The Tamagotchi King of TamaTown.com Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Unveil Exciting New Destinations in His Online Kingdom

His Royal Majesty Officially Opens New Elementary School, Movie Theater & Restaurants for Tamagotchi Fans; Also Reveals New Tamagotchi® Connection™ Toys, Including Stylish "Gotchi Gear" Products

Cypress, CA - July 6, 2006 - The celebration continues at TamaTown.com, the new exclusive online destination for fans of Bandai America Incorporated's Tamagotchi Connection Version 3 - the latest and most dynamic version of the world's first and most popular "virtual pet" toy.

The famed Tamagotchi King has maintained a very busy schedule engaged in his many royal duties, such as kicking off a new year at the Tamagotchi Town elementary school, hosting a movie premiere at the TamaTower Theater, and cutting the grand opening ribbon at the International Food Court. In addition, His Royal Majesty recently found time to help Bandai America unveil a fresh collection of fun design styles for its top-selling Tamagotchi virtual pet, as well as debut new "Gotchi Gear" products that let kids accessorize their eggs with fun charms, lanyards and character plush lanyards.

"With the support of the King and our most loyal fans, Tamagotchi Connection continues to be the hottest virtual pet around, which is why we're unveiling a total of 24 design styles in 2006 - the most in one year," said Michael Riley, vice president of marketing for Bandai America. "Kids of all ages should stay tuned to Tamagotchi.com to learn more about all of the exciting expansions we have in store for TamaTown.com, as well as the exclusive promotions we're launching in the summer and coming fall."

lanyard

The new "Gotchi Gear" line includes colorful lanyards, or Tama Leashes, with a miniature character figure attached; three-in-one Charms that feature smaller versions of Mametchi, Memetchi or Kuchipatchi, along with collectible items commonly found in Tamagotchi Town; and 3.5" Pet Pouches that are shaped like individual characters and are perfect for carrying an egg around anywhere (includes a matching lanyard as well). For the ultimate fashion statement, simply attach them all to backpacks, purses, cell phones, belt loops and even your virtual pet.

charms

And coming in mid-July, Bandai America is hosting its first-ever "fan's choice" by calling on all Tamagotchi lovers to help select a new design that will debut at retail stores in January 2007. Anyone can log onto Tamagotchi.com throughout July-August to participate in the voting. The winning style will then be unveiled by His Royal Majesty in October, to coincide with a special ceremony that he is holding to honor the occasion.

pet pouch

The advanced Tamagotchi Connection Version 3 arrived in early 2006 and introduced fans to Tamagotchi Town, where one could explore the magical world of Mametchi, Memetchi, Kuchipatchi and all their friends. While using "Gotchi Points" and special passwords, visitors can go online to shop at the mall, visit with their pet's parents and grandparents, receive a map and keys to the city in the Town Hall, and even travel the world to exotic destinations. And the response could not be more overwhelming with more than 50,000 daily visitors to TamaTown.com since the site's launch.

About Tamagotchi Connection
Originally launched in 1996, the egg-shaped Tamagotchi - which simulates the life cycle of a real pet - went on to sell more than 40 million units worldwide and created a brand new toy category within the industry. Bandai America reintroduced the brand in 2004 with new technology as Tamagotchi Connection, and has created stronger-than-ever consumer demand in the U.S. and Canada. In fact, more than 20 million units have been sold globally since then, demonstrating the renewed strength of this now ubiquitous brand.

The Tamagotchi lets kids experience all the fun of raising a pet—without the responsibility and mess. It features infrared technology that allows owners to "connect" their virtual pets together to play games, trade gifts and become friends, while storing a "Friend List" of up to 45 pals. Once an adult, the character can "connect" with a compatible friend and hatch more generations for endless fun. P roducts are currently available at all major retailers nationwide with a SRP of $4.99 to $14.99. For more information, visit Tamagotchi.com.

About Bandai America Incorporated
A leader in introducing Japanese toy trends to the United States, Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., a newly formed joint entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests now encompass five strategic business units: toys and hobby (toys, models, apparel and sundries), amusement facilities, game content (home and arcade console gaming), mobile content, and visual and music content (including home entertainment). Bandai America is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and entertainment today, including Power Rangers, Ben 10 and Tamagotchi. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Bandai.com.