The Tamagotchi craze of the 90s never really died—it evolved. Today's virtual pet games offer the same satisfying care mechanics with modern features like fitness tracking, rich customization, and social connectivity.
Belly brings Tamagotchi nostalgia to Apple Watch with modern features like friends
What Made Tamagotchi Special?
Tamagotchi captivated millions because it created genuine emotional connections through simple care mechanics. Feeding, playing, and nurturing a digital creature on a tiny screen tapped into our instinct to nurture. The best alternatives capture this magic while adding modern conveniences like cloud saves, health app integration, and social features that let you share your pet with friends.
Top 10 Tamagotchi Alternatives in 2026
1. Belly: Cute Pet on Your Watch
The spiritual successor to Tamagotchi for the wearable era. Belly lives on your Apple Watch and thrives based on your real-world steps. Walk more, and your pet grows healthier and happier. The pixel art style pays direct homage to classic virtual pets while offering hundreds of cosmetics, backgrounds, and customization options. Watch complications let you check on your pet from any watch face.
Why it's the best alternative: Combines nostalgic gameplay with fitness motivation, making pet care part of your healthy routine.
2. Pou
The blob-shaped virtual pet that's been charming users since 2012. Feed, clean, and play mini-games with your Pou to keep it happy. Its simple design and endless customization options (change colors, outfits, room decorations) make it endlessly replayable. The variety of mini-games adds extra engagement beyond basic pet care.
3. My Tamagotchi Forever
The official Tamagotchi mobile app from Bandai Namco brings the original characters to smartphones. Care for your Tamagotchi in a colorful 3D town, play mini-games, and unlock new characters. The AR features let you see your pet in the real world through your phone's camera, adding a modern twist to classic gameplay.
4. Hatchi
A faithful recreation of the original Tamagotchi experience on iPhone. The retro pixel graphics and familiar beeping sounds transport you back to the 90s. Unlike many modern alternatives, Hatchi keeps things intentionally simple—no fancy 3D graphics or complex features, just pure nostalgic virtual pet care.
5. Nomi (Widgetable)
A couples-focused virtual pet that you raise together with a partner. Each person's care affects the shared pet, creating accountability and connection. The pet lives on your home screen widget, making it visible throughout the day. Perfect for long-distance relationships or couples who want a shared digital companion.
6. Chao Garden (Sonic Adventure)
The beloved Chao Garden from Sonic Adventure 2 remains one of gaming's best virtual pet experiences. Raise adorable Chao creatures, feed them animals and chaos drives to evolve them, and enter them in races and karate competitions. The deep evolution system means no two Chao are exactly alike.
7. Hellopet House
Build and decorate a house for your virtual pets. The game combines Tamagotchi-style pet care with home decoration gameplay. Collect different pets, arrange furniture, and create the perfect living space. The cozy aesthetic and relaxing gameplay make it perfect for unwinding.
8. Pixel Petz
Create your own pixel art pets from scratch. The deep customization lets you design unique creatures that you then care for and trade with other players. The creative aspect adds a whole new dimension to virtual pet gameplay—your pet is truly one-of-a-kind because you designed it yourself.
9. KleptoCats
Collect adorable cats that steal random items for your room. The twist on traditional pet care—where your cats bring YOU presents—makes it uniquely engaging. Discover what items your cats will bring back and decorate your room with their "gifts." The mystery element keeps you coming back.
10. Tamagotchi Uni
The latest official Tamagotchi device with WiFi connectivity. Connect with other Tamagotchi owners worldwide, visit the Tamaverse, and raise classic characters with modern features. For purists who want the authentic handheld experience with 2024 conveniences, this is the definitive choice.
Why Apple Watch Makes the Best Platform
Virtual pets thrive on constant, casual interaction—exactly what a smartwatch enables. Unlike phones that stay in your pocket, your Apple Watch is always visible. Apps like Belly take advantage of this by integrating with your daily routine through step tracking and watch complications. The result is a pet that genuinely feels present in your life.
Looking for more virtual pet options? Check out our guide to the best virtual pet apps for Apple Watch or explore virtual pet apps for pet lovers.