You can now raise Tamagotchi by playing guitar and it’s not a joke

Guitar effects company Ground Control Audio has created a buffer pedal inspired by the Tamagotchi toys of the 90s that you can raise by playing your guitar.

Tamagotchi virtual pets may have been huge in the 90s, but they’ve seen a resurgence. Right now, you can get branded Tamagotchi’s based on everything from Star Wars, anime like Demon Slayer, and even ones based on highly popular VTubers.

Now, you can find a Tamagotchi inside a guitar pedal. The ‘Uwu Virtual Pet Buffer’ isn’t your typical buffer pedal, if the cute cat design is anything to go by. Inspired by the Tamagotchi toys of the 90s, this pedal allows you to level up and even play games with the virtual pet inside.

The virtual pet watches and reacts to your playing

Created by Ground Control Audio, the UwU Pet Buffer doesn’t make your guitar sound any different. It works pretty much as you’d expect any buffer pedal to function, to perverse the signal and tone of your setup. Yet, a small display found on the buffer reveals a virtual pet, which you can raise by simply playing your guitar.

While you shred away on your guitar, or instrument of your choosing, the virtual pet responds to your signal, gains experience points, and even evolves. There are 30 levels to play through, each with its own unique pixel art animations.

The Tamagotchi-inspired pedal also comes with playable arcade mini-games, all cat-themed versions of iconic titles. Neko Invader, Fishly Blox, and Longcat can be played not with your guitar, but by using the A and B buttons found on the pedal itself.

You can pre-order the UwU Pet Buffer from the Ground Control Audio website for $139. According to the website, Ground Control Audio received “way, way, way more pre-orders than anticipated” so there may be a small wait until you can get your to raising your new pet.