Virtual pet

The virtual pet craze began in 1996 with the release of the original Tamagotchi by Bandai, a small egg-shaped digital toy that allowed users to raise, feed, and care for a pixelated creature. Its instant popularity sparked a worldwide phenomenon, captivating children and adults alike with its mix of novelty, interactivity, and responsibility. In response to Tamagotchi’s success, countless other companies sought to capitalize on the trend by releasing their own versions of digital pets.

Among these imitators and licensed tie-ins was The Lost World: Jurassic Park virtual pet, produced to coincide with the release of the 1997 film. This branded toy let players hatch and care for a baby dinosaur, reflecting the prehistoric theme of the movie. Like other virtual pets of the era, it featured a small LCD screen and simple button controls that allowed users to feed their creature, play games, monitor its health, and clean up after it.