Tamagotchi L.I.F.E.

Bandai has re-released its Tamagotchi pets for a new generation in an app available for Android devices. (Tamagotchi / February 14, 2013)

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By Salvador Rodriguez

February 14, 2013, 7:57 a.m.

If your significant other grew up in the '90s, then unfortunately your Valentine's Day gift may be toppled this year by Bandai -- which has re-released its Tamagotchi pets for smartphones.

The Japanese company revived Tamagotchi on Thursday with a new app for Google Play called Tamagotchi L.I.F.E., which among its feature has a "TOY mode" that lets users play with Tamagotchi pets just like they first did 16 years ago.

Tamagotchi pets were popular in the 1990s. They were digital pets that users had to take care of on small, egg-shaped devices. The toys were memorable for how quickly the pets could die and how much attention they required.

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Now, Bandai has brought those enjoyable frustrations to the smartphone.

"It's just like the original virtual pet you loved, but better!" the app's tagline reads.

An Apple version of Tamagotchi L.I.F.E. is also in the works, and users can head to the app's website to sign up and be notified for when it releases.

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