Bandai America’s Dynamic Tamagotchi Connection is Crowned by Numerous Awards Panels and Fans

(Cypress, CA – December 13, 2006) – Bandai America Inc.’s Tamagotchi Connection—the world’s first and original “virtual pet” tech toy—continues its reign as one of the most coveted tech toys of 2006. Not only has it been a consistent bestseller at retail, it has also scored a number of top awards and distinctions this year. In fact, Tamagotchi is a leader in the Robotic/Interactive Playmates category by remaining the #1 selling property for girls (according to market information company The NPD Group; based on sales through October 2006).

While flying off shelves, Tamagotchi Connection V3 has been busy winning accolades within the industry, including:

• Toy Industry Association’s “Toy of the Year” (T.O.T.Y.) awards finalist for “Electronic Entertainment Toy of the Year”
• The National Parenting Center’s “Holiday Seal of Approval,” which selects toys based on parents’ and children’s interaction with toys
• Family Magazine Group’s “Family Choice Award,” which recognizes the best in children’s and parenting resources
• Toy Wishes’ Holiday “All Star”
• Toy Wishes’ Spring/Summer “Hot Dozen,” which predicts the season’s top sellers and the most innovative, in-demand toys
• Toys “R” Us Top 12 Stocking Stuffer Ideas and Great Finds for 2006

“Tamagotchi V3’s exciting new online play at TamagotchiTown.com allows fans to venture even deeper into the world of their favorite Tamagotchi characters,” said Michael Riley, vice president of marketing for Bandai America Inc. “Our strong retail performance and critical acclaim have proven that the third time’s the charm as the brand continues to energize our loyal fan base with fresh new designs, features and promotions.”

In response to V3’s overwhelming success this year, Bandai America created a special limited edition “Golden Tamagotchi” to thank fans for their support. Never to be sold in stores, only 2,000 were handcrafted and individually numbered for distribution in the United States. More than 65,000 excited fans scrambled to win only 300 Golden Tamagotchis during October’s “Golden Month” online celebration. Now, fans can tune into Radio Disney as well as other radio stations nationwide through the end of the year to win one of these elusive toys.

Additionally, the “Great Tamagotchi Fan Shell-ection,” which let voters determine the first new Tamagotchi design to debut in January 2007, made fans into the ultimate fashionistas as they made the style declaration of the year and predicted next season’s “must-have” look. After a tough race to the finish line, fans overwhelmingly chose “Glow-in-the-Dark” as the eventual winner, garnering more than 50% of the vote.

About Tamagotchi Connection

Originally launched in 1997, 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 fact, more than 25 million units have been sold globally since then, demonstrating the renewed strength of this now ubiquitous brand.

The most technologically advanced version to date, Tamagotchi Connection V3 arrived in early 2006 and introduced fans to TamaTown.com, where one can 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 in the mall, visit with their virtual pet’s parents and grandparents, meet the Tamagotchi King, and even travel the world to exotic destinations. Fans can also still “connect” via the awesome infrared technology feature, to have their pets play games, share gifts and become friends with each other – all while storing a “friend list” of up to 45 friends in their egg. Tamagotchi and “Gotchi Gear” products 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 new joint entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests 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, Team Galaxy, Tamagotchi and Girlz Connect. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Bandai.com.