there seems to be little point in having the more wasteful variant with the device in a printed plastic bubble at the top and a small flat manual inside a giant mostly-empty box.
OH I CANNOT STAND HOW WASTEFUL THE US PACKAGING IS!!!
I'm usually one to keep packaging but I just can't for this, there's not nearly enough space in my apartment. ARGH! It was annoying to open, too. Also slightly too heavily gender-biased for my liking...there were two boys on the entire package, while the rest were girls. Yikes.
Anyway, thoughts...two days in and I'm pretty enchanted by the Pix. I love the swipe input and all of the new game options it opens up! I appreciate the added level of interactivity it adds to some of the care options...makes cleaning up all that poop slightly more fun! (And there is So. Much. Poop.)
The smooth animation absolutely blew me away, it's SO lovely. I gasped when the screen showed the starry galaxy - such depth!!
Camera quality also surprised me. While I'm disappointed it only recognizes a handful of colors, I do enjoy the cooking and decor systems. I also appreciate how you don't have to use the camera all the time so you can just play it as a regular Tamagotchi.
Also, MISSIONS HAVE BEGUN! The notifications appear to be pre-programmed and tied to calendar date. I wonder how long they'll continue for? They're not particularly challenging, but it's a cool concept! Love the communication via QR codes.
No word on battery life yet...I've loaded mine with Eneloop Pros and haven't been playing obsessively, using the camera very minimally, but I suppose I can report back.
While I'm rambling, a random annoyance: I've been spoiled by the Japanese color Tamas and their push button battery cover mechanisms...anyone else disappointed to see a screw? It's a very intentional design choice and I'm curious if it has to do with safety standards for the US vs Japan. Also, actually, I really like the battery holder itself...it's super secure. It's the first time I've seen that type of support and honestly I hope we see it more going forward!
One more design-related observation: US lanyards don't typically use string loops like cell phone charms, more typically opting for snap clips, lobster clips, or standard keyrings. Japan has an established Tamagotchi lanyard culture, but maybe not the rest of the world...not adding a jump ring/keychain option feels like a grievous oversight. (unless they're planning to sell branded lanyards with string loops?)
Anyway, new toy is fun! Yay! Looking forward to comparing it to the Smart later this month.
