TEEN & TWEEN FASHION ALERT: The Hottest Style Accessory Debuting This Fall is the New Tamagotchi Mini

From Cell Phones to Backpacks & Belt Loops, the Tamagotchi Mini Can Be Worn Anywhere as a Trendy Fashion Accessory That Doubles as an Interactive Toy for Girls

CYPRESS, Calif., August 11, 2005 - As fashionistas worldwide prime themselves to declare the latest must-have accessory for the fall, Bandai America Incorporated - a leader in introducing hot Japanese toy trends to the U.S. marketplace - today announced its candidate for consideration: the new Tamagotchi Mini wearable tech toy.

The "Mini" is an offshoot of Bandai America's ultra-popular Tamagotchi virtual pet, which debuted back in 1996 and sold more than 40 million units worldwide. Not only did the Tamagotchi spur a pop culture phenomenon, it launched a brand new toy category and has prompted countless imitators. Based on strong consumer demand, Bandai America reintroduced the product in late 2004 as "Tamagotchi Connection," which has already generated tremendous buzz among a new generation of young fans.

Featuring programming similar to the original Tamagotchi, the Mini lets teens/tweens experience the fun and responsibility of feeding and caring for their own virtual pet. Best of all, the Mini is only one-third the size and can be attached to cell phones, key chains, backpacks, purses, jewelry and even clothing as a fashion accessory. Cool design themes include Black Flames, Cosmic Pink, Purple Confetti, Tangerine Polka Dots and Striped Chaos.

"Young girls love to show off their individual style with trendy clothing and accessories, so there's no better way to do this than with the Tamagotchi Mini," said Colleen Sherfey, director of marketing for Bandai America Inc. "And since tech toys, as well as 'wearable tech' like sporty MP3 players, have become a major trend for tweens, the stylish, fun and portable Mini is poised to be a huge hit."

The Mini follows the release of the highly anticipated Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 and Tamagotchi True Friends Collection, both released this summer. Suggested retail price for the Mini is $7.99 with product available at retailers nationwide in August.

About Tamagotchi Connection
The Tamagotchi is an egg-shaped toy that simulates the life cycle of a real pet, letting kids experience the fun and responsibility of caring for their own virtual pet. The advanced Tamagotchi Connection features new infrared communication, which allows owners to "connect," play games, give gifts and become friends with other Tamagotchis and store a "friend list" of up to 50 pals. Once an adult, the Tamagotchi can connect with a compatible friend and have a second-generation Tamagotchi that the owner can then nurture into more generations to come. With a larger display and enhanced graphics from the original version, Tamagotchi Connection owners can care for their pet by selecting various controls to feed it a meal or snack, play games with it, clean up after its messes and give it medicine when it becomes sick.

About Bandai America Incorporated
Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 30 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, D.I.C.E., Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake and Tamagotchi product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at www.Bandai.com.