When Did Tamagotchi Come Out? In The U.S., 25 Years Ago

In May 1997, wee Millennials briefly gave up on owning a dog when Tamagotchi, the U.S.’s first digital pet, came on the market, six months after it debuted in Japan. For as little as $15, ‘90s kids became pet parents.

A year after hitting the market, over 10 million Tamagotchi had been sold, and as of 2021, that number was more than 82 million. While millennials aren’t buying many Tamagotchi anymore, their memories — and the memes — remain strong.

For Brittany, 31, being a Tamagotchi mom was her most important responsibility as a middle schooler. “I was heartbroken when it died, every time,” the Vermonter tells Bustle.

Wondering if Tamagotchis even exist anymore? Bandai releases new versions every few years. In 2021, the futuristic Tamagotchi Pix hit the market with features like a camera, touch buttons, and a color screen — things your ‘90s self could only dream of.