CYPRESS, Calif., August 4, 2004 - With only a few weeks left until Tamagotchi Connection, the next generation original virtual pet, is available nationwide in the United States, Bandai America Incorporated has announced that retailer demand is exceeding expectations and consumer anticipation for the new product continues to mount.

Popularity overseas has spurred excitement and anticipation for the return of Tamagotchi in the United States. In Australia, the advanced Tamagotchi products sold out in some retail outlets just one week after the release. Bandai UK expects to sell out of its initial order of 450,000 virtual pets by the end of September - three months earlier than anticipated. And in other parts of the world, Bandai Japan announced that sales are set to exceed one million units in the first five months of the toy's release.

"While we expected Tamagotchi fans to be anxious for the release here in the U.S., we're amazed to see such high demand for the new product," said Larry Falcon, vice president of Sales for Bandai America. "We are working hard to increase production of Tamagotchi Connection so that by August 15th, everyone can experience the excitement of owning their own next generation virtual pet."

About Tamagotchi Connection

The egg-shaped toy simulates the life cycle of a pet, letting kids experience the fun and responsibility of feeding, tending to and caring for their virtual pet. The advanced Tamagotchi Connection features new infrared communication functions. Infrared technology allows Tamagotchi Connection owners to "connect" with others, play games, give gifts and become friends with other Tamagotchi owners and store a "friend list" of up to 50 friends. Once an adult, the Tamagotchi can connect with a compatible Tamagotchi friend and have a second-generation Tamagotchi that the owner can care for and nurture into an adult to create more generations to come.

With a larger display and better graphics than the original version, Tamagotchi Connection owners can care for their pet by selecting various controls to feed it food or a snack, play games with it, clean up after its messes and give it medicine when it becomes sick. The new Tamagotchi Connection will be available at retailers nationwide on August 15, 2004 at a suggested retail price of $14.99.

About Bandai America Incorporated

Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 38 subsidiaries in 13 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel.

Bandai America Incorporated is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake and Tamagotchi product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at www.Bandai.com.