The 1990’s virtual pet game Tamagotchi is making a comeback in the form of an app for Android devices.

As the first mobile offering under the new Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. (Love Is Fun Everywhere) brand, the app is a recreation of the original egg-shaped toy that launched in 1997 and has since sold more than 79 million units worldwide.

The app, developed by Tokyo-based Bandai Games and licensed by North American marketing rep Sync Beatz Entertainment, is now available for Android devices and iOS platforms are expected to follow.  It offers players three Tamagotchi experiences.  The Toy mode replicates the 16-bit black and white character pixels and all the familiar behavior and parenting tools of the original.  The App mode features an updated version of the classic game but includes color, higher resolution and allows fans to collect the growing virtual pets with the help of an illustrated guide.  There is also a Rock, Paper, Scissors mini-game within the app.

In terms of keeping up with friends – and the times – the app allows owners to link with Facebook friends to share their pet experiences.

The Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. website and its Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Pinterest pages launched in early November, and the new app is the latest installment of a multi-category Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. brand initiative.