Tamagotchi

A Tamagotchi (pronounced "tom-ah-GOT-chee") is a relatively inexpensive toy containing a small liquid crystal display display, a few touch-sensitive user controls, and a program in which the image of a small creature is visible. By interacting with the program, the user is able, over the period of some days, to see the creature evolve into a more mature form or, if insufficient attention is paid, to see the creature disappear or "die." The original Tamagotchi is made by Bandai Toys of Japan. Several other manufacturers are making similar toys. The word derives from Japanese "tamago" meaning "egg" and "chi" as a term of endearment; approximately, "lovable egg".