Electronic pets

You know, there are tons of mini electronic pets. I will not show every info about each toy. This page is just a brief history of electronic pets showing the most important toys. To be considered as a pet, the toy has to have any “pet” feature (like mood, personality, life dependency, etc.) to differ from a robot or just a smart plush.

Tamagotchi

The first one, a massive fad in Japan, Tamagotchi launched the digital pet mania. Launched in 1996 by Bandai (third largest toy company in the world)

price: $ 20. Buy it here

Curiosity fact: Tamago is “egg” in japanese and “chi” denotes affection.

watch the videos

Furby

The first electronic pet with complex facial movements and learning ability. Launched in 1998 by Hasbro (second largest toy company in the world)

price: $40. Buy it here

Curiosity fact: in 1 year , 27 millon toys sold.

watch the videos

POX

Create your virus and battle in The Arena (wireless). Launched in 2001by Hasbro

Currently unavailable, try eBay

Curiosity fact: Hasbro used a very nice mouth to mouth marketing campaign to launch the toy.

watch the video

Mutsu

Electronic aqua pet, reacts to light, sound and remote control. Launched in 2002
by Tomy.

Currently unavailable, try eBay

Curiosity fact: Mutsu was an Imperial Japanese Navy’s battleship.

download the video

Micropets

They can interact with each other, have voice recognition and can follow commands that are spoken to them. Launched in 2002 by Tomy

Currently unavailable, try eBay

Curiosity fact: Micropets makes it into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the tiniest, sound activated, self-powered toy.

watch the videos

Neopets

Neopets started as a virtual game, the electronic version is voice activated and changes mood with the tone of your voice. Launched in 1999 (website) and 2003 (electronic pets) by Viacom (Neopets) and Thinkway Toys (electronic pets).

Currently unavailable, try eBay

Curiosity fact: they have more than 30 million members in their community

watch the videos here and here.

Aibo

Artificial Inteligence roBOt. Launched in 2001 by Sony

Discontined, try eBay

Curiosity fact: Aibo means “love” in Japanese.

watch the videos

Aquapets

This interactive water pets like to play with each other (wireless). Launched in 2004 by Wild Planet

price: $ 15. Buy it here.

Curiosity fact: I know, the shape is phallic.

watch the videos

iDog

React to music flashing lights on its face and dance. Its mood changes depending on how music is playing. Launched in 2005 by Sega (the first one) and Hasbro (the american version).

price: $30. Buy it here

watch the videos

Nintendogs

Pet simulation game for Nintendo DS. Interact with the puppies using microphone and touchscreen display. Launched in 2005 by Nintendo

price: $28 (plus Nintendo DS). Buy it here
Curiosity fact: in one year, sales had reached 6 million worldwide
watch the videos: http://www.youtube.com/results.php?search_query=nintendogs

Cube World Digital Stick People

They can interact with each other. The motion sensor allow you to tumble your stick man. Launched in 2006 by Radica

price: $25. Buy it here

watch the videos

Pleo Dinosaur Robot

Pleo is equipped with senses for sight, sound and touch. He learns as he explores his environment. He will exhibit reactions to sensory stimuli. Each Pleo begins life with certain tendencies but eventually exhibits a unique personality. Will be available in 2007.

price: $250.

watch the videos