I, along with 82 million other users the world over, once had a Tamagotchi.

That was back in the 90s, however, when the pixilated toy was first introduced to the world.

While you might have not seen one since, it’s still super popular in Japan – where Tamagotchis are available for 1 920 yen (R230) on Amazon Japan – here.

Since Tamagotchi’s international success back in 1997, various versions have been released, but they were never as loved as the original, explains High Snobiety:

Bandai last brought the Tamagotchi back in 2014, releasing a number of updated Tamagotchi after that, including models with multicolor displays, devices that allow users to raise entire families of Tamagotchi and a Tamagotchi game app for your iPhone in Japan. Katy Perry and Orlando Boom even wore the digital eggs to the tech-themed Met Gala in 2016.

Prior to that, original package issues of the digital pets were known to fetch upwards of $200 on sites like eBay.

Now, Bandai Namco, the company who owns Tamagotchi, has announced that it will be releasing the once-loved toy once again.

But before we get there, here’s a little Tamagotchi USA commercial from the good ol’ days:

Yeah, you’re keen now, aren’t you? So, let’s get to it:

Bandai is releasing a new range of Tamagotchi in the US and UK on November 5. Scan social media and you’ll see that the fanboys and fangirls are already out in full voice – coming to a shopping mall near you, no doubt.

The range will feature six different egg-shaped shells with designs based on the originals, and each will have its own unique character, reports The Verge.

However, the new Tamagotchis aren’t exactly the same as the original ones:

They’re about half the size, the LCD display is square rather than rectangle, and those helpful icons on the top and bottom of the screen seem to be gone now.

[T[hey are also based on the Japanese ones, but the packaging resembles that of the American devices. In this way, the new Tamagotchis combine Western and Eastern sensibilities.

Take a look:

Announcing the news via a press statement, Tara Badie, marketing director for Bandai America, explained that:

“For many Generation X kids, the Tamagotchi device can be considered America’s first and favorite [sic] digital pet.

“The enduring power of Tamagotchi is its clear expression that nurturing and love never goes out of style. It’s such an honor to bring back one of the most beloved toys in a way that captures the magic and joy of a generation while embracing the sensibilities of new generations.”

Available for a limited time and in limited quantity, you can and totally should get one now from the UK’s Smyths Toys – here – for £10 (R180).

Not too bad, huh?

Of course, we know that getting anything in from the UK is a mission, especially when the online store like the one above doesn’t ship to South Africa.

So here’s what I propose: round up a few people who are keen to drop some rands on a new toy, put in your order, and use Postbox Courier to get your goods safely to South Africa.

How? Just follow these steps:

1. Sign Up
   Register free of charge with Postbox Courier via their website. They will assign you with a Personal Postbox at each of our worldwide depots. Look out for the confirmation email which provides a link to activate your account.
2. Sign In
   Once you have activated your account, you will be able to login to view your unique Postbox addresses, by clicking the “View your Personal Postbox addresses” banner. Your addresses are permanent, so you can save them and start sending items to your Postbox!
3. Notify us of incoming items
   Each time you send something to Postbox Courier, please notify them via the Parcel Pre-Alert (in your Parcel Manager).
4. Manage your orders
   You can ship single items or multiple pieces combined into a single shipment. If you do wish to consolidate orders from different suppliers (in the same origin country), you will be able to do so in your Parcel Manager. Just notify them of each shipment that is en-route to your Postbox, and then use the ‘Group’ button to let them know which items you wish to combine.
5. Pay for shipping
   Once they receive the items that correspond with your booking they’ll let you know via email and invite you to login to your Parcel Manager and make payment, upon which they will courier your items to your door within South Africa immediately.

And before you know it, you will be looking after a virtual pet.

The beauty of Postbox Courier is they handle the customs clearance part for you (nothing gets stuck at customs – ever) – so even if an overseas website DOES deliver to SA, you would be best off using their service anyways.

If you’re a fan of the originals, or if you just want to have a piece of history, it would be worth your time to grab a Tamagotchi before they’re all sold out.

I mean, if that’s what it takes for you to put a damper on your broodiness, do what you gotta do.

[source:geek&theverge]