The Tamagotchi Plus (2,079 yen including tax), launched by Bandai on March 20, 2004, and the Shuku Keitai Kaitsuu! Tamagotchi Plus (known as the Keitama for short) (2,625 yen including tax), launched on November 23, 2004, had cleared cumulative global sales of 6.5 million units as of March 31, 2005.
The Tamagotchi Plus (launched on March 20, 2004) sold one million units in roughly eight months following its release in Japan (where it is currently no longer on sale). From May 2004 onwards, it was launched in a succession of other countries, where it is still available in stores, having sold a total of 4 million units so far, in 34 countries and regions.
The Keitama (launched on November 23, 2004), has only been released in Japan, but over the 4 months or so since its launch, its total sales have cleared 1.5 million units.
Revived after an 8-year absence, the Tamagotchi -- in the form of the Tamagotchi Plus series -- retains all the digital pet-care fun of the first-generation product (launched in November 1996), plus added extras in the form of a new built-in infra-red communications function and a mobile phone tie-in dimension. The product appeals to a wide age range, from the primary school children who are its core market, right through to adults. Among the under-11s, its communications element, which enables sociable as well as solitary play, seems to have won a particularly strong following.
Bandai intends to continue rolling out new versions designed for wide appeal, ensuring that this new Tamagotchi series continues to feature well-loved products for many years to come.
The Tamagotchi Plus (2,079 yen including tax), launched on March 20, 2004
 |
This set of products marked the first Tamagotchi re-release after an absence of 8 years. Featuring a new built-in infra-red communications function, the Tamagotchi Plus can talk to and play games with other members of its own species, striking up friendships that sometimes even lead to marriage and starting a family. For promotional purposes, giant DekaTamagotchi were installed in stores, enabling Tamatotchi-owners in various locations to experience the fun to be had with Tamagotchi communications: this went down very well with the public.
|
The Shuku Keitai Kaitsuu! Tamagotchi Plus (Keitama) (2,625 yen including tax), released on November 23, 2004
Successor to the Tamagotchi Plus, the Keitama not only boasts an infra-red communications function but can also be used be used in conjunction with a mobile phone to enjoy online entertainment.* It even comes with built-in games in which, among other things, you collect a special Tamagotchi currency known as gGotchi Pointsh, and use them to buy items. In honor of the Keitama, the giant DekaTamagotchi made a welcome reappearance at 3,000 stores all over Japan. By releasing 7 regional versions of the DekaTamagotchi program, collectively covering the whole country, Bandai ensured that communications fun was available to fans throughout Japan.
*The website, exclusively for use via mobile phones, is operated by Bandai Networks Co., Ltd.
© BANDAI•WiZ 2004
|
Home > Press
Release
