A virtual pet in your pocket.
http://is.gseis.ucla.edu/impact/s97/Focus/Identity/FINAL/bac.htm#1
First introduced in November 1996, the Tamagotchi (pronounced TAH-MAH-GOH-CHEE) is sold in toy stores, and marketed as "the original virtual reality pet". It might be described briefly as a tiny hand-held LCD video game that comes attached to a key chain or bracelet. The object of the game is to simulate the proper care and maintenance of a "virtual chicken", which is accomplished through performing the digital analog of certain "parental" responsibilities, including feeding, playing games, scolding, medicating, and cleaning up after the ersatz pet . The popularity of this device has been nothing short of phenomenal.
http://www.mimitchi.com/html/q1.htm
Tamagotchi was released on November 23rd, 1996 by Bandai (makers of Power Rangers) and was finally released in May 1st 1997 for the US. A second released of a Generation 2 was made available about 6 months later.
The Japanese story, and the one I believe is this: They are little alien creatures from Planet Tamagotchi, who crash landed on earth, and The Professor and his assistant Mikachu found them. The Professor built them little egg shaped protection cases so they could survive on earth, then Mikachu painted some, took them to school and started the Tamagotchi craze...
