Introduction
Welcome to the world of Tamagotchi! The Bandai Tamagotchi Original is a virtual pet that requires your care and attention to grow and thrive. This manual provides detailed instructions on how to set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot your Tamagotchi device, ensuring a fulfilling experience as you raise your digital companion.
The goal is to nurture your Tamagotchi from its initial hatching stage through various life cycles, including awakening seniors. Consistent feeding, care, and play are essential for its happiness and healthy development.
Setup
1. Battery Installation
Your Tamagotchi requires batteries to operate. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the device. Use a small screwdriver to open the compartment cover. Insert the required batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-). Close the compartment securely.

Image: Assorted Bandai Tamagotchi Original devices. These devices are small, oval-shaped, and come with a keychain. Each device features a small LCD screen displaying a pixelated virtual pet and three control buttons below the screen.
2. Initial Activation and Time Setting
After battery installation, your Tamagotchi will activate. You will be prompted to set the current time. Use the control buttons (A, B, C) to adjust the hour and minute. Button A typically selects, Button B confirms, and Button C cancels or moves back. Refer to the button functions in the Operating section for detailed usage.
3. Hatching Your Tamagotchi
Once the time is set, an egg will appear on the screen. After a short period, your Tamagotchi will hatch. Congratulations, your virtual pet has been born!
Operating Your Tamagotchi
Control Buttons:
- Button A: Selects menu options or scrolls through choices.
- Button B: Confirms selection or performs an action.
- Button C: Cancels an action, returns to the previous screen, or wakes up the Tamagotchi.
Caring for Your Tamagotchi:
- Feed: Select the 'Fork & Knife' icon. Choose between a meal (fills hunger) or a snack (fills happiness). Overfeeding snacks can lead to weight gain and illness.
- Play: Select the 'Game' icon. Play mini-games to increase your Tamagotchi's happiness. Different games may be available depending on the Tamagotchi's age and evolution stage.
- Discipline: Select the 'Exclamation Mark' icon. If your Tamagotchi calls for attention but doesn't need anything, or if it refuses to eat, discipline it to improve its behavior.
- Toilet: Select the 'Toilet' icon. Clean up your Tamagotchi's waste when it appears on the screen. Neglecting this can lead to illness.
- Medicine: Select the 'Syringe' icon. If your Tamagotchi becomes sick (indicated by a skull icon), administer medicine promptly.
- Lights: Select the 'Lightbulb' icon. Turn off the lights when your Tamagotchi goes to sleep and turn them on when it wakes up. This is crucial for its sleep cycle.
- Status: Select the 'Heart' icon. Check your Tamagotchi's status, including age, weight, hunger, happiness, and discipline meters.

Image: A selection of Bandai Tamagotchi Original devices in various solid colors. These devices are shown from the front, highlighting their simple design, small screen, and three control buttons.
Maintenance
Battery Replacement:
When the display becomes dim or the device behaves erratically, it may be time to replace the batteries. Follow the same steps as initial battery installation. Ensure to replace all batteries at once with new ones of the same type.
Cleaning the Device:
Wipe the exterior of your Tamagotchi with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or abrasive materials, as these can damage the device. Keep the device away from water and excessive moisture.
Resetting the Device:
If your Tamagotchi freezes or you wish to start a new game, you can reset the device. Locate the small reset button (often recessed) on the back or side of the device. Use a thin, pointed object (like a paperclip) to press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. This will erase all current progress and restart the game from the egg stage.
Troubleshooting
- Device Not Turning On:
Check battery installation. Ensure batteries are new and correctly inserted with proper polarity. If issues persist, try a different set of new batteries.
- Screen is Dim or Flickering:
This usually indicates low battery power. Replace the batteries immediately.
- Tamagotchi Not Responding to Buttons:
Try resetting the device using the reset button. If the problem continues, the internal circuitry may be damaged.
- Tamagotchi Dies Frequently:
Ensure you are consistently feeding, playing with, and cleaning up after your Tamagotchi. Neglect or frequent illness can lead to premature death. Pay attention to its calls for attention.
- Tamagotchi is Always Sick:
Ensure you are cleaning up its waste promptly and administering medicine when the skull icon appears. Overfeeding snacks can also lead to illness.
Specifications
| Model Number | 42800 |
| Product Dimensions | 1.57"L x 1.57"W x 3.94"H |
| Item Weight | 0.05 Kilograms (1.76 ounces) |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Material | Plastic |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
| Manufacturer Recommended Age | 14 years and up |
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information:
Specific warranty details for your Bandai Tamagotchi Original are typically provided with your purchase documentation or can be found on the official Bandai website. Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Customer Support:
For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries regarding your Tamagotchi, please visit the official Bandai website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can usually be found on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website.
Note: Protection plans may be available for purchase separately and are not part of the standard manufacturer's warranty.





