Bangkok--Feb 2--4D Communications Dream Toy joins Japan's Bandai to launch "Tamagotchi Connection" with hopes to stimulate toy industry following its huge popularity 7 years ago More high-tech features added as new toy brings people closer Dream Toy aims to spark up Thailand's toy craze for the year of the chicken through alliance with Japan's leading toy manufacturer Bandai. The cooperation leads to the launch of "Tamagotchi Connection" to revive the popularity of Tamagotchi 7 years ago. The latest product is modern and up to date with the golden age of communication using infrared to link up 2 players for better game variety and more realistic environment. The toy targets every consumer group especially teenagers and working professionals. Mr. Weerarat Kijlertphairoj, Deputy Managing Director, Marketing of Dream Toy Co., Ltd., disclosed that 7 years ago nobody could deny that the popularity of electronic pet known as "Tamagotchi" was beyond the roof. "The product invented by Bandai's Aki Maita was inspired by his dream of owning a pet. However, the current social condition of Japan has made it very difficult for one to own a pet, which is the reason why the first version of Tamagotchi electronic pet emerges in the world. The invention has also marked important evolution in the world of electronic toys," he said. "Tamagotchi became very popular was able to make historic sales in Japan unloading all the products in stock only within a few days to launch to the market. It went on to be known to the people around the globe as in the United States and Canada alone up to 40 million units and 12 million units of Tamagotchi were sold. The figures translated into sales of 15 units per minute," he explained. "Tamagotchi was embraced by consumers. With a survey conducted, we found out customers wanted Bandai to continue producing a new version of Tamagotchi resulting in the birth of Tamagotchi Connection - advanced electronic pet that is more realistic to a living thing. Each of the Tamagotchi Connection uses the infrared system to make its functioning complete leading to interaction among Tamachotchis. Its memory unit accommodates up to 50 names and it is now capable of reproducing second and third generations Tamagotchi so that an electronic pet owner can now enjoy a new relationship with other owners, who could be members of the family or friends. This helps eliminate the weakness of the current society, where the environment encourages individual's separation from the society," said Weerarat. Tamagotchi Connection has been available in Japan since late last year. The product was sold out to all levels of customers within 2 days of the launch. Tamagotchi Connection is available in 6 colors and 6 styles on attractive oval screen. The product will be sold at leading department stores in Bangkok and the provinces for 799 baht each. "I am confident that the return of Tamagotchi as Tamagotchi Connection will help stimulate the toy market in Thailand, which has for a long time been without any significant movements, while bridging the gap in the society for the people in different social groups especially friends and family to move closer. I believe Tamagotchi Connection will be sold out in just a short period of time with projected sales of around 5 million units within a month's time," he concluded. Dream Toy joins Japan's leading toy maker Bandai to launch Tamagotchi Connection - latest electronic pet - to bring people in the digital age closer Dream Toy Co., Ltd., A leading toy distributor IN Thailand, joins Bandai, Japan's toy maker giant, to launch "Tamagotchi Connection" - latest electronic pet developed from the original Tamagotchi, which became very popular around the world 7 years ago. The latest version of Tamagotchi was created for realistic features in terms of feeling, emotion and communication with the infrared system to link each Tamagotchi to one another. Various special features and activities were developed to make the toy more interesting and exciting. Tamagotchi Connection comes in 6 different designs and styles for 799 baht each. It is now available at leading department stores. For more information: Wipavaris Ketpama 02-951-9119, 01-890-3568 4D Communications Co., Ltd. Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net End.