Supreme x Bandai Namco Tamagotchi
The original behind the Supreme x Bandai Namco Tamagotchi is the Bandai Namco Tamagotchi Original (Gen 1) — $20 retail vs Supreme's $48.
Supreme vs. Original
Supreme version
About the original
The Tamagotchi Original is a handheld digital pet designed by Aki Maita and Akihiro Yokoi and released by Bandai in Japan in November 1996, reaching the US the following May. The egg-shaped keychain runs a monochrome LCD pet simulation: feed it, clean it, play with it, or it dies. It sold over 82 million units worldwide during the late-1990s craze. Bandai was founded in Tokyo in 1950 and merged with Namco in 2005 to form Bandai Namco. The SS23 Supreme collab runs the original Gen 1 programming and gameplay in a box-logo shell, offered in three colorways at $48 each.
About Bandai Namco
Bandai Namco is a Japanese entertainment company formed in 2005 from the merger of Bandai, founded in 1950 in Tokyo, and Namco, founded in 1955 in Tokyo. Bandai produces toys, model kits, and licensed figures including the Gundam plastic model line and the Tamagotchi virtual pet, first released in 1996. Namco developed arcade titles such as Pac-Man in 1980, Galaga, and Tekken. The combined company publishes video games across the Dragon Ball, Elden Ring, and Dark Souls franchises. Supreme's collaboration produced a co-branded Tamagotchi alongside apparel.
Price comparison
| Supreme retail | $48 |
|---|---|
| Bandai Namco retail | $20 |
| Hype tax | +140% |
Questions
Is the Supreme x Bandai Namco Tamagotchi just the regular Tamagotchi Original (Gen 1)?
The Supreme x Bandai Namco Tamagotchi, released in Spring/Summer 2023, is based on the Bandai Namco Tamagotchi Original (Gen 1). Supreme collabs sometimes change the colorway or materials; the description on this page covers the original's specs and any notable differences in the Supreme version. If you want the product without the box logo, the Bandai Namco Tamagotchi Original (Gen 1) is the one to buy.
How much cheaper is the Bandai Namco Tamagotchi Original (Gen 1) than the Supreme version?
Supreme charged $48 for the Supreme x Bandai Namco Tamagotchi; the Bandai Namco Tamagotchi Original (Gen 1) retails for $20. That's a 140% markup — buying the original saves you $28, or 58% off the Supreme price. Buy the original at retail and you skip the hype tax entirely.
Where can I buy the Bandai Namco Tamagotchi Original (Gen 1)?
You can buy the Bandai Namco Tamagotchi Original (Gen 1) from Amazon. Retail price is $20. The buy links on this page go straight to the product listing at each retailer.
Related items
All Bandai Namco items · All Accessories · Spring/Summer 2023