If you ever carried a tiny egg-shaped gadget in your pocket and fretted about feeding a pixelated pet before the school bell, mark your calendar. Tamagotchi is turning 30, and the party is free.

According to a report by Reid Carlisle for Hoodline, published October 9, 2026 and updated October 13, the celebration will take place on November 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Duffy Square in Times Square. It is organized by Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, and it is free to attend.

A Toy That Took Over The Nineties

Tamagotchi has been around since 1996. Per the sources cited in the article, it has shipped more than 100 million devices since then, across 37 models. That is a staggering number for a little keychain toy that asked nothing more of you than regular attention.

The article describes the event as the “biggest celebration ever,” but that is the company’s own claim, and so it is best taken as a statement from the organizers, not an independent measurement.

For anyone who owned one, the appeal needs no explaining. You hatched a creature, fed it, played with it and cleaned up after it, all on a screen the size of a postage stamp. Forget your pet for a few hours and it could pout or worse. A whole generation learned to love a digital friend that could never be left alone for long.

Planning A Visit

If you are within reach of New York City, a full day in Times Square is a fun way to spend a Sunday in late November. Here are the details to keep in mind, taken from the report.

• The date is November 22, 2026.
• The hours are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., so you have most of the day to drop in.
• The location is Duffy Square, in Times Square.
• The event is free.

Beyond those facts, it is a good idea to check the organizers’ official announcements for updates before you go, since schedules for large events can change. Times Square is also busy at any time of year, so dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and plan how you will get there and back ahead of time.

Digging Out Your Old Pet

You do not need to travel to take part in the nostalgia. The anniversary is a good excuse to look through the drawers for your old device. If you find one, a few gentle steps can help.

• Check the battery compartment first. Old batteries can corrode, so remove them if you see any residue.
• Do not force the buttons or pry at the case. Plastic from that era can be brittle.
• Look on the back for a model name or number, which will help you learn what you have.
• If you want to sell it, compare it to similar items that actually sold, and describe its condition honestly.

A Little Digital Pet With A Big Lesson

Part of what made the toy so memorable was how it worked. Unlike a doll or a puzzle, a Tamagotchi asked you to keep coming back. The pet had needs, and those needs ran on their own schedule, whether you were in math class, at the dinner table or on a long car ride. For many children it was a first lesson in responsibility, delivered in a way that felt like play.

It also gave kids something to share. Friends compared notes, traded tips and worried together about whose pet would make it through the day. In a time before everyone had a phone, a pocket-sized gadget was a conversation starter.

Bring The Family Along

An anniversary like this can be a gift to more than one generation. If you have grandchildren, a free day in Times Square is the sort of outing that might make a lasting memory, and if you have grown children, it is a chance for them to show you the toys they loved. Consider turning it into a mini reunion, with everyone sharing stories of the pets they cared for and the ones they let slip away.

If you cannot make the trip, you can still mark the occasion at home. Ask your kids or grandkids what toy from their own childhood they remember best. You may be surprised by the answers, and you will probably learn something about the people you love along the way.

A Few Practical Tips For A Big Event

Large free events can draw crowds, so plan for patience. Arrive early if you want to see everything, take a bottle of water, and pick a spot to meet if your group gets separated. Keep your belongings close, as you would in any busy place, and check the weather forecast the night before, because late November in New York can be cold. Remember that the details here come from the report, and the organizers are the best source for any last minute changes to the schedule.

Why We Still Care

Thirty years is a long time for any toy to keep its charm, and the list of 37 models shows that the idea has kept changing and finding new fans. For some, a Tamagotchi is a link to a school hallway where everyone compared whose pet was healthiest. For others, it is a way to share that memory with their own children or grandchildren.

Whether you plan to make the trip or simply dust off a keepsake at home, the anniversary is a sweet reminder of how a tiny gadget captured the heart of a generation. Somewhere out there, a pocket-sized pet from 1996 is still waiting to be fed.

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