Bandai Namco announces 'My Tamagotchi Forever' in celebration of Tamagotchi's 20th anniversary

My Tamagotchi Forever will be released on iOS and Android in 2018.YouTube/BandaiNamco

The massively popular '90's game, "Tamagotchi," just recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. So, to commemorate, Bandai Namco Entertainment announced "My Tamagotchi Forever," a more enhanced version of the "Tamagotchi" that will make its way to Android and iOS in 2018.

"20 years have passed since the release of the first Tamagotchi, one of the revolution in game entertainment of the 90's," read the official announcement. "We are pleased to announce My Tamagotchi Forever, a brand new free-to-play mobile game developed by Paladin Studios that will be ready to hatch in 2018, and to open today a very special contest on www.mytamagotchiforever.com."

"My Tamagotchi Forever" doesn't differ much from its original predecessor when it comes to gameplay. Players will still have to feed it, play with it, and give it necessary attention. The difference is its more enhanced graphics, allowing the virtual pets to be more expressive with its emotions, a trait highly similar to that of "Animal Crossing."

A new trailer was also released alongside the announcement, and it looks like the new game would also have augmented reality interactivity, just like "Pokemon Go." A new game mode, "Tamatown," was also introduced in the announcement, a township-like place where all the Tamagotchi characters will live.

"Tamatown" allows players to further customize their Tamagotchi characters by collecting new elements. It is also a place where other Tamagotchi characters can speak to each other. Mini-games can also be played, with the interaction seeming like a vital necessity for the Tamagotchi to thrive happily.

Players can also evolve their Tamagotchi to new characters, depending on the care they get and their happiness level. New food, costumes, and several colorful items can also be unlocked in Tamatown.

The press release detailed a special contest found on the "My Tamagotchi Forever" website. Players who register will get the chance to become an inspiration for a brand new Tamagotchi character, which will be added to the game in its release.

"My Tamagotchi Forever" a free-to-play mobile game on both iOS and Android. No official release date has been set yet, but according to Bandai Namco, the game will be "ready to hatch" sometime in 2018.