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Finally, I've Found a Worthy Successor to the Iconic 90s Tamagotchi
Katie is a UK-based news reporter and features writer. Officially, she is CNET's European correspondent, covering tech policy and Big Tech in the EU and UK. Unofficially, she serves as CNET's Taylor Swift correspondent. You can also find her writing about tech for good, ethics and human rights, the
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Sweekar turns the Tamagotchi into a physical AI pocket pet that won't die on you
Takway, a startup that wants to be the "Nintendo of the AI robot era," has unveiled a Tamagotchi-like virtual pet at CES 2026 that's meant to go with you everywhere and develop a unique personality in the process. Sweekar is an AI companion built into a palm-sized toy, a cutesy egg-shaped device
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Sorry Tamagotchi Fans, It's AI Time
When they said, "Nothing in this world is sacred," they meant Tamagotchis, too, or at least Tamagotchi rip-offs. While you might remember your virtual pets of yore with all the analog goodness that the '90s had to offer, this is the year of our lord 2026, and everything has to have AI. Yup,
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Startup Takway unveiled Sweekar at CES 2026, an AI-powered virtual pet that physically grows through four life stages while developing a unique personality. The egg-shaped device with ears remembers your voice and stories, evolving from a needy baby to an autonomous adult companion. Available via Kickstarter in March for $150.
A startup called Takway, positioning itself as the "Nintendo of the AI robot era," unveiled Sweekar at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, presenting what many are calling a worthy successor to the Tamagotchi
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. This AI pet takes the beloved 90s concept and amplifies it with modern technology, creating an AI companion that physically grows alongside its digital maturation. The egg-shaped device features ears that glow when tapped and a screen displaying expressive faces that reflect the creature's mood and well-being1
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Source: Gizmodo
Unlike the original Tamagotchi, which remained the same size throughout its lifecycle, Sweekar evolves through life stages with actual physical growth. The AI pocket pet begins as a closed egg during a two-day incubation period, perched on its charging base until the shell cracks open
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. During the demo at CES 2026, the egg responded to three gentle taps on the head, making its yellow ears glow before revealing a screen with a cracking shell and sleepy eyes1
. The baby stage lasts between five and seven days, followed by the teen stage spanning 21-45 days, before reaching adulthood1
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Source: CNET
What sets this AI-powered virtual pet apart is its ability to remember and learn. Sweekar learns from user interactions, recalling your voice, your stories, and personal quirks over time
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. The device uses a combination of Google's Gemini and ChatGPT to power its memory and personality development, allowing it to remember details like your name, favorite color, and shared experiences3
. Each life stage brings new challenges and capabilities, with early days requiring high-frequency care and basic language learning, while the teen years introduce greater intelligence and more distinct personality traits1
.The growth stages transform Sweekar from a demanding infant into an independent companion. During the baby and teen stages, owners must complete care tasks and provide attention to keep their virtual pet alive, much like the original Tamagotchi
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. However, once Sweekar reaches adulthood at Level 51, it becomes an autonomous pet capable of caring for itself2
. At this stage, the AI companion can entertain itself, embark on virtual excursions, and return with tales of its adventures, eliminating the risk of death through neglect that plagued many 90s virtual pets2
.Related Stories
Sweekar comes in pink, yellow, and blue variants, with options for customizable shells and outfits to personalize your AI companion
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. Takway plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in March, with pricing expected between $150 and $200, though one source specifically mentions $1501
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. This represents a significant increase from the original Tamagotchi's £10 price point in 1996, reflecting the advanced AI technology powering the device.
Source: Engadget
While Takway claims that everything shared with Sweekar remains private, the data practices of AI toys raise questions that cannot be independently verified at this stage
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. Privacy concerns around AI companions that remember personal details and conversations may give some parents pause before introducing these devices to children. The broader issue of AI toys having autonomous capabilities suggests potential buyers should carefully consider the implications before purchase, particularly for younger users3
. As the Kickstarter launch approaches, observers will be watching to see how Takway addresses these concerns and whether the nostalgic appeal of a Tamagotchi-inspired experience can overcome skepticism about AI integration in children's toys.Summarized by
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