The Bitzee virtual pet line is expanding to bring some familiar characters to the family, plus some new ones. Spin Master, which introduced Bitzee to the US last summer, is set to release two new versions of the device later this year: Bitzee Disney and Bitzee Magicals. The first will feature 30 characters from the Disney/Pixar universe, including Stitch, Olaf, Nemo and Dory, Remy, Mike Wazowski and Sully and Heihei.
Unlike most digital pet toys, Bitzee does not have a screen. Instead, it functions almost like a small hologram in a box, with motion-based controls and a flexible screen that allows the player to physically interact with the character. For example, you can run your finger across the top of the screen to pet a projected creature, or shake a small box from side to side to put it to bed. There is also a small scroll bar that serves as a way to navigate the action menu.
Along with mini-games and care tasks, Bitzee will feature a replayable animation that features a memorable movie moment for each of the featured Disney characters. (Dory Finding Nemo (a talking whale greets you.) And Bitzee Magicals will introduce all-new characters, including mystery-inspired creatures like Yeti, Nessie, and two versions of the Jackalop. Bitzee Magicals also mixes things up a bit with the addition of a magic wand feature that can, for example, temporarily turn your pet into a duck on a skateboard. This is pretty cute. You will also be able to change the color of your pets by collecting potions.
Bitzee is a pretty low cost virtual pet game; If you forget about your pets for a while or just don’t do a great job of taking care of them, they won’t die on you. It makes them especially good for children It might not be ready yet for a demanding virtual pet like the Tamagotchi, but it’s also for adults who like to have something on their desk to be jealous of here and there. Just close the box and the pet will go to sleep.
Bitzee Disney is available for pre-order for $35 Amazon Pre-orders for Bitzee Magicals ($30) today will open on July 1st. Both are scheduled to ship in the fall.
