GoPets

GoPets was a line of small, digital pet toys popular in the early to mid-2000s. These devices, similar in concept to Tamagotchi, allowed users to adopt, name, and care for virtual pets. The primary distinguishing feature of GoPets was their infrared communication capability, which allowed pets to "visit" and interact with other GoPets owned by different users.

The core gameplay of GoPets involved managing the pet's various needs, such as hunger, happiness, and cleanliness. Users would interact with their pets through a series of button presses, selecting actions like feeding, playing, or cleaning. Neglecting a pet's needs could lead to illness or unhappiness, potentially resulting in the pet "running away."

Beyond basic care, GoPets offered social features. When two GoPets were brought within range of each other, they could communicate via infrared signals. This interaction could involve playing games, exchanging gifts, or even mating, leading to the birth of virtual offspring. The types of interactions and the success of these interactions often depended on the individual personalities and compatibility of the pets involved.

GoPets were marketed towards a younger demographic, particularly children and pre-teens, and capitalized on the trend of virtual pet ownership. The social element provided a unique selling point compared to other similar toys on the market. The toy line eventually faded in popularity as mobile gaming and other forms of digital entertainment became more prevalent. The brand is no longer actively producing new GoPets devices.