Tamagotchi Game Boy box art

Game Boy · Simulation

Tamagotchi

SystemGame Boy
Released1997
GenreSimulation
DeveloperBandai Namco
PublisherBandai Namco
Players1 player
CommitmentWeekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 1

Released for the Game Boy in 1997, Tamagotchi is a simulation game developed by Bandai Namco.

It landed about 8 years into the Game Boy's life. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1997 include Castlevania Legends, Donkey Kong Land III and Harvest Moon GB. Among the 11 Game Boy simulation games in our database, it ranks #5 by legacy score.

Tamagotchi is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to think and plan
  • you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
  • you've played the Game Boy hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want clear goals and a defined ending
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Tamagotchi is like

Simulation games model a system and let you play inside it, whether that means building a city, flying a plane, raising a pet or running a business.

Tip for newcomers: Simulations are often open-ended. Set yourself small goals and enjoy experimenting with the systems.

Tamagotchi gameplay screenshot on Game Boy
In-game screenshot (Game Boy)

Tamagotchi cheats & codes

24 codes on file (GameShark). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:

Body Stats Modifier010?0AD0
Deed Stats Modifier010?0BD0
Fun Stats Modifier010?09D0
Life Stats Modifier010?08D0
I.Q. Stats Modifier010?0CD0
Lbs Stats Modifier010?07D0

See all Tamagotchi cheats

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Playing Game Boy games today

Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.

Tamagotchi FAQ

When did Tamagotchi come out on the Game Boy?

Tamagotchi was released for the Game Boy in 1997.

Who made Tamagotchi?

It was developed by Bandai Namco.

Is Tamagotchi multiplayer?

No. Tamagotchi is a single-player game.

How long does Tamagotchi take to play?

As a simulation game, Tamagotchi typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you