I recently got a Proxmark 3, and used it to read the NFC of the Tamagotchi Friends. This allowed me to get some data on the protocol.
Printable True Bugs Wait Posters
I’ve uploaded printable #truebugswait posters. You can download the full set 8 1/2 x 11 (A4) here (PDF here), and 11×17 (A3) here (PDF here). Everyone is free to print and use these.
The posters have also been updated to contain a QR code which links to a page on why to avoid each function.
Posters:
Tamagotchi Friends Teardown
There’s a new Tamagotchi in town, so of course I had to get one (or two or three) and take it apart. The Tamagotchi Friends is the latest Tamagotchi version, which was released two days ago (December 16, 2013). It has similar functionality to previous Tamagotchis, but it also has NFC! The NFC functionality can be used to make Tamagotchis visit and give gifts, and can also be used to “SMS” other Tamagotchis. The Tamagotchi Friends does not have IR or use figures like previous Tamagotchis.
Introducing the latest Tamagotchi!
Tamagotchi Debug Mode
I found a software debug mode in the Tamagotchi code that allows the game state to be viewed and changed in ways that aren’t normally allowed. This mode allowed me to answer more questions about Tamagotchi functionality.
![debug[1]](http://natashenka.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/debug1.png)
The mode!
More on Tamagotchis!
For more on my Tamagotchi research, see http://www.kwartzlab.ca/author/natalies/.
Tama-Town Tamago Teardown
The latest Tamagotchi has arrived, so I thought I would take it apart and see what’s inside.
A lot looks the same. The board has the same IR transmitter and receiver and SRAM as the previous version. There are a few more transistor/diode ICs and no visible debug pads.
Unfortunately, the microcontroller is still covered in epoxy. I tried to scrape it off (with heat) and dissolve it with acetone, neither of which worked.
A cool new feature of the Tamago is that you can put plastic characters on top to unlock certain games.
The contacts look like the contacts of a smartcard reader, but the tiny PCB inside the character is quite simple.
Using a multimeter, this appeared to act as just a jumper (although the copper makes it seem as if it is more complex). Definitely an area to look into
And the contacts on the other side are shaped like hearts. How can you not like that?