Lisa's New Tamagotchi Obsession: Will This Be the Next Labubu Effect?
Remember when BLACKPINK's Lisa single-handedly turned Labubu plushies into a global phenomenon?
The quirky character went from niche collectible to must-have cultural icon thanks to her influence.
Now, the K-pop superstar has found a new obsession and it's giving major '90s nostalgia vibes.
Enter the Tamagotchi Era
Lisa has been spotted with Tamagotchi devices multiple times throughout 2025, sparking a wave of excitement among fans and nostalgia enthusiasts alike. The virtual pet that dominated the late '90s is making a comeback, and Lisa might just be the catalyst for its resurgence.
From Gifted Novice to Full-Blown Enthusiast
The journey began in May 2025 when ViVi Magazine gifted Lisa a Tamagotchi Original Angel in the Lovely Angel shell to celebrate her debut solo album Alter Ego. At the time, Lisa admitted she knew about Tamagotchi but had never actually played with one. The Tamagotchi community warmly welcomed her, and it seems she's been hooked ever since.
Fast forward to September 2025, and Lisa was photographed looking absolutely stunning in a gorgeous gown at the Emmy Awards with a Tamagotchi Paradise in hand.
The image of Lisa, glamorous and Emmy-ready, casually playing with her virtual pet before one of Hollywood's biggest nights, is peak Lisa energy: effortlessly cool, playfully unexpected, and utterly trend-setting.
The Labubu Parallel: History Repeating Itself?
If this sounds familiar, that's because we've seen this movie before. Lisa's passionate endorsement of Labubu plushies earlier in 2025 created a phenomenon that fashion magazines like Vogue Italia and Teen Vogue couldn't ignore. Her influence transformed Labubu from a modest Korean illustrator's creation into an international sensation that crossed national boundaries and age groups.
The pattern is remarkably similar:
- A relatively niche product with cult following
- Lisa's genuine, enthusiastic adoption
- Massive social media visibility
- Global surge in demand and cultural relevance
The question isn't whether Lisa influences trends that's already proven. The question is whether Tamagotchi, a brand that's already iconic, can experience a Labubu-level renaissance.
Why This Matters for Lisa's Influence
SKZOO Tamagotchi marks the third Nano model based on a Korean boy band, following BT21 and TinyTAN, proving that Tamagotchi x K-pop collaborations are already an established, successful formula.
But here's what makes Lisa's endorsement different and potentially more impactful:
Broader Demographic Appeal: While BTS and Stray Kids' Tamagotchis primarily targeted their dedicated fandoms (ARMY and STAY), Lisa's influence extends beyond K-pop into fashion, luxury brands, and mainstream pop culture. Her 107 million Instagram followers include fashion enthusiasts, Gen Z trendsetters, and casual fans who might not buy K-pop merchandise but will absolutely buy what Lisa carries.
Organic vs. Official: The BTS and Stray Kids collaborations were official merchandise releases—expected products within the K-pop ecosystem. Lisa's adoption of Tamagotchi appears organic and personal, which carries a different kind of cultural weight. She's not promoting a product; she's living a lifestyle, and that authenticity is what creates viral moments.
Crossing the Line: While previous K-pop x Tamagotchi collaborations stayed within the K-pop merchandise bubble, Lisa has the power to pull Tamagotchi fully into mainstream fashion and celebrity culture. When she carries it to the Emmys, it becomes a red carpet accessory. When she posts it on Instagram, it becomes aspirational content for millions who've never heard of SKZOO or BT21.
The Cultural Impact Formula
Lisa has proven she possesses what Vogue Italia called an "instinctive ability to spot and amplify niche trends." Her influence extends far beyond music, seamlessly bridging fashion, pop culture, and collectibles. With 107 million Instagram followers and her status as the most-followed K-pop artist on the platform, when Lisa adopts something, millions take notice.
What makes Lisa's endorsements particularly powerful is their authenticity. She doesn't just pose with products for sponsored posts, she genuinely integrates them into her lifestyle. Whether it's carrying a Labubu to fashion shows or playing with her Tamagotchi at the Emmys, these moments feel organic and genuine.
Will It Happen?
Early signs are promising. Tamagotchi Paradise, the model Lisa has been seen with, is already gaining traction. As one reviewer noted, "It's quickly becoming the thing, especially after Lisa was spotted playing with hers." The device offers a charming update to the nostalgic favorite with modern features while maintaining the cozy, easy fun that made the original beloved.
There's also a warning for fans: "Watch out for scalpers! Grab one while it's still at SRP, because discontinued versions get insanely overpriced." Sound familiar? This scalping concern mirrors the early days of Labubu mania when demand far exceeded supply.
The Verdict
While Tamagotchi may not need Lisa's endorsement to survive it's already an established brand with a loyal fanbase—her influence could absolutely trigger a Labubu-level surge in popularity. The combination of Lisa's massive platform, genuine enthusiasm, perfect cultural timing, and Tamagotchi's nostalgic appeal creates ideal conditions for a viral moment.
Whether we're witnessing the birth of the next collectible craze remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Lisa has once again positioned herself at the intersection of nostalgia, pop culture, and youth trends. And if history is any indication, when Lisa commits to something, the world pays attention.
So if you've been thinking about revisiting your childhood or joining the Tamagotchi community, now might be the time before they're sold out and reselling for triple the price. After all, we've seen this story before with Labubu.
The real question is: will you be ahead of the curve this time, or scrambling to catch up?