Once popular in Türkiye too! The virtual baby craze is back

Tamagotchi, once known as a "virtual doll," is making a comeback in Türkiye. The egg-shaped toy, which houses a virtual pet, was one of the most popular toys of the 1990s.

Tamagotchi, an unforgettable icon of Japanese pop culture, has recaptured the popularity it enjoyed in the 1990s. Launched in 1996, the digital pet had sold over 100 million units worldwide by last month.

Parent company Bandai Namco Holdings has kept the product relevant by releasing different versions over the years. However, the multi-million dollar "kid" market, encompassing both teenagers and adults, is what really gave Tamagotchi its momentum.

According to experts, nostalgia and a sense of escapism were the main factors in the toy's renewed interest.

Tamagotchi Paradise, introduced in July, is the 37th model in the series. Priced at 6,380 yen in Japan and $44.99 in the US, the device allows users to connect their pets and have them fight or mate.

33 PERCENT OF SALES ARE IN THE USA

While 49 percent of Tamagotchi's sales were in Japan, 33 percent in the US, and 16 percent in Europe, the Asian market outside Japan accounted for only 2 percent.