* (Topic moved into the Help for New Tamagotchi Owners forum ) *
Tamagotchi Version 1 = Go to the Games menu - there are only two game choices: Jump (over hurdles) and Dance (copy the steps of the dance) - the Version 2 has four games - 1 game choice at baby stage - Jump (distance), 2 choices at child stage (Jump & Bump), 3 choices at teen (Jump, Bump and Heading the Ball) and 4 choices at adult (all three games plus Slot)
Tamagotchi Version 2 = Go to the Food menu - there are three choices: Food/Meal, Snack and Treat (the Version 1 only has two choices) - see also the description of Games above.
V2s also have a shop (the V1 does not)
Tamagotchi Version 3 = Looks different! There is an extra "antenna" shaped part on the top left hand side of the egg shell/casing - although in most respects the screens and options are very similar to the V2.
There are other differences of course, but these should help you decide which version you have!
Here is a link to the V1 & V2 characters, it is Bell Sprout's web site (member of TamaTalk & TamaGuide) with a list of all the V1 and V2 characters / names:
https://bellsprout.50webs.com
Here is a link to the V3 characters (on TamaTalk!):
https://www.tamatalk.com/IB/index.php?showtopic=40249
Best, etc.
TamaMum