Bandai's Next Generation Tamagotchi Hits Sales of One Million Units In Japan in Just Five Months!

CYPRESS, Calif., July 29, 2004 - While the launch of Tamagotchi
Connection, the next generation original virtual pet, is set for nationwide
release in the United States on August 15, the Tamagotchi craze is already
thriving overseas. Bandai Japan recently announced that cumulative sales of
Tamagotchi are on track to exceed one million units by the end of August "just
five months after its Japanese release in March 2004. Fans of all ages " from
children to adults who remember the first Tamagotchi" are eagerly purchasing
the advanced virtual pets with infrared technology.

To satisfy consumer anticipation and demand in the United States, Bandai
America has scheduled two special launch events for Tamagotchi Connection in
New York and San Francisco. Fans are invited to Toys 'R' Us Times
Square in New York beginning Tuesday, August 10 at 9:45 a.m. ET and
also to Metreon - A Sony Entertainment Center in San Francisco on Tuesday,
August 10 at 9:45 a.m. PT to purchase the first products five days before
they are available nationwide.

"We're ecstatic to see such overwhelming consumer response to
the release of Tamagotchi overseas - which is a great indicator of what
to expect in the U.S.," said Bill Beebe, senior vice president of sales
and marketing, Bandai America. "Because so many fans have been demanding
product in the United States, we are offering fans a chance to purchase their
own Tamagotchi Connection at Toys 'R' Us Times Square and Sony
Metreon five days before they are officially available on store shelves across
the country."

About Tamagotchi Connection

The egg-shaped toy simulates the life cycle of a pet, letting kids experience
the fun and responsibility of feeding, tending to and caring for their virtual
pet. The advanced Tamagotchi Connection features new infrared communication
functions. Infrared technology allows Tamagotchi Connection owners to "connect" with
others, play games, give gifts and become friends with other Tamagotchi
owners and store a "friend list" of up to 50 friends. Once
an adult, the Tamagotchi can connect with a compatible Tamagotchi friend and
have a second-generation Tamagotchi that the owner can care for and nurture
into an adult to create more generations to come.

With a larger display and better graphics than the original version,
Tamagotchi Connection owners can care for their pet by selecting various controls
to feed it food or a snack, play games with it, clean up after its messes and
give it medicine when it becomes sick. The new Tamagotchi Connection will be
available at retailers nationwide on August 15, 2004 at a suggested retail
price of $14.99.