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For anyone who grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, Tamagotchi is a name that brings back fond memories of caring for little pixelated pets on a keychain. These virtual critters from Bandai were everywhere, and as with all things nostalgic, they’re making a comeback. Bandai continues to release new iterations of the iconic keychains, staying true to their original charm. But now, they’re teaming up with board game company KessCo to bring the magic of Tamagotchi to the world of tabletop gaming.
The board game space has exploded in recent years, with an increasing variety of games that offer new experiences. Board games based on video games, like Stardew Valley, have become hugely popular. But translating the concept of caring for a virtual pet into a tabletop game? That takes a bit of creative thinking. Enter Tamagotchi Collections—a game designed to turn the solo pet-caring experience into something cozy, yet competitive.
In Tamagotchi Collections, players compete to care for the largest number of Tamagotchi alien pals who have crash-landed on Earth. Players take on the role of caretakers, feeding, playing, and loving their creatures to earn points. The goal is simple: the more Tamagotchi you care for, the higher your score—although the challenge comes from the risk of becoming overwhelmed by too many pets, causing chaos to ensue.
KessCo, best known for their Ice Hoop toy line, is the creative force behind this collaboration. With the launch of their new Kess Entertainment branch, the company is dedicated to producing board games in partnership with popular brands like Bandai. Their CEO, Alex Kessler, emphasized that the goal of Tamagotchi Collections is to capture the same "warm, caring spirit" of the original Tamagotchi experience.
Marina Common, the game designer, who’s a long-time Tamagotchi fan, explained that the game aims to recreate the excitement of juggling multiple Tamagotchi devices at once. Players who remember the thrill (and chaos) of keeping their digital pets alive back in the day will feel right at home with this new, relaxed experience.
Unlike the original Tamagotchi keychains, which demanded round-the-clock care, Tamagotchi Collections offers a more manageable, lower-stress experience. Players won’t need to worry about sneaking digital pets into work or school, but they’ll still get the same fast-paced thrill of keeping their Tamagotchi happy. It’s a nostalgic yet fresh take on a beloved classic.
While the release date hasn’t been announced, this new tabletop Tamagotchi experience is sure to excite fans of all ages. Whether you're a longtime Tamagotchi enthusiast or new to the world of virtual pets, Tamagotchi Collections promises a fun, cozy, and competitive twist on the Tamagotchi universe.
What do you think about this new tabletop adaptation of Tamagotchi? Let us know on our Instagram!
Published 14th Feb 2025.
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