The classic Tamagotchi, a digital pet that defined a generation in the late 1990s, is getting a radical, AI-infused makeover for 2026. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, startup Takway unveiled Sweekar, a physical companion device that aims to blend the nostalgic charm of virtual pet care with the interactive capabilities of modern artificial intelligence. This isn't just an app; it's a tangible, evolving friend that users can touch, talk to, and watch grow. The announcement signals a new wave of emotionally intelligent gadgets designed for connection, moving beyond simple screens and into the realm of tactile, responsive companionship.
Product Name: Sweekar Company: Takway Launch Event: CES 2026 Inspiration: Tamagotchi (1990s virtual pet) Core Concept: Physical, AI-powered digital companion
A Tangible Evolution of the Virtual Pet
Sweekar reimagines the virtual pet concept by giving it a physical form. Unlike the original Tamagotchi, which lived on a small LCD screen, Sweekar is an egg-shaped device with soft, pet-able ears and a central display for its animated face. This design choice is central to its appeal, allowing for a more immersive and sensory interaction. Users can physically hold and care for the device, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds. The product comes in three launch colors—pink, yellow, and blue—with plans for customizable shells and outfits, further personalizing the ownership experience.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Design: Egg-shaped device with tactile ears and a central screen.
- Colors: Pink, Yellow, Blue.
- Customization: Interchangeable shells and outfits.
- AI Engine: Combines Google Gemini and ChatGPT.
- Key AI Features: Voice recognition, memory of interactions, adaptive personality, mood expression (happy, angry, sleepy, mischievous).
- Life Stages: Egg → Baby → Teen → Adult.
- Special Feature: Becomes "unkillable" (digitally permanent) at Level 51.
- Power: Requires charging.
Powered by AI Memory and Personality
What truly sets Sweekar apart from its predecessors is its integrated artificial intelligence. The device utilizes a combination of Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT models to power its interactive features. This AI enables Sweekar to recognize its owner's voice, remember past activities and interactions, and develop a unique personality over time. Takway claims the pet can express a range of moods, from happiness and sleepiness to mischief and anger, reacting dynamically to how it is treated. This creates a sense of a two-way relationship, where the pet's behavior is shaped by the user's care, promising a deeper and more personalized bond than the pre-programmed responses of classic toys.
A Lifecycle of Growth and Independence
Sweekar introduces a structured growth cycle that mimics real life, adding a long-term narrative to the caregiving experience. It begins as an egg, requiring a two-day "incubation" period before hatching. From there, it progresses through baby and teenage stages, during which it demands frequent attention, feeding, and play to stay healthy and happy. The care requirements evolve as it matures into an adult. Once adulthood is reached, Sweekar becomes significantly more independent, capable of embarking on its own virtual adventures and requiring less constant maintenance. This design cleverly manages user engagement, offering intense involvement early on and a more relaxed, companionable relationship later.
The Quest for Digital Immortality
A particularly intriguing feature is Sweekar's endgame. Upon reaching level 51 through consistent care and interaction, the virtual pet becomes "unkillable." This means its digital life is secured indefinitely, as long as the hardware remains functional and charged. This concept of digital permanence addresses a core emotional pain point of the original Tamagotchi—the inevitable death of the pet from neglect. It transforms Sweekar from a transient toy into a lasting companion, potentially increasing its emotional value and long-term appeal to users who form strong attachments.
Pricing, Availability, and Market Context
Takway has announced plans to bring Sweekar to market via a Kickstarter campaign launching in March. The expected retail price is positioned between USD 100 and USD 150, placing it in the premium toy and tech gadget category. While an exact release date has not been finalized, its CES debut has generated significant buzz. Sweekar enters a budding market for AI companions, joining other CES 2026 reveals like the Cocomo and INU robot pets. These products collectively point to a growing trend of consumer-ready, emotionally intelligent machines designed for companionship rather than pure utility.
Price & Availability:
- Estimated Price: USD 100 - USD 150
- Funding Method: Planned Kickstarter campaign in March.
- Release Date: To be announced.
Balancing Novelty with Practical Considerations
The promise of Sweekar is undeniably compelling, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. However, practical questions remain. The longevity of the device hinges on hardware durability and battery life. Furthermore, while Takway asserts that all user interactions are kept private, the integration of powerful AI models like Gemini and ChatGPT necessitates transparent data handling policies, which will require independent scrutiny upon release. The success of Sweekar will ultimately depend on its execution—the depth of its AI interactions, the quality of its construction, and its ability to forge a genuine emotional connection that justifies its price tag in a crowded tech landscape.