CYPRESS, Calif.-Toy maker Bandai America Inc. has extended its popular virtual pet toy, Tamagotchi, to mobile phones.
Tamagotchi, which was released in 1996, sold more than 40 million units. Tamagotchi users are tasked with caring for their virtual pet by feeding it and playing with it. Prolonged neglect causes the untimely demise of the virtual pet.
The mobile Tamagotchi, scheduled for release this summer, is based on BREW technology.
The mobile version will incorporate new features, including two new mini games, a journal mode, a facts feature to help users learn about their pets’ personalities and the ability to view the pets in both original monochrome or as a full-color illustrations.
The mobile version also is resilient enough to withstand prolonged neglect, said the company.
