What 1990s virtual pet from Japan required constant digital care and feeding?

The virtual pet from Japan that demanded constant digital care and feeding in the 1990s was the Tamagotchi. Released by Japanese toy maker Bandai in November 1996, this small, egg-shaped device quickly became a global phenomenon. Its name is a portmanteau of the Japanese words "tamago" (egg) and "uotchi" (watch), literally translating to "egg watch."

The core of the Tamagotchi experience revolved around nurturing a pixelated creature through its life stages, from hatching to adulthood. Owners were responsible for a variety of tasks performed via three simple buttons, including feeding their digital pet meals or snacks, playing games with it, disciplining it, and cleaning up its waste. Neglecting these duties could lead to the virtual pet becoming sick or even dying, often represented by a gravestone or an angel-like animation, which taught many children a poignant lesson about responsibility and loss.

The Tamagotchi's incessant demands for attention, signaled by its distinctive beeping, meant that owners had to tend to their digital companions frequently throughout the day. This constant engagement made the Tamagotchi a cultural icon of the 90s, fostering emotional connections between users and their virtual pets. Its immense popularity led to millions of units sold worldwide and influenced the development of future digital pets and simulation games.