Best virtual, interactive and electronic pets, from Tamagotchi to Furby
If you’re a child of the 80s or 90s, chances are you may have grown up with a virtual pet of your own. After experiencing your Tamagotchi dying while you were at school or attempting to expand your Furby’s vocabulary, you may be wondering if there is still a place for interactive pets in a modern technological world.
Fast forward 30 years, however, and the virtual and interactive pets that we know and love have certainly evolved, growing hugely in popularity to become highly engaging interactive toys for children young and old. From role-playing games to feeding, grooming and in some cases even taking them to the toilet, these intelligent and interactive toys make great companions for children.
Furbies and Tamagotchis have seen impressive revivals in recent years, while many other interactive pets encourage caring and nurturing behaviour and teach children a sense of responsibility.
If you’re looking for an interactive pet to delight and entertain your child, here’s our pick of the best interactive pets from preschoolers to older children, as tried and tested by our enthusiastic toy testers, Erin and Neve.
Best interactive pets at a glance:
- Best for reacting to touch: Bitzee - £31, Argos
- Best for interactive features: Tamagotchi Uni - £70, Amazon
- Best for nostalgic vibes: Tamagotchi Original - £20, Amazon
- Best for soft plush: Pets Alive Smitten Kittens - £15, Amazon
- Best for entertainment value: Pets Alive Pooping Puppies - £20, Amazon
- Best for lights and sounds: Curlimals Flutter Wonders - £30, Amazon
- Best for preschoolers: Baby Paws - £25, Amazon
- Best for realistic movements: Robo Alive Dino Wars Mega Rex - £16.50, Amazon
- Best for responding to voice: Furby Interactive Pet - £54.99, Amazon
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