CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bandai America Incorporated, a leader in introducing hot Japanese toy trends to the U.S. marketplace, is calling on fans to “live the Tamagotchi life” 24/7 with the new Tamagotchi Connection V4. As the most technologically advanced version of the world’s first and top selling “virtual pet” tech toy, kids can interact with their Tamagotchi character through every stage of life including going to school and growing up to choose their favorite career. Additionally, for the first time ever, Bandai America will unveil a mid-year refresh—Tamagotchi Connection Version 4.5—that has all the play value of V4, plus new career choices, mini games and design styles for even more fun.

BANDAI'S OFFICIAL. Now that you have your Tamagotchi, you must do these three things: 1) Wake up Tamagotchi from its million light-year sleep by removing the insulating sheet (pull paper tab from side of body). 2) Set the tamagotchi communication screen (Reset operation). Press the reset switch on the rear of the egg with a.

“In addition to debuting our first mid-year refresh with the V4.5 toy, our Fall lineup extends the Tamagotchi brand with exciting new products, including plush, a decoration kit that allows you to ‘bling-out’ your V4 making it your own creation and a voice-interactive software pack with exclusive V4.5 toy,” said Michael Riley, vice president of marketing for Bandai America Inc. “Meanwhile, the Tamagotchi Connection toy now enhances the play by empowering fans like never before as they get to live the Tamagotchi lifestyle at home, at school and on the go.”

With the new V4 and V4.5, kids help determine their characters’ future careers and fates by playing the fun mini games in their Tamagotchi to earn “Skill Points.” Upon reaching adulthood, owners can then choose from a variety of 15 different professions as well as change careers later when openings become available. Careers include fashion designer, rock star, florist, baker, scientist, doctor and more.

V4 and V4.5 continue to introduce fans to the magical world of TamagotchiTown.com with new games, shopping and locales. While using “Gotchi Points” and special passwords, visitors can go online to shop in the mall, visit the Tamagotchi King and travel the world to exotic destinations like Paris, Africa and Tokyo. Kids can now also see their character interacting on the Web site as it goes to school, plays in the various games and partakes in life’s other daily adventures.

In addition to the V4.5 Tamagotchi, the new Fall lineup includes:

• Software: The Tamagotchi PC Pack turns your home computer or laptop into a Tama-wonderland with cool voice-activated software that allows kids to interact with characters on screen through games, and features a desktop character that fetches your email, dances on command and more. In addition to an exclusive Tamagotchi Connection V4.5 toy, the pack comes with a CD-ROM disk loaded with wallpapers, games and more for customizing your computer. And with the included tree-shaped microphone, kids can use voice commands to interact with their on-screen character.
• Accessories: Use the Tamagotchi Decoration Kit’s interchangeable skins to personalize your virtual pet with your favorite color or to match your mood of the day. For extra special sparkle, owners can even “bling” their Tamagotchi with the included jewels and character-themed stickers. The kits are available in several different character versions: Mametchi (blue skin), Memetchi (white) and Kuchipatchi (green). In September, Violetchi (pink) will also be available.
• Plush: The Tamagotchi Character Plush are colorful and cuddly plush companions that are petite, but super-sized in fun and friendship. In July, 5” character plush of Mametchi, Memetchi, Kuchipatchi, Gozarutchi, Violetchi and Ichigotchi are available.

The strength of the Tamagotchi brand has led to multiple successful licensing partnerships. NAMCO BANDAI Games has already introduced their second Nintendo DS title, with a Nintendo Wii version coming later in the year. Bandai Wireless’ mobile phone game is now available online at Bandaiwireless.com. GALERIE recently began offering Tamagotchi plush with candy, and Pressman Toy Corp. will soon have an electronic board game and puzzles.

About Tamagotchi Connection

Originally launched in 1997, the egg-shaped Tamagotchi – which simulates the life cycle of a real pet – went on to sell more than 40 million units worldwide and created a brand new toy category within the industry. Bandai America reintroduced the brand in 2004 with a new and highly popular infrared technology “connection” feature, thereby creating stronger-than-ever consumer demand among young kids and adults alike.

The new Tamagotchi Connection includes an ever-expanding assortment of design styles, the most games ever (20 games), 21 more characters (for a total of 53), and even more collectible souvenirs than before (144 total). V4/V4.5 builds on the play pattern of the very first virtual pet by letting owners connect their Tamagotchi with others – regardless of which version they have – via the infrared technology. The toys also have a snazzy new look, with a colorful ball on the antenna’s end, and come in a redesigned package.

Tamagotchi Connection V4 debuted in January at all major retailers nationwide with a SRP of $14.99. Gotchi Gear^TM lanyards, charms and Pet Pouches also debuted with a SRP of $4.99 - $7.99. Tamagotchi Connection V4.5 debuts in July, with the Character Plush, Decoration Kits and PC Accessory Packs (SRP of $4.99 - $34.99) coming as well. For more information about Tamagotchi, please visit www.Tamagotchi.com.

About Bandai America Incorporated

A leader in introducing Japanese toy trends to the United States, Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., a new joint entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass five strategic business units: toys and hobby (toys, models, apparel and sundries), amusement facilities, game content (home and arcade console gaming), mobile content, and visual and music content (including home entertainment). Bandai America is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children’s toys and entertainment today, including Power Rangers, Ben 10, Team Galaxy, Tamagotchi and Girlz Connect. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Bandai.com.

Tamagotchi Connection Instruction Manual

Select from the following options:

Tamagotchi Connexion
Digital Friends of the World

Instruction Sheet

©Bandai WiZ 2004
Bandai 2004

Tamagotchi Connexion is an interactive virtual pet that will evolve differently depending on how well you take care of it. Play games with it, feed it food and cure it when it is sick and it will develop into a good companion!

Tamagotchi Connexion has some special functions!

1. It can communicate with other Tamagotchi friends, play games, exchange gifts...and even have Tamababies if the friendship goes well.
2. It can use, play or wear the gifts it receives.

Description

How to Wake Your Tamagotchi

1. Pull out the tab from the side of the casing and Tamagotchi will appear after a long beep.
2. To reset, press the Reset button on the back of the casing with a pointed object such as a pen. NB: do not apply too much pressure, especially with a sharp object.
3. Set up Time and Date. Press button (B), the time screen will appear. Days, month, hours and minutes will be set up one by one using button (A) to scroll and button (B) to choose/set the correct number.
   NB: As some special events occur on specific dates, please set up the date carefully.
4. Set up your birthday date/month...Tamagotchi might celebrate your birthday.
5. It will then return to the normal screen. After 1 minute, you will discover if your Tamagotchi is male (black Hebi-Chi) or female (white Hebi-Chi).
6. Select your Tamagotchi name using button (A) to scroll through the alphabet and button (B) to choose.
   Your Tamagotchi name can contain up to 5 letters. Once you have selected a name, you cannot change it.
   

The Growth Process
Your Tamagotchi can evolve in many different characters depending on how you take care of it.

How to Make Your Tamagotchi Grow

When Tamagotchi needs something, it calls you with a beep and the Attention icon is highlighted. Check what it needs with the Hunger Meter and play, feed or discipline them.

How to Take Care of Your Tamagotchi

Hunger Meter:
Select the Hunger Meter Icon with button (A) to check the following information regarding your Tamagotchi: Level of Hunger, Level of Happiness, Level of Discipline, Age, Weight, Name, Gender, Generation.

• Level of Hunger/Level of Happiness
  The number of hearts you have to indicate your Hunger/Happiness (the more the better!).
• Level of Discipline
  Number of dots indicates level of discipline (the higher the better).
• Age/Weight/Name
  Everyday your Tamagotchi lives it becomes 1 year older. Keep it healthy and don't allow its weight to increase too much.
• Gender/Generation
  Check the gender (style) of your Tamagotchi, boy or girl. Check your Tamagotchi's generation. If your Tamagotchi has had a Tamababy, it will become the next generation of your Tamagotchi.

Feeding Time:

• Press button (A) to select the 'Feed Icon'. Then press button (B) to choose either food or snack. Check your Tamagotchi's hunger level before feeding it or it might get sick or become overweight.

Toilet/Flush:

• When your Tamagotchi makes a mess, press button (A) to select the 'Toilet Icon' and use button (B) to clean up.

• Press button (A) to select the 'Game Icon' and press button (B) to choose either the dance game or the jumping game.
• Dance Game: Dance as your Tamagotchi shows you...
• Jumping Game: Press B button to jump over the hurdles.

• 1. Press (A) to select the 'IR Icon'. Then press button (B).
  2. 'STAND BY' appears on the screen.
  3. Position the two Tamagotchi face to face as shown.
  4. Press button (B) to start IR communication.
• You can PLAY games together or EXCHANGE GIFTS after connection.

• Exchange Gifts:
  One of the connected Tamagotchi may drop a gift. See notebook section to use gift. If you connect several times with your favourite Tamagotchi, your relationship level will increase.
• Playing Games:
  Your Tamagotchi will automatically play after selection. Playing games improves the happiness of your Tamagotchi, and increases your chances at winning in future games.
  • Balloon game: First one that pops the balloon wins the game.
• Eating game: First one that eats everything wins the game.
• Developing Relationships:
  Your relationships improve and develop the more connection you make with other Tamagotchi. After several connections you and your favourite partner may become good companions. The girl Tamagotchi will give birth to 2 Tamababies. One of the Tamababies will stay with the girl and the other returns to the boy Tamagotchi.

Discipline:

• Sometimes your Tamagotchi can be very naughty or may just need a pat on the back! Use button (A) to select the 'Discipline Icon' and button (B) to choose either punish (when naughty) or praise to cheer up your Tamagotchi.
  

  When to Discipline?

  Praise - When it calls/beeps even when it's not hungry.
  Punish - When it refuses food even when it's hungry.
  

Health:

• When the 'Skull Icon' appears, your Tamagotchi is sick. Use button (A) to select the 'Health Icon' and button (B) to nurse your Tamagotchi back to health. Sometimes it takes more then one dose of medicine!

Lights:

• When your Tamagotchi goes to sleep, turn off the lights. Use button (A) to select the 'Light Icon' and button (B) to choose 'Lights Off'.

Notebook:

• Use button (A) to select the 'Book Icon' and button (B) to check your list of 'friends' and 'items'.
  Friendship Level: Use button (A) to select 'friend' and button (B) to choose. Press button (B) again to check your level of friendship. Your friendship level improves the more connections you make with other Tamagotchi. Friendship levels are shown below:

If you connect to more then 50 friends 'SORRY !! TOO FULL' will appear. You must delete one of your friends if you wish to add more. Press button (A) to scroll through your friends. Press button (B) to choose the friend to be deleted. You will be asked to confirm your selection by choosing 'YES' followed by 'REALLY'.

Item: Sometimes your Tamagotchi will receive a special gift from another Tamagotchi. You will get to keep this. If you press button (B), your Tamagotchi can play with its gift or wear it.

Note: Not all gifts can be used with all Tamagotchi characters.

The Matchmaker and Having Tamababies

• When your Tamagotchi grow old without finding a partner, a 'matchmaker' may appear to try and find you a partner! If you are unable to find a suitable partner your Tamagotchi will continue to grow old until it passes away.
• You can only have Tamababies if a suitable partner is found.
• Tamagotchi automatically takes care of the Tamababy, except if the Tamababy becomes sick. Then you have to nurse the Tamababy back to health.
• After 24 hours the parent will disappear from the screen, you must then choose a name for the Tamababy. This becomes the second generation of your Tamagotchi. This process will continue as long as your take care of your Tamagotchi and develop good relationships with other Tamagotchi.

If Your Tamagotchi Passes Away

• Your Tamagotchi will pass away if your don't take good care of it. If you want to start again, press and hold button (A) and (C) until a new egg appears. It will hatch after a few minutes.

How to Set Up Time

• To check time in normal screen mode, press button (B).
• To change time, press button (B) to show current time. Press and hold buttons (A) and (C) together until the setting time mode starts.
• Select 12H or 24H clock format. Press button (A) to select and button (B) to choose/set.

Sound On/Off

• Press and hold buttons (A) and (C) together. Select sound ON or OFF.

How to Replace Battery

• Requires 1 'CR-2032' 3V battery. Using a small screwdriver, turn the screw counter anti-clockwise to loosen. Remove back as shown, and remove the old battery. Insert the new battery as indicated in illustration. (NOTE: You will NOT need to change the batteries before using your Tamagotchi for the first time.)
• CAUTION: Keep batteries away from children. Batteries may be harmful if swallowed. NOTE: Make sure you use a new battery.

Reset Option (When to reset?)

• If it is the first time you have activated your Tamagotchi.
• If the screen is not clear, image freezes or does not move after long period of time.
• When you have changed the battery.
  After pressing the reset button, you can choose either 'DOWNLOAD' or 'RESET'. If you select 'DOWNLOAD' your Tamagotchi will be restarted from the last major event - waking up, growing up, IR communication. Note: You may need to reset the time. If you select 'RESET', your Tamagotchi will restart from the very beginning. This will erase all entries (Friends and Gifts) from your notebook.

How to Attach Keychain

• Insert the chain into the ring and close it as shown.

CAUTION!

• Read the instruction sheet carefully.
• Do not give this item to a children who is under the recommended age.
• This product contains small parts such as batteries, battery cover and screws that may cause suffocation if swallowed by children.
• Batteries, battery cover & screws may be swallowed by children. Do not pass this product to children below 3 years old.
• While replacing the dry cell batteries, please ask a guardian for help.
• Do not swallow small parts like batteries, battery cover & screws.
• Swallowing dry cell batteries is extremely dangerous. Please keep batteries away from Children.
• Batteries are replaced by owners of this product.
• Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix different kids of batteries. Please ensure + & - at the correct position.
• Do not recharge, decompose, heat, or dispose of batteries in fire.
• Swallowing dry cell batteries is extremely dangerous. In case that batteries are swallowed, please go to see a doctor for help.
• Avoid rough use such as knocking the product or swinging it around.
• Small parts may cause harm if swallowed by children.
• Contents may vary from photos and illustrations shown on the package.
• Age 4 & up.

Warning: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for Children under 3 years.

Check us out at www.bandai-asia.com

Manufactured by BANDAI (H.K.) CO., LTD.
Unit 3018, Tower 1, Admiralty Centre,
18 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong.

Tamagotchi Connection V4 Job Application

Age 4 & up.

Not Intended For Sales or Distribution in the USA, Canada or Europe.

[Webmaster's note: If mistakes are found, it is likely to be my fault and not an error in the original instruction sheet. Strange looking bends in the images are the fault of my moody scanner. ^_^]

Tamagotchi Connection V4 Job Openings