Bandai Games Announces Tamagotchi(R) Shop Simulation
Set Up Shop with Tamagotchi Characters from the Popular Virtual Pet Tech Toy on the Nintendo DS(TM)
CYPRESS, CA - August 25, 2004 - Bandai Games Inc. today announced
Tamagotchi®: Corner Shop (working title), a shopping simulation set in the world of Tamagotchi and developed exclusively for the Nintendo DSTM. In the game, players open specialty shops, and develop their businesses by servicing customers through mini games that utilize the Nintendo DS's touch-screen functionality. Scheduled for release this winter, Tamagotchi: Corner Shop features a colorful, hand-drawn visual style, popular Tamagotchi characters, and a variety of different shops.
"Tamagotchi fans will love opening shops, playing mini games with the DS stylus, and working alongside their favorite characters," said Laura Yoshioka, Product Manager at Bandai Games. "Tamagotchi: Corner Shop is easy to pick up and play for fans of all ages, and the touch screen creates a unique and interactive experience.
Tamagotchi: Corner Shop is based on the wildly popular Tamagotchi "virtual pet," which debuted back in 1996 and sold more than 40 million units worldwide. Not only did the Tamagotchi spur a pop culture phenomenon, it launched a brand new toy category and has prompted countless imitators. Based on strong consumer demand, Bandai America Inc. reintroduced the tech toy in late 2004 as "Tamagotchi Connection" to a new generation of young fans.
In Tamagotchi: Corner Shop, players help Mametchi, Memetchi or Kuchipatchi set up a shop, with the ultimate goal of creating a "royal" shop that is a favorite of Princess Tamako. Players can select from a variety of different stores, including a bakery, beauty salon, dentist's office, flower shop, and more. Once the shop is open, players will help their customers by completing mini games with the Nintendo DS stylus. Players apply makeup, treat cavities, decorate cakes and complete many other shop-specific tasks to earn Gs, the Tamagotchi money unit, and progress towards "royal" shop status! Shop interiors can be customized, and cute Tamagotchi characters will make appearances throughout the game.
Features for Tamagotchi: Corner Shop Include:
- Selection of different shops - bakery, dentist's office, beauty salon and more
- Colorful, hand-drawn visual style
- Choice of three Tamagotchi business partners - Mametchi, Memetchi and Kuchipatchi
- Shop-specific mini games that utilize the Nintendo DS stylus
- Cute non-playable characters from the world of Tamagotchi
- Shop customization options
- Fun sound effects for each mini game, from cake cutting to filling cavities!
Fans of the egg-shaped toy that simulates the life cycle of a real pet can currently purchase the new Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 as a single-pack or "True Friends Collection" two-pack. Both allow tweens and teens to collect "Gotchi" points, which can be used to shop for treats and toys, and use secret codes to unlock special shopping areas not available anywhere else in the programming. In addition, infrared technology allows Tamagotchi owners to "connect" with others and have their pets become friends, trade gifts and mate to create future generations to play with.
Additionally, the new Tamagotchi Mini features programming similar to the original Tamagotchi, but is only one-third the size. It doubles as a unique fashion accessory so it can be attached to cell phones, key chains, backpacks, purses, jewelry and even clothing.
For more information on Tamagotchi products, please visit www.tamagotchi.com
About Bandai Games Inc.
Bandai Games Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bandai America Incorporated and a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software for popular videogame systems such as the PSPTM handheld entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo DSTM, Nintendo GameCubeTM, and the Game Boy® Advance. Unique characters and stimulating game experiences highlight Bandai Games Inc.'s distinctive product lineup which include hit titles such as Inuyasha and Digimon. Bandai Games Inc. is headquartered in Cypress, California. For more information and press downloads please visit:
www.BandaiGames.com .
About Bandai America Inc.
Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 30 subsidiaries in 13 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel.
Bandai America Incorporated is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, D.I.C.E., Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake and Tamagotchi product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at www.Bandai.com.
NEW - TM & ® 2004-2005 Bandai, WiZ. TAMAGOTCHI, TAMAGOTCHI CONNECTION and all related logos, names and distinctive likenesses thereof are the exclusive property of Bandai. BANDAI logo is a registered trademark of Bandai. All rights reserved.
CONTACT:
Rannie Yoo
Kohnke Communications
(415) 777-4000
rannie@kohnkecomm.com