Tamagotchi Ring brings a color-screen virtual pet to your finger
Bandai announced a functional Tamagotchi Ring, a wearable device with a color screen and over 30 characters to raise, controlled by side buttons. Pre-orders opened August 27 in Japan, priced at 7,700 yen (about $48), with a release expected in February 2027. The ring is the smallest working Tamagotchi yet and includes a charging cradle, but no international release has been confirmed.
The Tamagotchi Ring marks a notable shift in Bandai’s approach to its classic virtual pet line, shrinking the experience to a wearable form factor while upgrading to a color display. Unlike previous Mini and Nano models, the ring’s screen is full color, and its side buttons handle all interaction, as the front egg-shaped buttons are purely decorative. The device ships with a charging cradle that allows continued play during charging, and pre-orders in Japan run through October 6, with delivery slated for February 2027. Reseller stock for international buyers has already sold out, though no official overseas launch has been confirmed.
The announcement has generated strong fan interest, partly because the ring is the smallest functional Tamagotchi ever produced. Its three colorways—iridescent white/pink, silver/black, and gold/blue—add a fashion-forward appeal. The article’s author notes the device “just about screams ‘gimmick,’” yet admits its charm is irresistible, highlighting a persistent tension between novelty and genuine usability in wearable tech.
The Tamagotchi Ring could revive nostalgia-driven spending among millennials and Gen Z, who may see it as a low-cost, high-novelty accessory. Its wearable form may also attract younger consumers seeking a playful alternative to smartwatches. However, its Japan-only release and limited availability could create frustration and a resale market, potentially inflating prices. If successful, it may push Bandai to explore other compact, color-screen iterations, but its impact likely remains niche rather than mainstream, given the toy’s inherently simple gameplay and the lack of international distribution.