Creature collectors like Pokemon have always had some relationship to the beloved Tamagotchi. In fact, these virtual pets were the inspiration behind Digimon, which was created as a more “masculine” counterpart. In many ways, a crossover between Pokemon and Tamagotchi just makes sense. In fact, the brands have previously collaborated on a limited Pokemon x Tamagotchi run. But now, Pokemon is preparing to launch its own, updated spin on the keychain virtual pet concept.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Back in 2019, Pokemon and Tamagotchi collaborated on a limited-time run of a simple Eevee Tamagotchi. Pokemon also released its own pedometer-style device, the Pokewalker, alongside Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. Both of these early attempts likely laid the foundation for this newest venture, the Pokemon Poke-nade Monster Ball. The Tamagotchi-style toy from Japanese toy maker Takara Tomy is set to release in October, with Japanese and English language options. But what exactly is this thing?
Pokemon’s New Tamagotchi-Style Toy Is An Ambitious Upgrade on the Concept
This new Poke-nade device has a bit of an odd name, but there’s a meaning behind it. “Naderu” in Japanese means to stroke or pet, and petting your Pokemon is a core feature of how this new device operates. So the name combines Pokemon and pet, giving you the Poke-nade. Though it’s a similar portable pocket device, it doesn’t look to be quite as easy to carry around as a Tamagotchi. It is, as its name suggests, a round toy shaped and styled like a Poke Ball. It has a few simple buttons, as well as a little window-style screen where you can check in on your Pokemon.
Where Tamagotchis were relatively simple, with one virtual pet per device, the Poke-nade will offer an extensive list of Pokemon to interact with. In total, players will be able to encounter and care for 157 different Pokemon. However, only 7 special Partner Pokemon are fully voiced and animated – Pikachu, Eevee, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Lucario, and Sylveon. The first few make sense, as the Pokemon mascots and the most recent starter trio. As for Lucario and Sylveon, it’s likely these two are just the top popular Pokemon that fans most want to see.
The Poke-nade will offer a variety of different petting interactions, with different Pokemon reactions for each. In addition to petting your pocket monsters, you’ll be able to play with them, take care of them, and even engage in Pokemon battles on the device. Exactly how this works on a small screen with just a trio of buttons remains to be seen, but the initial animation images are giving Tamagotchi meets Nintendogs. And honestly? I’m here for it.
While it looks like an upgrade on the Tamagotchi in many ways, the size and shape will likely make the Poke-nade a bit easier to carry around. Hopefully, that means our Pokemon will be a bit more forgiving if we forget to feed them. The new Poke-nade Monster Ball toy releases on October 11th and will cost around $51 USD.
What do you think of this new Pokemon meets Tamagotchi device? Will you be getting one? Let us know in the comments below!
Most Viewed
-
image courtesy of 20th Century Studios -
Image courtesy of Prokino Filmverleih
