When did Tamagotchi become all about the cutie-pies?

By Jenni Lada // 4.6.163.27.16

There tends to be a trend among Tamagotchi toys. Each one seems to have a different focus that shows the evolution of the product line. The original Tamagotchi was notable simply for existing. It was the first virtual pet. Tamagotchi Angel took place after a character had died, following them into the afterlife and reassuring younger players that it was okay if they “lost” the main game ten times in a row. Tamagotchi Connection allowed two users’ characters to interact and perhaps even breed. The newer models, after 4U, even have NFC technology for connections and additional content.

Cool Stuff

The Kirby Nendoroid is certainly magnetic

By Jenni Lada // 3.18.164.5.16

Kirby is easily one of Nintendo’s most adorable icons. He’s our little, blobular buddy! Naturally, this means he’s extra adorable in Nendoroid form. The Good Smile Company figure is one of the most unique in the line. Since he’s a spherical sort of guy, the company couldn’t do the usual thing where arms, legs, heads, and waists have a hole-plug situation. Instead, the power of magnetism lets you customize this cutie pie.

Cool Stuff

The life and times of cosplay Pikachu

By Jenni Lada // 3.2.162.22.16

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t recognize Pikachu. The electric mouse has burrowed his way into our collective unconscious. See a chipper, yellow creature with rosy cheeks, brown stripes and black accents and it’s the first thing that springs to mind. Pikachu!

Cool Stuff

Import sweets alert: Nobel’s Super Mario candy

By Jenni Lada // 2.4.162.4.16

News flash, frequenters of Asian grocery stores! A new variety of candy has hit shelves. You can now find Super Mario candy from Nobel, inspired by Super Mario Maker.

Cool Stuff

Happy holidays from Michibiku!

By Graham Russell // 12.24.1512.6.15

We’ve reached the end of 2015! This is the first holiday season for Michibiku, so we’d like to thank all of you readers for giving us a chance to tell you about some great Japanese games! We hope you have a safe, happy and game-filled time from now until January.

Cool Stuff

Michibiku’s Game of the Year Tiebreaker Contest!

By Graham Russell // 12.1.1512.22.15

When two people decide on the Game of the Year, there’s more than a little animosity. That’s where you come in!

Cool Stuff

Games give new life to the philosopher’s stone

By Jenni Lada // 11.20.1512.18.15

The myth of the philosopher’s stone has often been used as a plot device in media. People are introduced to this legendary object capable of extraordinary things through alchemy, may spend most of the game attempting to learn more about it or acquire it, and have peripheral encounters with it. While most forms of media focus on its ability to grant immortality, resurrect the dead, and transmute metals into gold, many Japanese games choose to focus on its ability to create new, artificial life.

Cool Stuff

Meeting momonga in video games

By Jenni Lada // 11.18.1510.25.15

Everything is cuter in Japan. Games are cuter. Food is cuter. Even the freaking squirrels are cuter. Don’t believe me? See that creature below? That’s a picture of some momongas, Japanese flying squirrels, shared by Cute Overload. You can’t compete with that.

Cool Stuff

An Animal Crossing amiibo cards examination

By Jenni Lada // 9.28.1510.21.15

Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer amiibo cards are an unusual thing. After all, we’ve only seen figures until now. The Skylanders, Disney Infinity, Super Smash Bros and even Lego Dimensions toys have all occupied valuable desk and shelf space in our homes. They’ve become dual-purpose collectibles. Yes, they make a game more interesting, but isn’t it cute how the Wii Fit Trainer looks like she’s using Dive-Clops to maintain her balance?