The million-dollar invention that was a sensation in the late 90s and that has an incredible legend

The 90’s decade It marked an unforgettable time for millions of people. At that time, one of the most remembered inventions emerged: the Tamagotchia toy that conquered an entire generation and that hides a mysterious legend.

That small egg-shaped device became a cultural and technological phenomenon. While young people tuned in to their favorite shows or sang their favorite hits, they also spent hours taking care of their virtual pets, marking a unique connection between technology and entertainment.

Fury and fall of the Tamagotchi

This revolutionary invention for that time burst onto the market in 1996, capturing the attention of children and adolescents with its innovative proposal: a small device where users took care of a virtual pet. From feeding her to cleaning her and playing with herthis invention required constant dedication. If neglected, the digital pet died, leaving a tombstone on the screen as a reminder. This dynamic made it extremely addictive and, at the same time, a personal challenge.

The success was overwhelming. Bandaithe company behind the cute invention, sold more thane 20 million units in Japan in less than two years, and similar figures in the rest of the world. By the end of the 90s, the small device was already a symbol of childhood for many, filling school yards and becoming a topic of conversation in any corner of the planet.

However, like any fad that rises quickly, its decline was just as abrupt. In 1999, the market was saturated due to a massive overproduction. Stores began returning thousands of units they couldn’t sell, and Bandai faced a financial crisis significant, with losses that amounted to 35 million dollars. This excess stock marked the beginning of the decline of the Tamagotchi, relegating it to oblivion for a few years.

Starting in 2000, the company tried to regain interest by launching new models and improved versions, but it never managed to reach the initial level of fury. Still, the Tamagotchi left an indelible legacy, being remembered as an icon of the ’90s and early 2000s.

Tamagotchi and the legend of Odaiba

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Tamagotchi’s history is the urban legend surrounding its supposed final destination. According to rumors, the company would buried millions of devices unsold on the artificial island of Odaibalocated in the tokyo bay. This place, known for its transformation from a defensive fortress to a tourist center, became the epicenter of an intriguing story.

The story inevitably evokes the famous video game anecdote ET from Atari, whose cartridges were buried in a landfill New Mexico after its commercial failure. In the case of the Tamagotchi, legend suggests that Bandai would have chosen to hide its excess inventory in Odaiba as a desperate measure in the face of financial losses.

Although this version is captivating, there is no concrete evidence to confirm the mass burial of the toys. Experts agree that the leftover devices were most likely destroyed by conventional methods. Despite this, Japanese television programs and publications on social networks keep this theory alive, transforming it into part of the toy’s cultural legacy.