At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, nostalgia met artificial intelligence in the form of Sweekar, a pocket-sized AI toy that feels like a true successor to the iconic ’90s Tamagotchi. Designed as a virtual pet with a physical presence, Sweekar blends classic digital pet mechanics with modern AI, offering a more immersive and long-term interactive experience.

Sweekar begins its life as a small egg with ears. During a hands-on demo at CES, a few gentle taps on the toy triggered glowing ears and an animated hatching sequence on its built-in screen. From there, the pet progresses through clearly defined life stages — baby, teen and adult — much like the original Tamagotchi that captured the hearts of millions in the late 1990s.

What sets Sweekar apart is that it physically grows larger as it matures, mirroring its digital development. The incubation stage can take up to two days, followed by five to seven days as a baby. The teen phase lasts anywhere between 21 and 45 days, eventually leading to adulthood. Each stage introduces new behaviors, challenges and levels of interaction.

In its early life, Sweekar demands frequent attention, focusing on basic care and simple language learning. As it grows, the AI becomes more intelligent and expressive, developing a distinct personality. In adulthood, the pet requires less constant care but unlocks deeper gameplay and autonomy. True to Tamagotchi tradition, neglect still has consequences — Sweekar can “die” if ignored.

The toy’s creators say the AI-driven design allows Sweekar to learn from interactions over time, making each pet feel unique to its owner. This personalization aims to address one of the limitations of older virtual pets, which often became repetitive after a short period.

While Sweekar is clearly inspired by Tamagotchi, it’s positioned as a premium modern device rather than a simple toy. It will launch later this year through a Kickstarter campaign, with a price set at $150 — a significant jump from the pocket-money-friendly gadgets of the ’90s.

For longtime fans of virtual pets and a new generation discovering them for the first time, Sweekar offers a blend of nostalgia and innovation. By combining physical growth, AI-driven behavior and long-term engagement, it attempts to reimagine what a digital companion can be in 2026 and beyond.