Tamagotchi Virtual Pet (Gen 1, 1996)

The original Tamagotchi from 1997 was the virtual pet that launched a global craze. Made by Bandai, this egg-shaped keychain demanded constant attention — feed it, clean up after it, play with it, or watch it die. For a whole generation of kids, it was their first taste of digital responsibility.

Gen 1 Tamagotchis are highly collectible because they're the ones everyone remembers. Sealed units in original packaging command serious money, but even loose working units in clean condition have strong demand. The various shell designs and colorways add a collecting dimension beyond just having one.

Check that all three buttons are responsive and the screen has no dead pixels or bleeding. Battery corrosion is common in units that sat in storage for decades — inspect the battery compartment carefully. Original packaging with the cardboard backer and plastic window intact makes a big difference in value.