The iconic Tamagotchi digital pet, a fixture of 1990s childhoods, is making a comeback in a novel form: a wearable ring. Bandai announced the release of the "Tamagotchi Ring," a miniature version of the beloved virtual pet designed to be worn on a finger, approximately 30 years after the original device first appeared on shelves. The new iteration aims to capture the essence of the original Tamagotchi care experience within a compact and stylish accessory.
The Tamagotchi Ring retains the characteristic egg shape and LCD screen of its predecessor, but is significantly smaller, measuring just 1.12 inches by 0.9 inches by 1.4 inches. It will be available in three colorways: pink and pearl white, light blue and metallic gold, or black and metallic silver. The device is priced at ¥7700, which converts to approximately £35.54.
Fans eager to own the Tamagotchi Ring will need to exercise patience, as pre-orders are not scheduled to open on Bandai's Japanese online store until October 6. Shipping is expected to commence in February 2027, a timeline that has already generated considerable discussion and excitement on social media platforms.
Users will engage in the familiar routine of caring for their digital pet, which involves monitoring its needs and responding to them to maintain its happiness and health. The original Tamagotchi, released in 1996, derived its name from the Japanese word "tamago" (egg) and the English word "watch." It featured 35 different characters that owners were responsible for nurturing, including feeding, cleaning up after, and administering medicine when they were ill. Early versions lacked a pause function, requiring owners to press a button every 30 minutes to prevent the virtual pet from