New Pokéball with display turns Pokémon into virtual pets
The Takara Tomy Pokémon Pokéball was originally released back in 2023. Now, the Japanese toymaker is launching a new version of its Tamagotchi (from $20 on Amazon) alternative with a total of 157 Pokémon. This number is a bit misleading, because only seven Pokémon are fully voiced and available as virtual pets, including Pikachu, Eevee, Lucario, Sprigatito, Quaxly, Fuecoco and Sylveon.
The remaining 150 Pokémon can be befriended or battled by your own Pokémon, though the battle system has been simplified compared to the main games in the series. The Pokéball offers several mini-games for feeding and washing Pokémon. Meanwhile, a sensor recognizes when the top of the Pokéball is touched, allowing gamers to pet their Pokémon. Their reaction supposedly varies depending on how fast and how long they are petted.
On the corresponding product page, Takara Tomy does not confirm if Pokémon can evolve or if they can die from neglect, which is the case with some Tamagotchi products. It is also unclear whether a Pokémon's personality changes depending on how well the owner takes care of it.
Price and availability
The Pokémon Poke-nade Monster Ball will be available in Japan starting October 11, 2025, for the equivalent of roughly $50. It is currently unknown if or when the gadget will be released in other markets, but since the software is also available in English, import should be an option.
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