Nineties technology is making a comeback with the release of many classic toys and popular video games, such as Tamagotchis and the upcoming Ataribox in 2018.
Bandai America, Tamagotchi’s parent company, is releasing a smaller device of its classic game for its 20th anniversary Nov. 5, and Atari has plans to recreate itself through the release of a new gaming system called the Ataribox.
Many kids who grew up in the 1990s said they remember playing with Tamagotchis, virtual aliens that need an abundance of care and constant attention before they are ready to return to their home planet.
Though updated, Tamagotchis have been altered in the past years with technological advances like text message capabilities, but nothing resembles the classic Tamagotchi toy, according to fans.
Now, Tamagotchis are returning a little bit smaller than the original models but with the same packaging fans of the toy remember. Kids and adults of all ages can enjoy Tamagotchis as they are being released into stores like Toys R Us for the retail price of $14.99.
“The enduring power of Tamagotchi is its clear expression that nurturing and love never goes out of style,” stated Tara Badie, marketing director for Bandai America in a press release. “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.”
Bandai America warns fans that a quick sellout is expected as only limited quantities will be available.
As Tamagotchi celebrates its 20th anniversary, the company welcomes back the iconic toy to children looking to experience what some think to be a 90s icon and to nostalgic adults looking to reclaim their favorite childhood toy.
“Kids can get the experience their parents had when they were kids,” said Jared Oliphant, freshman biology major. “In games, such as Tamagotchi and Pac-Man, you have to actually strategize instead of just looking at an iPhone screen.”
Atari, famous for games like Pac-Man, Pong, Asteroids, Frogger and more, is releasing a video game console in spring 2018 that the company promises will bring the “full PC experience to the TV,” according to its press release.
Daniel Herrera, senior music composition major, spent many hours playing games at the arcade as a kid. Games such as Pac-Man and Frogger were all too familiar to him.
“I am very excited, especially for DigDug because it’s so nostalgic. It’s going to bring me back to my younger days when I would mow lawns and walk dogs for arcade money and spend all night at the arcade. So I’ll probably purchase an Ataribox,” said Herrera.
The Ataribox is expected to be competitive with Microsoft’s Xbox One X because they are similar in prices ranging from around $300–$500.
“Video games today are pretty mindless,” said Austin Dubyak, junior graphic design major. “The video games in the 90s were not as violent and they made kids use their minds.”
With releases from Tamagotchi and Atari, what many may consider iconic games of the 1990s, welcoming back their favorite childhood games is evoking nostalgia in true “90s kids.”
