The Tamagotchi Uni Reinvents Your Childhood With Wi-Fi

Bandai Namco is revamping one of the biggest fads of the 1990s and early 2000s with the Tamagotchi Uni. The new keychain electronic is available to preorder now at Amazon for $60 ahead of its July 15 release.

Like the original tiny keychain toys, the Tamagotchi Uni contains a tiny digital monster you raise, starting as an egg and slowly growing into a full-grown adult Tamagotchi as you "feed" and care for it. it even features the same egg-like shape, tiny screen, and three-button design of the original toys.

However, the new Tamagotchi Uni will support online connectivity and Wi-Fi, linking up with other Tamagotchi players through the "Tamaverse." This online service is described as the "Metaverse for Tamagotchi," but appears to simply be a way to play online minigames and collect special items only available through Tamaverse rather than a virtual chatroom. While you cannot send messages or directly interact with other Tamaverse users, the Tamagotchi Uni will still include parental controls to limit online features. Plus, your Tamagotchi can even get married.

The Tamagotchi Uni is small enough to carry around in your pocket or on a keychain, or you wear it like a watch using the included wrist strap accessory. It also features a rechargeable battery and will ship with a USB-C charging cable.

The Tamagotchi Uni comes in purple or pink variants. If you'd prefer a plainer look, you can purchase black or white wristbands for $10 each. Themed Tamagotchi Uni lanyards are also available to order for $10 each.

Bandai's Tamagotchi line has grown substantially over the past few years with new editions of the classic toy themed around popular entertainment franchises. Over at Amazon, you can get the Pac-Man Tamagotchi for $10.50 (down from $20). Other models include The Mandalorian's Grogu, Jurassic Park, and Toy Story. You can also grab Bandai's Digivice virtual pet for $9 (down from $20).