Tamagotchi Surpasses 100 Million Units Sold—29 Years Since Its Release. The World is Once Again Enthralled by "Caring"

Tamagotchi Surpasses 100 Million Units Sold—29 Years Since Its Release. The World is Once Again Enthralled by "Caring"

2025年08月31日 01:36

1. What Happened: The Day 100 Million "Eggs" Were Born into the World

On August 28, 2025, at the Tokyo Toy Show 2025, BANDAI/BANDAI SPIRITS officially announced at their booth opening that the total worldwide shipments of Tamagotchi had surpassed 100 million units. Sales, which had reached "98.1 million units" at the beginning of the year, were boosted by the success of the latest model, reaching a major milestone. This achievement comes just in time for the 30th anniversary next year (2026).BANDAI Co., Ltd. / BANDAI SPIRITS Co., Ltd. Official Corporate SiteMainichi ShimbunJapan Anime News powered by ORICON NEWS


Note: "29 years since launch" is based on the fact that the first generation was released in Japan on November 23, 1996. The 30th anniversary will be in 2026.Wikipedia



2. A Brief Timeline: 29 Years of Progress (1996–2025)

  • 1996: First released in Japan, becoming a social phenomenon. Expanded overseas in 1997.Wikipedia

  • 2004: With infrared communication "Connection" (known as "Plus" in Japan), interactions like "meeting/marrying" evolved.Wikipedia

  • 2008: Transition to color LCD. Subsequently, connectivity was gradually expanded with NFC and app integration.gamebiz

  • 2021–2023: Introduction of touchscreen LCD, along with Wi-Fi and other network integrations.gamebiz

  • 2025: Launch of Tamagotchi Paradise. Featuring a tactile UI like "dial operation," it achieved a start dash with an initial week at **150%** of expectations.Japan Anime News powered by ORICON NEWS

  • August 28, 2025: Reached 100 million units in total.BANDAI Co., Ltd. / BANDAI SPIRITS Co., Ltd. Official Corporate Site


Meta: The number of models varies by media, with 37 types (Asahi) / 38 types (gamebiz). This article refers to "30-some models."Asahi Shimbungamebiz



3. Why the Resurgence Now? — Three Factors Behind the Fourth Wave

(1) Nostalgia × Revival Market
The reevaluation of 90s culture and the return to analog tactile sensations ("turning a dial," "physically caring") have converged. Those tired of the flood of smartphone notifications find solace in "limited connections." Paradise's strategy was precisely a redefinition of the joy of **"nurturing by hand."**Japan Anime News powered by ORICON NEWS


(2) Adult Consumers (20–30s)
The "former children" have grown into a generation with disposable income, driving the collection/customization culture (shell colors, straps, etc.). It has matured into a global IP, with over half of the shipments overseas, available in over 50 countries and regions.Gamer


(3) Cultural Reappraisal
In 2025, "Tamagotchi" was inducted into the **World Video Game Hall of Fame**. Its contribution to laying the foundation for digital pet games was reaffirmed.AP News



4. Tamagotchi by the Numbers: The Convincing Power of 100 Million



5. Product Evolution: Co-evolution of Tech and "Care Experience"

Communication: Since the introduction of infrared communication in 2004, NFC/QR/Wi-Fi have been gradually expanded, nurturing the **"social aspects" of marriage, exchange, and events.Wikipediagamebiz


Display & UI: From monochrome→color→touch. In 2025, the focus shifted to enjoying the operation experience itself with dial UI.gamebizJapan Anime News powered by ORICON NEWS


Online and Distance: Paradise's design choice to intentionally limit communication in some areas became a topic of discussion. The concept of **"moderate inconvenience" enhanced the immersion of the care experience.Reddit



6. Global Expansion and Culture: The Cross-Border Journey of Japan's "Nurturing" IP

From Japanese to Global Language. Characters possess a language-independent pictogram-like cuteness (Kawaii) as their fundamental strength. Iconic characters like Mametchi are beloved at overseas events and collaborations, creating peripheral markets such as cosplay/pins/straps. The uniquely Japanese sentiment of "osewa" is also embraced in the contexts of mindfulness and digital well-being. The news of its hall of fame induction has also served as a tailwind for its reuse in education and welfare fields.AP News



7. Economic and Business Perspective: How to Create a Long-Seller

  • Supply Control and Wave Design: Learning from the "craze→oversupply" of 1997, subsequent revivals have tuned supply and demand through gradual releases and regional optimization##HTML_TAG_

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