Software:Tamagotchi Plaza

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Short description: 2025 video game
Tamagotchi Plaza
Key artwork
Developer(s)Hyde, Inc.
Publisher(s)Bandai Namco Entertainment
SeriesTamagotchi
Platform(s)
Release
  • JP: June 26, 2025[1]
  • WW: June 27, 2025[1]
Genre(s)Life simulator
Mode(s)Single Player, Multiplayer

Script error: The function "nihongo_foot" does not exist. is a shop simulation video game based on the Tamagotchi toy line for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. It released worldwide on June 27, 2025, making it the first Tamagotchi video game to be released outside of Japan in 18 years.

Tamagotchi Plaza is a follow up to the popular Nintendo DS series Software:Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop. Similar to the rest of the series, gameplay involves purchasing a shop, serving customers via minigames, and upgrading your shops.

Tamagotchi Plaza received generally negative reviews from critics, who praised its art style and design, though criticized the repetitive and grinding nature of its minigames, as well as the lack of tutorials for the minigames.

Gameplay

Players take the role of shopkeepers of various stores in Tamahiko Town and serve customers via minigames. Successfully performing the minigames enhances the reputation of the shop, which will earn the shop an upgrade and unlocks more features.[2] In the game, players help upgrade shops and get the town ready for an upcoming festival. Twelve shops are available in the base Nintendo Switch version of the game, and some shops allow two-players to play local co-op and versus game modes.[3][4]

Playing the shops minigames will reward players with Gotchi Points. These points can be used to upgrade shops and improve the town square.[5]

Tamagotchi Uni features

The game can connect to Tamagotchi Uni devices. This allows players to gain access to exclusive items and events. This functionality is similar to how the website TamaTown functioned, which allowed players to exchange items between the website and their Tamagotchi Connection toys.[6] Players get rewards in both Uni and Plaza, including additional ways to earn Gotchi, limited items, minigames, and exclusive Tamagotchis.[7]

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game has three additional shops available, bringing the total shops available to fifteen. These three additional shops utilize features of the Joy-Con 2, such as its mouse functionality.[8]

Plot

The player controls a human who is brought to Tamagotchi Planet by Prince Tamahiko. The player is tasked with working alongside a chosen partner Tamagotchi character to prepare Tamahiko Town for an upcoming festival by upgrading shops and serving the towns residents. After the player upgrades and unlocks every store, the Tamagotchi Festival will be held.

Development

The game was developed by Japanese developer Hyde, Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It is the first Tamagotchi video game on a game console since the 2017 Japan-only 3DS game, Tamagotchi no Puchi Puchi Omisetchi Ninki no Omise Atsumemashita. It is also the first game released outside of Japan since Software:Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 3 in 2008. This makes it the first Tamagotchi video game released on a game console in eight years in Japan, and the first released outside the country in eighteen years.[9]

Release

Tamagotchi Plaza was announced in a Nintendo Direct presentation on March 27, 2025.[10] The game released on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on June 26, 2025 in Japan, and June 27, 2025 worldwide.[1] Players who purchase the Nintendo Switch version of the game can purchase an optional upgrade to the Switch 2 edition.[11] The game received a physical release in Japan, with the Switch 2 version being fully "on-cartridge" and not a "game-key card" release.[12] Outside of Japan, the game received a digital-only release on the Nintendo eShop.[13]

On July 3, 2025, it was announced that Tamagotchi Plaza will be receiving updates that expand the story and add additional shops. The first free update released on July 10, and added a short story that takes place after the end of the main campaign.[14] On November 12, 2025 a cake shop was added to the Switch and Switch 2 versions of the game as a free update.[15]

Bandai continued to promote the game in the months following its release, including through a playable demo of the Switch 2 version available at the 2025 Tokyo Game Show.[16]

Reception

Critical response

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic43/100[lower-alpha 1][29]
Review scores
PublicationScore
CGMagazine6/10[17]
Console-Tribe55/100[18]
Game866/100[19]
Gamereactor4/10[20]
games.ch72/100[21]
GameSpew40/100[22]
The Jimquisition2/10[23]
Nintendo Life3/10[24]
NintendoWorldReport4/10[25]
Screenhub4/5[26]
TechRadar1/5[27]
Worth Playing5/10[28]

Tamagotchi Plaza received "generally unfavorable" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic,[31] with the Nintendo Switch 2 edition being the sixth worst rated game on the site in 2025.[32] Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received weak approval, being recommended by only 28% of critics.[30] Critics praised the game's art style and design,[33] but criticized the repetitive and grinding nature of the minigames, with Zubi Khan of CGMagazine calling the gameplay "charming but shallow".[34] Many critics also panned the lack of in-game tutorials for the minigames, which they described as frustrating and inappropriate for the games target audience.[35][36][37]

Some reviewers praised the game for its simplicity and low-stress gameplay.[38] Josh Broadwell of Polygon praised the game for its low stakes pacing and relaxing gameplay.[39] Writing for ScreenHub, Leah J. Williams praised the return of the series' minigames and cozy presentation, as well as the modern improvements.[40]

Sales

Despite receiving mostly negative reviews, Tamagotchi Plaza sold well in its native Japan. In May 2025, it was the fourth best-selling pre-order game on Amazon Japan, selling 800 units.[41] According to Famitsu, the Nintendo Switch version of Tamagotchi Plaza was the second best selling video game in Japan on its release week, with combined sales of both versions totaling 128,685.[42] By July 2025, Tamagotchi Plaza remained the second best selling video game in Japan, with combined sales reaching 176,893 units sold.[43] By the end of July, combined sales of Tamagotchi Plaza on the Switch and Switch 2 reached 200,000 units in Japan.[44] Tamagotchi Plaza was the best selling Nintendo eShop game on the Switch and the second best selling game for the Switch 2 in Japan for the month of July. It came second to Donkey Kong Bananza and outsold Mario Kart World and Street Fighter 6 on the eShop.[45] Nintendo revealed that the game was one of its best selling games on the eShop for the year of 2025, with the Nintendo Switch version being the second best selling game behind Pokemon Legends Z-A, and the Switch 2 version being the ninth best selling game.[46] Famitsu listed the Nintendo Switch version as the 14th best selling video game in Japan for the year of 2025, with 215,619 units sold. The Switch 2 edition placed as the 38th highest selling game, with 85,717 units sold.[47] Sales outside of Japan were slow. In the UK, Tamagotchi Plaza performed poorly on initial release, starting at 29th place in the charts.[48] Overall, the game was reported as performing poorly in terms of sales outside of Japan.[49]

As sales of the Tamagotchi toy line approached 100 million units, Chisato Aoyagi of Bandai stated that she believes Tamagotchi Plaza played a role in boosting the interest in the overall Tamagotchi brand.[50]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Based on 20 reviews
  2. ↑ Based on 30 reviews

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Felton, Amber (2025-03-30). "Tamagotchi Plaza - Release Date, Platforms, Shops, & Gameplay Details" (in en). https://screenrant.com/tamagotchi-plaza-release-date-platforms-shops-gameplay-details/. 
  2. ↑ Whybrow, Tatiana (2025-03-27). "Tamagotchi Is Taking On Animal Crossing & Disney Dreamlight Valley In New Game Tamagotchi Plaza" (in en). https://screenrant.com/tamagotchi-plaza-nintendo-switch-announcement/. 
  3. ↑ Mangiaracina, Nick (2025-03-27). "Tamagotchi Plaza Announced – New Shops, Over 100 Tamagotchi, and Co-op Mode - MonsterVine" (in en-US). https://monstervine.com/2025/03/tamagotchi-plaza-switch-gameplay/. 
  4. ↑ "Latest Nintendo Direct Reveals Nintendo Switch Games, Virtual Game Cards and a New Smart Device App Nintendo Today!". March 27, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250327383212/en/Latest-Nintendo-Direct-Reveals-Nintendo-Switch-Games-Virtual-Game-Cards-and-a-New-Smart-Device-App-Nintendo-Today. 
  5. ↑ Petrovich, Erik (2025-06-28). "What Is Gotchi Used For In Tamagotchi Plaza?" (in en). https://gamerant.com/tamagotchi-plaza-get-gotchi-point-farm-gotchis-points-methods/. 
  6. ↑ Macdonald, Cheyenne (2025-03-29). "The new Tamagotchi game for Nintendo Switch will connect with Tamagotchi Uni" (in en-US). https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-new-tamagotchi-game-for-nintendo-switch-will-connect-with-tamagotchi-uni-160639100.html. 
  7. ↑ O'Connor, Quinton (2025-06-29). "Tamagotchi Plaza: How To Link With Tamagotchi Uni" (in en). https://www.thegamer.com/tamagotchi-plaza-tamagatchi-uni-connect-guide/. 
  8. ↑ Knezevic, Kevin (May 2, 2025). "Every Nintendo Switch 2 Game That Supports Joy-Con Mouse Controls" (in en-US). https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/every-nintendo-switch-2-game-that-supports-joy-con-mouse-controls/2900-6517/. 
  9. ↑ Williams, Leah J. (2025-03-28). "New Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop sequel announced for Switch" (in en-AU). https://www.gameshub.com/news/news/tamagotchi-plaza-corner-shop-2692873/. 
  10. ↑ Yonezawa, Bruno (2025-03-27). "All Games Revealed At The Nintendo Direct (March 2025)" (in en). https://screenrant.com/nintendo-direct-march-2025-all-games-announcements-explainer/. 
  11. ↑ "Tamagotchi Plaza is also coming to Nintendo Switch 2! | Bandai Namco Europe" (in en). 2025-04-11. https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/tamagotchi/news/tamagotchi-plaza-also-coming-nintendo-switch-2. 
  12. ↑ Kiwami, Soul (2025-05-04). "Tamagotchi Plaza Physical Edition Will Feature English Subtitles" (in en-US). https://finalweapon.net/2025/05/03/tamagotchi-plaza-physical-edition-will-feature-english-subtitles/. 
  13. ↑ Gaming, Mirror (2025-06-25). "Tamagotchi Plaza release time – when you can jump into the new game" (in en). https://www.mirror.co.uk/gaming/tamagotchi-plaza-releases-week-heres-35451056. 
  14. ↑ Kent, Bobby (2025-07-04). "Tamagotchi Plaza First Free Update Releases Next Week, Adding New Story" (in en-US). https://gameluster.com/tamagotchi-plaza-first-free-update-releases-next-week-adding-new-story/. 
  15. ↑ Bandai Namco Entertainment Southeast Asia (2025-11-12). Tamagotchi Plaza - Cake Shop Trailer. Retrieved 2025-11-14 – via YouTube.
  16. ↑ Romano, Sal (2025-08-25). "Bandai Namco announces TGS 2025 lineup" (in en-US). https://www.gematsu.com/2025/08/bandai-namco-announces-tgs-2025-lineup. 
  17. ↑ Khan, Zubi. "Tamagotchi Plaza (Nintendo Switch 2) Review". https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/tamagotchi-plaza-switch-2/. 
  18. ↑ Licandro, Marco (2025-06-30). "Recensione Tamagotchi Plaza". https://console-tribe.com/recensioni/tamagotchi-plaza-316767/. 
  19. ↑ Reyes, Allisandra (2025-06-27). "Tamagotchi Plaza Review | Short Lived Fun". https://game8.co/articles/reviews/tamagotchi-plaza-review. 
  20. ↑ Maki, Jonas (2025-07-07). "Tamagotchi Plaza". https://www.gamereactor.eu/enjoy-your-pocket-pets-now-on-the-switch-screen-tamagotchi-plaza-is-coming-to-nintendo-switch-this-summer-1521053/. 
  21. ↑ Behner, Franziska (2025-06-27). "Tamagotchi Plaza - Test / Review" (in de). https://www.games.ch/tamagotchi-plaza/test/review-msQ/. 
  22. ↑ Snaith, Kim (2025-07-02). "Tamagotchi Plaza review". https://www.gamespew.com/2025/07/tamagotchi-plaza-review/. 
  23. ↑ Sterling, James Stephanie (2025-07-02). "Tamagotchi Plaza - Slop Shop (Review)". https://www.thejimquisition.com/post/tamagotchi-plaza-slop-shop-review. 
  24. ↑ Vogel, Mitch (2025-07-09). "Tamagotchi Plaza Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Review (Switch 2)". https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch-2/tamagotchi-plaza-nintendo-switch-2-edition. 
  25. ↑ Rudek, Jordan (2025-06-28). "Tamagotchi Plaza (Switch 2) Review". https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/71565/tamagotchi-plaza-switch-2-review. 
  26. ↑ Williams, Leah J. (2025-06-26). "Tamagotchi Plaza review: stay a while, stay forever" (in en-AU). https://www.screenhub.com.au/news/reviews/tamagotchi-plaza-review-2671008/. 
  27. ↑ Wood, Dashiell (2025-07-18). "Tamagotchi Plaza is hands down the worst Nintendo Switch 2 title yet". https://www.techradar.com/gaming/tamagotchi-plaza-review. 
  28. ↑ Medellin, Cody (2025-07-01). "Nintendo Switch 2 Review - 'Tamagotchi Plaza'". https://worthplaying.com/article/2025/7/1/reviews/146697-nintendo-switch-2-review-tamagotchi-plaza/. 
  29. ↑ "Tamagotchi Plaza Reviews" (in en). https://www.metacritic.com/game/tamagotchi-plaza/. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Tamagotchi Plaza". https://opencritic.com/game/18324/tamagotchi-plaza. 
  31. ↑ "Tamagotchi Plaza Reviews" (in en). https://www.metacritic.com/game/tamagotchi-plaza/. 
  32. ↑ "The 10 Worst Video Games of 2025 (Ranked by Metascore)" (in en). 2025-12-12. https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/worst-videogames-of-2025/. 
  33. ↑ Parker, Jason (2025-07-19). "Tamagotchi Plaza review: Cute, nostalgic presentation, but uninspired gameplay (Switch 2)" (in en-us). https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/tamagotchi-plaza-review. 
  34. ↑ Khan, Zubi (2025-06-30). "Tamagotchi Plaza (Nintendo Switch 2) Review - CGMagazine" (in en-CA). https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/tamagotchi-plaza-switch-2/. 
  35. ↑ Medellin, Cody (July 1, 2025). "Nintendo Switch 2 Review - 'Tamagotchi Plaza'" (in en). http://worthplaying.com/article/2025/7/1/reviews/146697-nintendo-switch-2-review-tamagotchi-plaza/. 
  36. ↑ Rudek, Jordan (June 28, 2025). "Tamagotchi Plaza Review - Review". http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/71565/tamagotchi-plaza-switch-2-review. 
  37. ↑ Shah, Irfan (2025-07-17). "Tamagotchi Plaza Review – Cute and Nostalgic, But Feels Repetitive and Empty - GamerBraves" (in en-US). https://www.gamerbraves.com/tamagotchi-plaza-review-cute-and-nostalgic-but-feels-repetitive-and-empty/,%20https://www.gamerbraves.com/tamagotchi-plaza-review-cute-and-nostalgic-but-feels-repetitive-and-empty/. 
  38. ↑ "Tamagotchi Plaza Switch Review | What's It Like?" (in en). 2025-06-30. https://www.whatsitlike.com.au/tamagotchi-plaza-switch-review/. 
  39. ↑ Broadwell, Josh (2025-07-02). "Tamagotchi Plaza cured my insomnia" (in en-US). https://www.polygon.com/gaming/610456/tamagotchi-plaza-impressions-switch-2. 
  40. ↑ Williams, Leah J. (2025-06-26). "Tamagotchi Plaza review: stay a while, stay forever" (in en-AU). https://www.screenhub.com.au/news/reviews/tamagotchi-plaza-review-2671008/. 
  41. ↑ Iggy (2025-05-26). "52% Of Third-Party Switch 2 Physical Game Sales Are Game-Key Cards According To Amazon Japan" (in en-US). https://nintendosoup.com/52-of-third-party-switch-2-physical-game-sales-are-game-key-cards-according-to-amazon-japan/. 
  42. ↑ Norman, Jim (2025-07-03). "Japanese Charts: Tamagotchi Plaza Serves Up A Staggering Debut" (in en-GB). https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/07/japanese-charts-tamagotchi-plaza-serves-up-a-staggering-debut. 
  43. ↑ Romano, Sal (2025-07-17). "Famitsu Sales: 7/7/25 – 7/13/25 [Update"] (in en-US). https://www.gematsu.com/2025/07/famitsu-sales-7-7-25-7-13-25. 
  44. ↑ Antonio Pineda, Rafael (August 2, 2025). "Japan's Video Game Rankings, July 21-27" (in en). https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-08-02/japan-video-game-rankings-july-21-27/.227250. 
  45. ↑ Sickr (August 10, 2025). "Japan: Nintendo reveals best selling eShop games for July 2025" (in en-US). https://mynintendonews.com/2025/08/10/japan-nintendo-reveals-best-selling-eshop-games-for-july-2025/. 
  46. ↑ Life, Nintendo (2025-12-28). "Here Are Japan's Best-Selling Switch and Switch 2 eShop Games For 2025" (in en-GB). https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/12/here-are-japans-best-selling-switch-and-switch-2-eshop-games-for-2025. 
  47. ↑ Brian (2026-02-01). "Japan's top 100 best-selling games of 2025 revealed, Mario Kart World on top" (in en). https://nintendoeverything.com/japans-top-100-best-selling-games-of-2025-revealed-mario-kart-world-on-top/. 
  48. ↑ Penwell, Chris (2025-06-30). "Death Stranding 2 Beats Mario Kart World in UK Games Sales Charts" (in en). https://hardcoregamer.com/death-stranding-2-beats-mario-kart-world-in-uk-games-sales-charts/. 
  49. ↑ "Nintendo Direct: 7 predictions for today's big showcase | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games" (in en-AU). 2025-09-12. https://www.screenhub.com.au/news/games/nintendo-direct-september-2025-predictions-2679244/. 
  50. ↑ "Japanese toy Tamagotchi nears 100 million sales, makes comeback ahead of 30th anniv." (in en). Mainichi Daily News. 2025-08-01. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250801/p2a/00m/0bu/008000c. 

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