Tamagotchi Mix has less of a following than the 4U?

So I got my Tama Mix 20th Anniversary and am looking for translations, guides and growth charts but it really seems like after the 4U the support really just died down compared to the support for all previous models. Is it that the 4U and 4U+ really killed it for some people? Or am I just projecting? (I had gotten 4U and 4U+ and was severely disappointed because it relied so heavily on NFC it was unusable if you're outside japan or dont have a compatible phone)

Also while Im on the topic does anyone know a cheap phone with NFC and IR functions?

I'm not sure exactly what you're talking about. I have not noticed any kind of difference, but I have been too keen on looking either.

A main reason the popularity may be differing is because all the Tama-Depa's in Japan shut down. To add other countries outside of Japan has not had a super successful release since the Tama-Go or the V6.