Bandai has opened pre-orders for a new Tamagotchi ring in Japan, a functional, wearable version of the classic digital pet that fits on a finger. The announcement sparked immediate demand, as pre-orders through international resellers sold out quickly, according to a teaser video and accompanying materials from the company. The device is currently only available in Japan, and Bandai has not announced plans for an official release in the United States or other markets. Pre-orders began on August 27 and will remain open through October 6.
The ring is priced at 7,700 yen, which is about $48. It comes in three colorways: iridescent white and pink, silver and black, and gold and blue. This is the smallest working Tamagotchi that Bandai has produced, smaller than its Mini and Nano models, and it is the first in this ultra-compact form factor to feature a color screen. The device supports raising more than 30 different Tamagotchi characters.
A demonstration video released with the announcement shows that the three decorative buttons on the front of the egg-shaped ring are not functional. Instead, users control the toy by pressing two buttons located on the sides of the ring. The device also comes with a charging cradle that the ring slots into, allowing continued play while it is plugged in. Bandai expects to release the ring in February 2027.
The release follows a pattern of Tamagotchi-themed accessories that have previously been designed to look like the toy but were not playable. This ring, however, is a fully functional unit, marking a departure from those earlier non-interactive items. The small size and color display are notable features, as previous compact models offered more limited gameplay.
For U.S. consumers, the immediate concern is availability, as the ring is not slated for domestic release at this time. Those interested would need to rely on international resellers, which have already seen their initial stock sell out. Bandai has not provided additional details on whether a broader rollout is planned after the Japanese launch.
The ring is positioned as a novelty item, but its functionality and compact design may appeal to collectors and longtime fans of the franchise. The inclusion of a color screen in such a small device is a technical step forward for the product line, though the gameplay itself remains basic, consistent with other mini versions. Bandai has not indicated whether a similar watch-style device is in development, despite the smaller form factor raising questions about the size of its existing watch models.
More gadget news from TechManNews.
