The Tamagotchi craze may have begun as stress-inducing virtual pets for a whole generation of youngsters, but it has since evolved into an anime and a series of console games, with the latest addition set to launch this week.

Unless you're based in Japan, your last encounter with a new Tamagotchi game might well date back to 2007 with Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 3 on the 3DS, marking the franchise's most recent international release. However, after nearly two decades (or 13 years for Japan), the series is making a comeback for global audiences with Tamagotchi Plaza.

In this case, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Tamagotchi Plaza comes with three extra shops that can be played using the Joy-Con's mouse controls. If you haven't got your hands on a Nintendo Switch 2 yet, you can pick up the standard version of the game at launch and then purchase the upgrade pack later on, should you choose to invest in the new console. This applies to all Switch 2 Editions, so there's no immediate pressure to shell out the additional cash.

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Tamagotchi Plaza is part of the Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop series, inviting players to serve customers at various stores in Tamahiko Town, while enhancing their shop's reputation and catering to the adorable townsfolk. The base game features 12 shops, whereas the Switch 2 Edition offers 15.

But when can you dive in? Here's when Tamagotchi Plaza will be available in your region.

Tamagotchi Plaza is set to launch on Friday, June 27, and a day earlier, Thursday, June 26, for gamers in Asia and Japan. While the exact release time for Tamagotchi Life hasn't been officially confirmed, it's anticipated that the digital version will be available on the Nintendo eShop at 9am PDT / 12pm EDT / 5pm BST.

For now, a physical version of the game will only be released on Switch 2 in Japan. According to Nintendo and various Reddit discussions, third-party digital titles typically go live at this time on their release day.

This timing aligns with details provided on the Nintendo UK site, so unless there's an update from Bandai Namco or the eShop, we expect Tamagotchi Plaza to be released at this time.

In terms of file size, the eShop indicates that Tamagotchi Plaza will take up 1.1GB on the Switch and 2.1GB on Switch 2 (as per the US store page). The game can be purchased for £34.99 /$39.99 / AU$54.95.