'I found new Tamagotchi in charity and was floored by price tag'

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Owning a Tamagotchi would have been a thing of the past – if you're a 90s kid. You might remember spending countless hours feeding, changing and entertaining your digital pet. Completely nostalgic and iconic, the Japanese toy is still popular, even 30 years later as they're available to buy at multiple retailers, including Toys R U and Smyths. Although standard prices of the toy can be around £12 to £45, you might stumble on a collector's edition worth way more. A charity shopper recently stumbled on a Tamagotchi, completely brand new and in the box, for a jaw-dropping price. The purchase was so good – other people are slightly jealous of their luck after it was shared on social media. Writing on Reddit, one said: "£1.25!? A steal! Aside from the drawing on the box, it's brand new!" In a snap shared alongside the caption, it shows the pink toy in a pristine packaging, bearing the price written on the front. Plenty of others were equally delighted by the find, as one wrote: "Love this. What a bargain! Loved mine as a child." Another added: "Oh my millennial heart! What a find, love this for you!" While a third posted: "I'm so jealous of this purchase!" The pocket-sized virtual digital pet first emerged back in 1996 when it was created by Bandai in Japan. A year later, Tamagotchi made its international debut. Tamagotchi was brought back in 2004 and has received more new versions since, with Bandai also expanding the franchise to other media and merchandise. Nowadays, the toys remain immensely popular among millennials thanks to its continuous, portable gameplay that fosters a genuine emotional bond. The device operates by keeping the simulation running even while switched off, meaning owners must check in every few hours. Specialists even suggest these straightforward daily tasks fulfil fundamental human psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and connection. Players must feed their pet, clean up its waste, switch lights on and off, administer medicine when it falls ill, and engage in mini-games to maintain its happiness. The quality of care provided determines which adult character the pet ultimately evolves into. The Tamagotchi Original remains the most beloved and iconic virtual pet ever created, having shifted millions of units worldwide since the 1990s. Meanwhile, the Tamagotchi Uni, priced at around £136, is widely regarded as the finest modern device currently available, boasting Wi-Fi connectivity, global events, and USB-C recharging. The Nano offers highly portable collaboration models featuring well-known anime and media franchises such as Star Wars and Demon Slayer.