Criticism and Controversy
The main controversy over Tamagotchi digital pets involved children taking them to school because the first two Tamagotchi releases (Generation 1 and Generation 2) could die in less than half a day from lack of care. Worry over potential ownership disputes, class disruptions and general distraction from schoolwork has led many schools to ban the product, which led to the virtual pet's decline in popularity. In response to this controversy, Bandai's later Tamagotchi releases included a Pause feature as well as the ability to turn the sound off when desired.
On August 3, 2005, South Australian MP Nick Xenophon attempted to ban the Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 (or at least have it classified R18+) due to the "Slot" game featured on it, fearing that it would make children grow up to become the "gambling addicts of tomorrow".
Many male Tamagotchi fans have criticised Bandai for marketing the recently released Tamagotchi Connection series (2004–2009) primarily towards a female audience, rather than to a unisex audience, as was the case of the original releases (1996–1998.) However, Bandai did release a series of virtual pets called DigiMon which are aimed at males.
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