Few toys capture the quirky charm of the late ’90s quite like the Tamagotchi, a tiny plastic egg that demanded more attention than some houseplants. Decades after the original craze, these digital pets continue to inspire creative souls, and the latest tribute comes from Hairo Satoh, known as TamagoniHAI, whose inventive touch has turned nostalgia into a playful piece of tech wizardry. This time, the familiar Tamagotchi shell is hiding more than a pixelated creature.
Instead of feeding, cleaning, or scolding a needy blob, Satoh’s modded Tamagotchi invites you to capture your world in miniature. What looks at first glance like a regular virtual pet is actually a mini camcorder, cleverly fit into the iconic egg-shaped frame. It’s a delightful twist that makes the device feel both futuristic and retro, the kind of gadget you imagine finding in a toy store run by time travelers.
Designer: Hairo Satoh
Getting a peek at this DIY marvel, you quickly notice that Satoh didn’t just slap a lens on a childhood favorite. The transformation preserves the signature look, right down to the chunky buttons and tiny screen, while hiding an actual camera within. The device snaps photos or records short videos, offering a new way to play with what once was just a digital companion. It’s the sort of modification that could only come from someone who knows the Tamagotchi’s every beep and boop by heart.
Fans have been buzzing on social media, especially Instagram, where glimpses of the Tamagotchi camera have drawn wide-eyed admiration. There’s a real sense of wonder in seeing something so familiar get such an unexpected upgrade. For many, it’s a reminder of how the best tech mods walk the line between preservation and reinvention, taking the charm of the past and giving it a surprising new purpose.
The project also highlights the appeal of DIY culture, where old gadgets are more than relics gathering dust. Satoh’s creation fits right in with a broader movement of makers breathing new life into retro tech, showing that a little imagination can turn even the most humble device into something extraordinary. The Tamagotchi camera feels like a tribute to creativity itself, an example of how design and delight can go hand in hand.
It’s easy to picture this quirky camcorder brightening up a shelf or popping out of a pocket, ready to spark conversations with anyone who spots it. Whether you’re a die-hard Tamagotchi fan or just love seeing classic designs reimagined, Satoh’s camera promises a smile and maybe even a little inspiration to tinker with your own favorite gadgets. Sometimes, all it takes is a new perspective to bring a beloved icon back into the spotlight.
The post DIY Tamagotchi Camera Is the Ultimate Retro Tech Hack first appeared on Yanko Design.