Silly Inventions That Made Their Creators Surprisingly Rich

Tamagotchis Now Sell For $59.99 A Pop

If you grew up in the 1990s, you probably remember Tamagotchis. These little gadgets were virtual pets you had to feed, clean, and keep happy—or else they’d “die.” The idea for Tamagotchi came from a "low-level office lady" who pitched it to Bandai’s toy designer, Akihiro Yokoi. He saw its potential, and the company released the toy line the same year

Talk about a hit! By the end of the decade, over 70 million units were sold, with a Tamagotchi being bought nearly every second. When they first hit stores in 1996, they cost $17.99, making them an affordable must-have for kids everywhere. Fast forward to today, and Tamagotchis are back—but this time, they’re priced at around $59.99 and marketed toward Gen Z. Why the comeback? Nostalgia sells, and these digital pets are tapping into a new generation’s love for retro tech. Who wouldn’t want to relive the joy—or stress—of keeping a virtual pet alive?