I got my first Tamagotchi Connection on Christmas Day, 2004. So it's been a little over two years. I am so glad I got one, it's been great taking care of them.
I got my first tama (v2) around November 15 2005. I got it after alot of whining because everyone else in my class had one, but I got it 4 months after tamagotchis were banned.