Saturday 11 April 1995
After just one week of its release, Tamagotchi: Digimon had already sold extraordinarily well—bordering on record-breaking numbers. The product launched simultaneously in the USA, Japan, and Europe, with Japan quickly becoming its largest revenue source. Each unit sold for 2,000 yen at retail. Manufacturing costs were about 800 yen per device, and ZAGE supplied them to retailers at 1,600 yen, leaving shops to set a maximum retail price of 2,000 yen. For the global release, retail prices averaged around $15 USD, with ZAGE wholesaling to stores for approximately $11 USD—remarkably affordable for such a popular product.
The devices are selling like crazy—especially the Tamagotchi. The packaging is carefully designed to be highly eye-catching, with Zaboru putting extra effort into making them irresistibly cute. Each box showcases the adorable little monster inside, instantly appealing to children and collectors alike. In contrast, the Digimon line is packaged with an entirely different aesthetic: bold colors, sharp designs, and artwork of fierce, dynamic monsters meant to radiate blazing coolness. This style resonates strongly with boys who are drawn to action and adventure. The combination of the soft, lovable Tamagotchi presentation and the edgy, powerful Digimon branding creates a marketing one-two punch that captures audiences across the board, making both product lines almost impossible to resist on store shelves.
And Tamagotchi: Digimon sold like hot cakes, with players absolutely loving the way they could carry their little monsters everywhere they went. The creatures inside the Tamagotchi Digimon were constantly active—never pausing for long. Sometimes they would knock on the screen as if demanding attention, seeking affection from their owners. Players could respond by feeding them when they were hungry, playing small games, or simply interacting to build a bond with the virtual pet. Over time, the relationship between player and creature would grow, and the pet itself could evolve into more powerful, impressive forms. These evolutions added a sense of progression and surprise, keeping players engaged for days or even weeks as they nurtured and trained their tiny digital companions.
As for battles, most Digimon are portrayed as creatures that thrive on combat, eager to test their strength against others. Among the players, boys are often the ones most drawn to raising Digimon with a strong love for fighting—carefully training and evolving them into formidable champions. Girls, on the other hand, are more frequently seen enjoying the gentler side of the craze, tending to their Tamagotchi with care, focusing on feeding, playing, and keeping their virtual pets happy. Of course, these roles are not strict—plenty of girls enjoy fierce Digimon matches, and many boys happily raise Tamagotchi pets—but the general trend is noticeable in schoolyards and neighborhoods across the country.
"Battle with me! My Ponyo-man are the strongest!" his friend declared with a wide grin, his voice brimming with competitive energy. "Oh, you're on! My Kokochiko is the most badass monster in existence, and today I'm going to prove it!" With that, the boys squared off in a mock-serious stance, clutching their Digimon devices tightly. They tapped at the buttons, shouted encouragements to their digital pets, and leaned in with anticipation as the tiny screens flashed with pixelated action. A small crowd of curious classmates began to gather, cheering and laughing as each attack played out, the playground briefly turning into a miniature arena for their fierce, imaginary showdown.
While the girls were giggling and calling out things like, "Look at my Mr. Luo! He's so cute!" their friends chimed in with warm smiles, replying, "Hehehe, same with my Lily—she's adorable!" They clustered together on the playground, carefully pressing the buttons on their Tamagotchi devices, laughing as their tiny pets bounced around the screens. Some were feeding them, others were cleaning up after them, and a few were just watching their virtual companions nap peacefully, sharing tips and playful teasing as they enjoyed the simple, shared fun of caring for their pixelated friends.
Similar scenes like this were unfolding in countless schoolyards, parks, and neighborhoods across the country, a testament to just how insanely popular Tamagotchi and Digimon had become during this time
And yes, this Tamagotchi: Digimon phenomenon has captured the hearts of both girls and boys alike, becoming nothing short of a cultural sensation. It has swept through playgrounds, arcades, and after-school hangouts like a tidal wave of pixelated charm. Parents, teachers, and even older siblings find themselves talking about it, and the sight of a Tamagotchi or Digimon device in someone's pocket has become as common in the mid-1990s as a yo-yo or trading cards. This shared obsession has created a new kind of social bond among kids, uniting them in battles, trades, and pet care in a way that feels fresh, exciting, and unforgettable.
Zaboru and ZAGE were utterly flabbergasted by just how well Tamagotchi: Digimon was selling. Zaboru remembered that Tamagotchi had exploded in popularity in his previous life, but even with that memory, the current sales numbers seemed almost unreal. The sheer volume of units flying off shelves was staggering—perhaps, he thought, because the buying power in this world was significantly stronger than in his previous life, making it easier for families to afford such fun, collectible gadgets for their children.
But then Zaboru sighed, knowing that in just a couple of weeks, people would come to realize that their virtual pets could die too. He had deliberately designed the pets to live for about 30 days before passing away, understanding that this would inevitably break a lot of kids' hearts. Yet, he believed it was a necessary part of the experience, teaching children about responsibility and the cycle of life in a gentle, controlled way. To soften the blow, Zaboru also added a small, touching feature after the pet's death—something that would allow its owner to remember and cherish their little companion, preserving its memory long after it was gone.
But not everyone is happy. There are plenty of people who remain puzzled as to why Tamagotchi: Digimon has become such a huge success.
To be continue
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