TAMAGOTCHI MARKS 30 YEARS WITH UNIQLO LINE

Summary

• Bandai and UNIQLO UT release a Tamagotchi collection for the 30th anniversary
• The line includes graphic T-shirts and a special Original shell
• Products launch in mid-December with prices starting at ¥1,990

Bandai has partnered with UNIQLO UT to mark three decades since the original Tamagotchi launch. The collaboration takes design cues from the first generation of digital pet devices that became a global phenomenon in the mid-1990s.

The collection centers on the visual identity of the early Tamagotchi models. Those devices featured pixelated characters displayed on small LCD screens. Players needed to feed, clean, and care for their virtual pets through simple button commands. The simple graphics and basic interactions defined the experience for millions of users worldwide.

UNIQLO UT has designed several T-shirts featuring Tamagotchi graphics. The apparel line showcases the pixelated characters from the original game. Each shirt displays different designs pulled from the Tamagotchi universe. The clothing items retail for ¥1,990 JPY, which converts to approximately $13 USD.

The partnership extends beyond apparel. UNIQLO UT and Bandai developed a special-edition Tamagotchi Original shell exclusive to this collaboration. The device features a clock design, one of the most recognizable styles from the original product line. Red accents distinguish this version from standard releases. A UT-branded backdrop sits behind the screen, marking the collaborative nature of the product.

The shell comes in custom packaging designed for this release. The exclusive packaging sets the collaborative version apart from other Tamagotchi products on store shelves. The special-edition shell carries a price tag of ¥2,990 JPY, roughly $20 USD.

Tamagotchi first appeared in Japanese stores in 1996. The device introduced a new category of digital entertainment. Users carried the egg-shaped gadget on keychains and checked on their virtual pets throughout the day. The pets required regular attention or they would become unhealthy or die. This mechanic created a sense of responsibility that resonated with young players.

The product spread rapidly across Asia, Europe, and North America. By 1997, stores struggled to keep Tamagotchi devices in stock. The toy became a cultural touchstone of late 1990s childhood for many people. Schools began banning the devices because students paid more attention to their digital pets than their lessons.

Bandai has released numerous versions since the original model. The company has adapted the concept for different markets and age groups. Modern versions include color screens, wireless connectivity, and mobile app integration. The core concept of raising a virtual pet through direct interaction has remained consistent across all iterations.

The UNIQLO UT collaboration returns to the aesthetic of those first devices. The partnership targets both longtime fans who remember the original craze and new audiences discovering the brand through fashion. UNIQLO UT has built a reputation for collaborating with entertainment properties and artists. Previous collections have featured partnerships with video game franchises, anime series, and contemporary artists.

The full UNIQLO UT x Tamagotchi collection becomes available in mid-December. Bandai has not specified whether the release will happen simultaneously in all markets where UNIQLO operates. The company typically staggers releases between Japan and international locations.

The anniversary collection represents one of several activities Bandai has planned to mark 30 years of Tamagotchi. The company continues to sell various Tamagotchi models through toy retailers and online stores. The brand maintains an active presence in Japan, where new versions appear regularly.