From the moment I launched Tamagotchi Plaza and the classic Corner Shop music filled the room, I was transported back two decades to a simpler, more wholesome era. This new game, available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, revives the beloved Tamagotchi Connection Corner Shop series, offering a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern gameplay.
Growing up with the Nintendo DS, the Corner Shop games were among my favorites. The simplicity of each Tamagotchi shop, combined with quirky mini-games, provided endless entertainment. Tamagotchi Plaza captures this essence, making only minor tweaks to expand the gameplay while maintaining the charm that fans adore.
A Modern Sequel with Classic Charm
At its core, Tamagotchi Plaza is a vibrant sequel that builds on the original Corner Shop series. Players enter a colorful world, helping Tamagotchis by completing tasks in various shops. Each shop offers a unique experience, from the Galette Shop, reminiscent of the old Takoyaki Shop, to the Eyewear Shop, where players carefully craft the perfect pair of glasses for their Tamagotchi friends.
One of the standout features is the introduction of new shop concepts, such as the Rap Battle Shop. Here, players engage in rhythmic battles, reminiscent of the humor found in Tomodachi Life. These additions inject fresh energy into the game, ensuring it feels both familiar and new.
Gameplay and Progression
What sets Tamagotchi Plaza apart as a worthy sequel is the motivation it provides for players to engage with each shop. Unlike its predecessors, which relied on player-driven motivation, Plaza introduces a light narrative centered around an upcoming celebration. To prepare, players must upgrade each shop to Royal status, ensuring they can best serve their guests and showcase the Tamagotchi world at its finest.
“You wouldn’t want to disappoint the tiny, cutesy Tamagotchi, now would you?”
This narrative framework encourages players to dive into each shop, enhancing the town square to realize their ultimate Tamagotchi dreams. While the story is light and the overworld somewhat sparse, these elements do not detract from the game’s overall charm.
Challenges and Delightful Puzzles
Tamagotchi Plaza offers a mix of visually-oriented puzzles and more abstract challenges. In the Eyewear Shop, players must interpret their Tamagotchi friends’ desires, while the Tailor Shop requires careful analysis to create garments that match their vision.
Other shops, like the Manga Shop and Afternoon Tea Shop, present more obtuse puzzles. For instance, in the Afternoon Tea Shop, players must deduce the correct combination of drinks and desserts to satisfy a request for a “bittersweet afternoon tea.”
Despite the varying difficulty levels, these puzzles add depth to the gameplay, inviting players to engage in clever interpretation and problem-solving. The Night Pool, with its straightforward tasks of shaking drinks and adorning Tamagotchis with hats and flowers, offers a more relaxed experience.
A Joyous Return to Simplicity
Overall, Tamagotchi Plaza is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-crafted games. It combines tight systems and a variety of shops to create a collection of mini-games that exude positivity. For those who cherished the Corner Shop games, it offers a nostalgic journey back in time. For newcomers, it presents an ultra-cozy experience filled with cuteness and novelty.
“Tamagotchi Plaza is just wonderful. Four stars: ★★★★”
Game Details
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Developer: Hyde, Inc.
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Release Date: 27 June 2025
As players immerse themselves in Tamagotchi Plaza, they are reminded of the joy found in simplicity and the enduring charm of the Tamagotchi universe. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this game promises a delightful escape into a world of whimsy and wonder.
