Three classic Tamagotchi devices are back on shelves for the 30th anniversary: the Original Gen 1 (the 1996 P1), the Original Gen 2 (the 1997 “New Species” P2) and the Connection (the 2004 link-up device, reissued in 2024). They look similar in the blister pack and cost within $10 of each other, but they are very different games. This guide compares them side by side and tells you which one to buy.
Tamagotchi Re-Releases Compared (2026)
| Original Gen 1 | Original Gen 2 | Connection (2024) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Based on | 1996 P1 | 1997 P2 “New Species Discovered!!” | 2004–06 Connection, Version 3 hardware |
| Price | ~$20–25 | ~$20–25 | $29.99 · 2-pack $57.99 |
| Characters | 6 adults + 1 secret (Mametchi, Kuchipatchi…) | 6 adults + 1 secret (Mimitchi, Pochitchi…) | 50+; ~15 adults per generation |
| Mini-games | 1 — Left or Right | 1 — Higher or Lower | 14 — 7 solo, 7 two-player |
| Connect to another device | No | No | Yes — infrared, marriage, babies |
| Shop / items / Gotchi Points | No | No | Yes |
| Secret character | Oyajitchi (Bill) | Zatchi | Several |
| Battery | 1 × CR2032 | 1 × CR2032 | 1 × CR2032 |
| Difficulty | Classic — demanding, simple | Classic — demanding, simple | More to manage, more forgiving |
| Best for | Pure 1997 nostalgia, first-timers | Already raised Gen 1, want new faces | Two people, or you want depth |
| Buy | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
Which Tamagotchi Re-Release Should You Buy?
Buy Gen 1 if…
You had one in 1997 and want that experience back, or you’re buying a first Tamagotchi for a kid. It’s the cheapest, the simplest and has the characters everyone recognises. The whole game is feed, play Left or Right, scold when it sulks, lights off at night. Read the full Tamagotchi Gen 1 re-release guide for the growth chart and how to get Mametchi.
Buy Gen 2 if…
You’ve already raised the Gen 1 cast, or you want Mimitchi. Same size, same price, same care routine — but every character is different, the game is Higher or Lower, and the secret character takes continued good care to keep. Gen 2 is not “better” than Gen 1; it’s a second set of levels. Details in the Gen 2 re-release guide.
Buy the Connection if…
Two of you are playing, or you want a game with real depth: a shop, Gotchi Points, 14 mini-games, 50+ characters and pets that marry and have babies across generations. One unit is a full game on its own, but the two-player games and breeding need a second device, which is why the 2-pack is the better buy for couples, siblings or parent-and-kid. See the Connection 2024 re-release guide.
Check Connection price on Amazon →
Or skip the re-releases entirely
If you want a colour screen, a modern game and don’t care about nostalgia, the current flagship is Tamagotchi Paradise, with the Uni a close second. Our best Tamagotchi 2026 round-up and device comparison cover those.
What Changed in the Re-Releases
Gen 1 and Gen 2 are same-size replicas (about 2 in / 5 cm — the tiny keychain version people confuse them with is the separate Nano) running the original programs with a handful of deliberate tweaks: a low-battery warning, a single CR2032 behind a one-screw door, louder sounds, smoother but dimmer animation, stricter discipline (missed attention calls now count even when the meter is full), snacks that can kill a child or teen if overused, and a slightly easier path to the secret character.
The Connection is not a reissue of the 2004 Version 1 — it’s built on the later Version 3 / Keitai hardware (spot the antenna nub on the shell), with the V3 roster and the full 14-game set. Infrared connecting works between any two 2024 units; there is no app and no TamaTown.
Spotting Them on the Shelf
- Gen 1 — blue-and-pink checkerboard screen background; box says “Gen 1”.
- Gen 2 — yellow-and-blue ripple background; box says “Gen 2 / New Species Discovered!!”.
- Connection — larger oval shell with the antenna nub; launch shells were Bubbles, Ice Cream, Rainbow Sky, Clear Retro, Blue Graffiti and Pink Graffiti.
Shell designs on Gen 1 and Gen 2 rotate every season (gingham, floral, “Avocado Mix”, Color Collection, retailer exclusives). The device inside is identical whatever the shell, so pick on looks — but if you’re buying to collect, limited and collaboration shells are the ones that appreciate.
Before You Start: Three Things Every Re-Release Owner Should Know
- One real day = one Tamagotchi year. Adults appear around day 6. You can’t speed it up.
- Answer every call within about 15 minutes. Missed calls are care mistakes, and care mistakes decide which adult you get. Our Gen 1 and Gen 2 guides have the exact mistake counts per character.
- Keep a spare CR2032. All three use one, and the re-releases finally warn you before it dies. CR2032 batteries on Amazon. If it won’t turn on after a battery swap, see troubleshooting.
Re-Release FAQ
Is the Tamagotchi re-release the same as the original?
Gen 1 and Gen 2 are same-size replicas running the 1996–97 programs, with small modern changes: a low-battery warning, one CR2032 battery, stricter discipline, deadlier snacks and a slightly easier secret-character unlock. The Connection re-release is based on the later Version 3 hardware, not the 2004 Version 1.
Which Tamagotchi re-release is best for beginners?
Gen 1. It has the simplest routine, the most famous characters (Mametchi, Kuchipatchi) and costs about $20–25. Gen 2 is the same difficulty with a different cast; the Connection adds shops, 14 games and two-device breeding, which is more to learn.
What is the difference between Tamagotchi Gen 1 and Gen 2?
Different character rosters (none overlap), a different mini-game (Left or Right vs Higher or Lower), different food art (bread and candy vs hamburger and cake) and a different secret character (Oyajitchi/Bill vs Zatchi). Care works the same on both.
Do you need two Connections to use the re-release?
No — a single Connection is a complete game on its own. You need two devices for the 7 connection games, marriage and multi-generation play, which is why the 2-pack exists.
How long does a re-release Tamagotchi live?
On Gen 1 and Gen 2 one real day is one Tamagotchi year; adults appear around day 6 and well-cared pets live into their teens and beyond. The Connection keeps going generation after generation when pets marry.
Which Tamagotchi re-release holds its value?
Standard shells are mass-produced and worth roughly retail. Limited and collaboration shells (retailer exclusives, Comic-Con editions, seasonal prints) are the ones that climb once a run ends, so if you’re buying to keep, buy the limited shell sealed.