In technology, everything old is new again, even quirky 1990s children's toys.

The Tamagotchi, which first appeared in 1996, is launching a surprise comeback, this time as a mobile app.

"It's just like the virtual pet you loved, only better!" the Bandai Co. and Sync Beatz Entertainment slogan boasts.

The app, dubbed Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. ("love is fun everywhere"), brings those codependent pixelated friends back to life, now in high resolution and color, with more characters and a place to keep your growing collection.

But players no longer have to carry a keychain of dangling plastic eggs to ensure their creatures' health and safety. Bandai included the original design into the app, simply dropping the '90s-style case onto a "signature wallpaper," complete with the three-button design that allows users to feed, play with, and nurture their Tamagotchi pet. Neglect it, and it will die.

Now with social media integration, users can also share their virtual pets on Facebook.

"The idea was to base the gameplay on the original Tamagotchi that everyone knows and loves," Shin Ueno, chief marketing officer at Sync Beatz, told the Associated Press. "As we move along, every two months, we'll refresh the app, and it will evolve."

The app is currently available for free on select Android devices running 2.3 and higher, including the Droid 3, Droid Bionic, ZTE X500, Motorola Droid Razr, Samsung Galaxy Note, HTC EVO 4G, Sony Experia Arc S, Samsung Galaxy S III, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Nexus S, and Sensation 4G.

The Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. website promises an Apple iOS application is "coming soon."

In only its second day on the app market, Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. has received a positive reception; the Google Play store reports an average ranking of 4.8 out of five stars from 62 users.

"I was in the 4th grade when the Tamagotchi Connection V2 was around," Android owner Calvin Saechao wrote in a five-star review. "I never experienced the original, and now I can, thanks to this app." Saechao continued, praising the ability to change the Tamagotchi's shell and background wallpaper.

"One small thing though," he said. "Do you think you can allow access to the clock when in app mode? Other than that, this app is wonderful."

The only one-star review came from a user who complained today that they can't download the app onto their Android phone.

For a look at the app in action, check out the '90s-infused video below, and keep your fingers crossed that Ty won't get smart to the idea of releasing an interactive Beanie Baby app.

For more from Stephanie, follow her on Twitter @smlotPCMag.

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