The Global Pop-Culture Phenomenon That Has Shipped More Than 100 Million Devices Worldwide Celebrates 30 Years Together With Its Biggest Celebration Ever
On November 22, fans are invited to a free, all-day Tamagotchi experience in the heart of Times Square, culminating in a one-night-only takeover across some of the world’s most iconic screens. The celebration continues with new 30th Anniversary experiences at FAO Schwarz, MINISO and Roblox.
NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thirty years ago, Tamagotchi became one of the world’s first digital obsessions, creating an emotional connection between millions of fans and their favorite tiny pixel pets. Next month, Tamagotchi will mark 30 years with the largest celebration in its history, in the heart of Times Square, featuring a pop-up experience and a special takeover of some of the most popular screens in the world.
On Sunday, November 22, in New York City, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. invites fans to celebrate 30 Years Together in the biggest Tamagotchi celebration ever, honoring three decades of Tamagotchi play, fandom and community. Tama fans and friends can gather in Times Square to enjoy an interactive pop-up featuring activities, photo ops, fan meetups, brand history, product demos, fan giveaways, and more.
Then, for one night only at 7pm, screens across Times Square will light up in unison with a can’t-miss 30-minute special Tamagotchi 30th Anniversary screen takeover, bringing fan-favorite Tamas to one of the world’s most iconic stages as it counts down its anniversary celebration around the world.
As fans gather in New York on the evening of November 22, it will already be November 23 in Japan, the brand’s official anniversary and exactly 30 years to the day since Tamagotchi first launched there in 1996. Senior Bandai officials and friends will travel from Japan to join fans in the Times Square celebration.
Over three decades, Tamagotchi has grown alongside its fans, evolving from a digital pet phenomenon into a brand that continues to connect and inspire through play, self-expression, collecting, and customization. Today, the fans who grew up caring for their first Tama are joined by a new generation making the brand their own through new devices, fashion and lifestyle collaborations, customization and accessories. And the brand is bigger than ever. Tamagotchi has now shipped more than 100 million devices worldwide, putting it in territory occupied by some of the best-known handheld game consoles — and its momentum is accelerating.
“Technology and the way we connect have changed enormously in 30 years, but the simple emotional connection at the heart of Tamagotchi has not,” said Taro Tsuji, Chief Tamagotchi Officer. “Seeing what started as a few special pixels in 1996 now light up Times Square three decades later is a remarkable way to celebrate how far the brand has come. It gives us the chance to bring longtime fans and a new generation together for a moment of appreciation and celebration that belongs to all of them.”
Following a highly successful two-month tour across eight U.S. cities, the Tamagotchi Times Square Spectacular anchors a wave of Tamagotchi activity across the New York area this fall. An exclusive Tamagotchi experience arrives at the FAO Schwarz flagship at 30 Rockefeller Plaza this November, a MINISO Tamagotchi Pop-Up opens at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ, November 7-29. Additional anniversary promotions with partners including I’m donut ? times square, MINISO Times Square, Bandai Namco Store | American Dream, Bandai Namco Cross Store Brooklyn, Tamashii Nations Store New York and Gashapon® Bandai Official Shop together make the New York region an epicenter of the brand’s 30th anniversary.
Fans who can’t be in New York can still join in a special 30th Anniversary experience on Roblox in Main Street RP, where Tamagotchi will take over parts of the game with themed stores, characters, decorations, activities and rewards throughout November. Fans in Austin, Texas, will also have the chance to visit a second MINISO Tamagotchi Pop-Up at Barton Creek Square, Austin, November 7-29.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Tamagotchi Times Square Spectacular: A 30th Anniversary Celebration
- Interactive Tamagotchi experience
- Tamagotchi product displays
- Photo opportunities
- Fan meetups
- Mametchi and Mimitchi meet-and-greet
- Fan giveaways, including an exclusive trading card (while supplies last), and more
When: Sunday, November 22, 2026, 9am – 7:30pm
Tamagotchi Times Square Screen Takeover: Sunday, November 22, 2026, 7pm (30 minutes)
Where: Times Square, New York City (Duffy Square between 45th and 47th, between Broadway and 7th)
Cost: Free and open to fans of all ages
ADDITIONAL 30th ANNIVERSARY ACTIVATIONS
- FAO Schwarz Tamagotchi Experience: Launching this November, FAO Schwarz flagship, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
- MINISO Times Square: November 22, 155 West 41st Street, New York, NY, a limited-edition gift-with-purchase promotion
- MINISO Tamagotchi Pop-Up: November 7-29, American Dream Mall, East Rutherford, NJ
- MINISO Tamagotchi Pop-Up: November 7-29, Barton Creek Square, Austin, TX
- Tamagotchi 30th Anniversary Celebration on Roblox: November 1-30, Main Street RP
- I’m donut ? times square: November 22, fan giveaways at the Tamagotchi Times Square Spectacular event (*One day only, available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.)
- Bandai Namco Store | American Dream: November 22, 1 American Dream Way, Court G, Level 1, East Rutherford, NJ, a limited-edition gift-with-purchase promotion
- Bandai Namco Cross Store Brooklyn: November 22, 52 35th Street, Floor 2, Brooklyn, NY, a limited-edition gift-with-purchase promotion
- Tamashii Nations Store New York: November 22, 1500 Broadway, Floor 1, New York, NY, a limited-edition gift-with-purchase promotion
- Gashapon® Bandai Official Shop Flushing: November 22, 36-45 Main Street, Flushing, NY, a limited-edition gift-with-purchase promotion
Fans can follow @Tamagotchi_US on social media and visit tamagotchi-official.com for the latest Tamagotchi 30th Anniversary news and event updates.
About Tamagotchi®
Tamagotchi® is the original virtual reality pet that has been capturing hearts around the world since its debut in 1996. A cultural icon that has grown with generations, Tamagotchi offers fans of all ages a fun, interactive experience where they can care for and connect with their digital companion anytime, anywhere. With a legacy of creativity and emotional connection, Tamagotchi continues to evolve with new features, styles, and technology, bringing timeless play to life in fresh and exciting ways. Tamagotchi represents the company’s mission to deliver “Fun For All into the Future.” Learn more and discover the world of Tamagotchi at tamagotchi-official.com.
About Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc.
Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. is a leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children’s and collectors’ imaginative spirit and provide endless “Fun For All into the Future.” Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in collectibles, children’s toys and entertainment today, including Gundam, Tamagotchi®, Dragon Ball®, Vital Hero, Anime Heroes®, Tamashii Nations®, Bandai Hobby and MegaHouse. BNTCA is proud to be the official distributor in the US for Mr. Hobby, nanoblock® and official Studio Ghibli merchandise. For more information, visit bandai.com.
©BANDAI
Multimedia assets, b-roll of the Times Square takeover, character imagery and executive interviews available upon request.
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SOURCE Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc.
