Making a little ACTUAL KEYCHAIN PET using the micro:bit (they're like $20 aka CHEAPER than a real Tamagotchi) you can also do this with the Arduino but that is $$$
mod ur fancy tamagotchi, I don't have the latest version so ymmv but there's smth called MyMeets that lets you do that maybe????
OpenTama if you're the smarty-pants who can just....magic computers together (smth smth solder???)
https://m.elecrow.com/pages/shop/product/details?id=207465& this is a Tama DIY kit for $10 but idk how to make *gestures to all that* into a *holds up old dingy Tamagotchi* (3D printer crowdfund plz)
a cute simple ad-free app I can play on my phone that doesn't steal data, doesn't need bluetooth, doesn't integrate in apps, doesn't take over my smartfridge when it's hungry or print archaic messages when it's sad
I would love to see a webpet that everyone with a link can take care of together and leave little notes and gifts with to give to other users/friends.
I'd also love to see a Discord bot that gets points/health from talking to your friends!
Pokewalker/Pokemon Pikachu (GS) like guy who goes on walks when you walk and brings you things. (I miss you Pikachu, I'm sorry I didn't take you out of my pants and washed you. oTL)
*looking at my old Furbys and Tekno* *wonders if I can revive them or otherwise use their carcasses*
*looking at my old Tamas and knock offs* *wonders if I can make them cuter with paint/clay/crochet*
*looking at my printer* *ponders drawing/printing cute stickers and cards for everyone*
also YESSS PAPER DOLLS I made little paper dogs in elementary school and would make them little paper toys and beds and rooms ;A; (would anyone want to do a penpal/mail list thing and make/send each other little paper pets/stickers? or is that too out of scope for a "digital" pet?)
EDIT: omg I forgot about my nintendogs. can a smart people make a web/phone app nintendogs?