How to Collect Tamagotchi

Familiarize yourself with the product. Bandai, the Japanese manufacturer of Tamagotchi, makes German, American, and Japanese versions of the toy. American Tamagotchi are the most common and Japanese are the rarest and most valuable.

Understand the different versions of Tamagotchi. In the United States, there are four versions of Tamagotchi, the V4 being the most recent incarnation. Many Tamagotchi accessories and interactive feature are not compatible with all generations of the toy, which may be important to you if you're collecting for recreation.

Learn which Tamagotchi are the most valuable. Among the most sought after colors are clear blue, clear green and white. Devilgotchi is one of the most popular virtual pets, and can cost as much as $200.

Visit large toy retailers to find new Tamagotchi. A new American Tamagotchi will typically cost $15 to $30. It may be hard to find Tamagotchi during the holiday season, as large chains often sell out. Soon after hitting the North American market, retail toy stores sold an average of 15 Tamagotchi per minute.

Purchase rare Tamagotchi at online auction sites. Many sellers specialize in Tamagotchi and other Japanese collectibles. Thoroughly research sellers' history and ratings before buying, as you may pay as much as $200 for a highly desirable Tamagotchi.

Leave your Tamagotchi in its original packaging if collecting as an investment. A toy's value depreciates significantly immediately upon opening. If you can't resist the urge to play with a Tamagotchi, purchase an inexpensive one to satisfy your curiosity.

Expand your collection beyond the original Tamagotchi with accessories like video games, decorative stickers, and trading cards. The more complete and diverse your collection, the more you will enjoy it and the more value it will gain if you hope to sell in the future.