Assessment of Tamagotchi Connection: A Comprehensive Examination
Vintage Nostalgia in a Modern World: Toying with the Revamped Tamagotchi Connection
Let's get real, guys. Some days, reminiscing about the past is all that keeps me from losing my marbles. So you can understand the excitement when Bandai announced they were bringing back the classic Tamagotchi Connection! This retro revamp features all the same features as the original '00s release, including those nostalgic games and IR connectivity. You can grab one on July 10 for $30.
I've been hangin' with my new Tamagotchi Connection since the announcement back in May. These puppies take some love, though – the screen has had its fair share of scratches, so you'll wanna pick up a screen protector if you're hopin' to collect one of the six available shells. Most of my playtime has been enjoyable, but keeping this thing alive over the past month has been more like a chore than a pastime.
A blast from the past
One of the reasons the Tamagotchi Connection stands out is because it was the first in the series to break away from its usual breed-life-procreate cycle. That's the programming on the classic Tamagotchi, which gets a facelift every year. In 2004, the Tamagotchi Connection V2, the one I've collected, introduced the Gotchi Point system that's since become the backbone of the modern Tamagotchi franchise. The GP buys you food and games, as well as other fun items. It also opened up new avenues for play outside of just raising a pet.
This 2021 reprise is based on the version three (V3) release, launched in 2006. V3 allowed you to send Tamagotchi on playdates with other devices using an IR connection. This feature has since become standard in most modern Tamagotchi games, including the Tamagotchi Uni. But back then, just knowing somebody else who owned one of these babies was a special find! That's why so many collectors are eagerly awaiting this revival – it's a chance to reclaim a bit of that childhood magic we lost along the way.
Indeed, this release is creating quite a stir among collectors, so much so that today's meetups will be all about linking up our devices. I never got to have those moments with my original Tamagotchi Connection, but now I'll get to share it with fellow aficionados like myself, as well as the younger generation who appreciates a break from the digital world. (Too bad it can't connect with the original Tamagotchi Connection.)
All about nostalgia
The Tamagotchi Connection is, in essence, a time capsule. With design elements straight out of the early 2000s, the gameplay is pure throwback. There's no backlight, so playing in dark environments can be a challenge. But the delightful animations are worth the ambient light. My personal favorite is this spooky ghost-like character I managed to breed – it looks like it's headin' to an Oogie Boogie Bash!
Longtime Tamagotchi enthusiasts will recognize the connection between this revamped Tamagotchi Connection and the Keitai Kaitsuu Tamagotchi Plus, a device released nearly 20 years ago in Japan. However, unlike those devices, the Tamagotchi Connection has no pause feature – once you hatch a Tama, you've got to be dedicated to see it through to the end! The internal storage will remember your Tama family tree, but you'll need to stay focused when playin' the six games. This release moves at a quicker pace than its predecessors, with sharper graphics and improved controls.
The other major difference you'll notice between the Tamagotchi Connection of yesteryear and today is the absence of TamaTown, a massive online game that could be accessed with certain passcodes back in the day. But the ability to connect with friends is still here! Play games together, exchange gifts, or host playdates – the friendship meter increases each time you meet. Once it hits max, you can even collaborate to have a baby together, no real-life consequences included!
Is it really a collector's item?
To clarify, virtual pets are still fun and all, but let me validate you if you needed it. With the Connection in particular, I'm excited to finally connect Tamagotchi with folks I couldn't back in the day. I can see why Bandai is bringing back their classic models for the new generation – it's a goldmine for us nostalgic fans and the perfect excuse for kids today to collect and hoard vintage toys.
That being said, I don't think the U.S. re-release of the Tamagotchi Connection is going to skyrocket in value like those early 2000s models. This thing is a blast from the past, sure, but it doesn't hold a candle to the convenience and connectivity of modern Tamagotchi releases. Still, it's great to have a piece of my past back in my life, regardless of its collectibility.
- The Tamagotchi Connection revival, based on the version 3 release, is exciting for collectors as it introduces the return of the IR connection feature, a standard in modern Tamagotchi games.
- Despite its challenges, like the absence of a backlight, the Tamagotchi Connection remains a nostalgic throwback, featuring delightful animations and famed memory of your Tama family tree.
- Sadly, the upcoming release won't likely escalate in value like early 2000s models, due to the convenience and connectivity offered by modern Tamagotchis.
- Infrared connectivity, a key feature in the Tamagotchi Connection, allowed players to send Tamagotchis on playdates with other devices, creating a unique experience for users that is being rekindled in the 2021 reprise.
