Japan. Its latest release, Shuku Keitai Kaitsuu! Tamagotchi, allows owners to connect the toy to the Bandai site through the use of a mobile phone.

The new Tamagotchi has sold over 1.5 million units since its release last November.