Tamagotchi (1990s)

Remember the constant beeping and the tiny pixelated friend you carried everywhere? The Tamagotchi was the ultimate virtual pet, a keychain-sized digital creature that demanded your attention 24/7. Released in the mid-90s, it exploded into a global phenomenon by 1997, captivating kids and teens across the US and worldwide. Its simple three-button interface controlled feeding, playing, cleaning, and disciplining your pet, teaching a generation about responsibility (and the heartbreak of neglect). The need for constant care made it special, creating a shared experience of sneaking peeks during class or rushing home to check on its status. This little device wasn't just a toy; it was a cultural moment, sparking fads, causing school disruptions, and forever cementing its place as an icon of 90s youth culture.