an adult with a tamagotchi addiction
My girlfriend and I got ourselves a pair of Tamagotchi originals (Gen 1 & 2) to raise back in August in search of something to do as a couple that wasn't scrolling simultaneously on our phones, and we had so much fun with it that we bought a pair of Connections to raise just three weeks later. Since then, we have amassed a total collection of NINE vpets, with the most recent editions being a pair of Tamagotchi Pix Party's and one Sumikko Friend from Takara Tomy. Basically, vpets have consumed my life. So, what happened? Why am I broke, addicted to the Tamagotchi subreddit, and what the hell is a vpet?
Vpets are virtual pets (no kidding) that can be raised, collected, and played on handheld physical devices. The most popular are Tamagotchis, but there are unique, obscure, and even strange vpets enthusiasts and casual players alike can enjoy (Punirunes, anyone?). Before getting into vpets as a adult, I had no idea how high-tech they had become since I last owned a Littlest Pet Shop vpet back in 2007. They come with color, wifi, cameras, cute animations, customizable faceplates, and cases. If I had known sooner that I could turn my Tamagotchi Pix Party into a pink kitty with a charm attachment and silicone case, I would've been addicted ages ago!
Apart from their aesthetic charms, vpets have something my other hobbies don't. While most of my hobbies, like journaling or playing guitar, all require some level of introspection or creativity, vpets only need you. Just you, feeding them, petting them, and being there. Even as the models I purchase get more technically complex, the simplicity of this requirement stays the same. Be here. So, when I'm not feeling my best, or when I haven't written a song in weeks, or a blog post in a month, my tamagotchi is there for me, beeping for me, needing me. As my life gets busier and more hectic, and my ability to commit to my creative endeavors weakens, it's been nice to have something that requires that little of me, just some time and attention.
As a couple, the tamagotchis have become something we're known for among our friends, as we'll whip them out at every function (birdwatching, getting tattoos, you name it) to check on them. Every time our friends see us with a tamagotchi, it's a different model! They probably think we're going broke over these things (we are), but I've made peace with this being our brand. Having something to do when my partner comes home from work that escapes the mundane adult routine we've fallen into has been really nice, and I hope that even if my tamagotchi doesn't get buried with me, the lesson it taught me remains.
Also, if you're wondering, Kuchipatchi is my favorite.
ʚ ═══･୨ ꕤ ୧･═══ ɞ