**Reverse-Engineering the Tamagotchi IR Connection**

The iconic Tamagotchi, that beloved handheld pet from the 90s, has undergone a fascinating evolution with the introduction of the Tamagotchi Connection series. This innovative line of toys took the original concept and gave it a wireless twist, allowing users to interact with other players' pets via infrared connection.

However, the inner workings of this technology had remained a mystery – until now. [Zach Resmer] embarked on an intriguing journey to reverse-engineer the Tamagotchi IR Connection, uncovering its intricacies and paving the way for enthusiasts to create their own custom transceivers and apps.

The wireless connection in question relies on an infrared transceiver, which bears some resemblance to IrDA. Nevertheless, [Natalie Silvanovich] has identified this specific implementation as "Nearly NEC," a term coined by her research into the subject. With a treasure trove of information on Tamagotchi hacking tools and ROM dumps available on GitHub, Zach was able to crack the code, making it possible for others to replicate his work.

So, what's the magic behind this transceiver? The protocol, although somewhat complex, can be deciphered with some digging. A patent filed for the device's connection feature provides a comprehensive outline of the serial protocol, making it surprisingly straightforward to implement oneself.

Zach's pioneering effort has led to the creation of several interesting projects inspired by his work. One such project is the Tamagometer, built using an RP2040 microcontroller (MCU) paired with an infrared LED and receiver combo. This clever device enables users to interact with other Tamagotchi owners in a seamless manner.

In addition to the standalone transceiver, Zach has also developed an app for the Flipper Zero, a versatile multi-tool that can interface with various devices. Moreover, [Daniel Weidman] created a custom PCB called the Pico TamaBadge, specifically designed for this purpose. To top it off, there's even a web application available using a Web Serial-enabled browser like Chrome.

For those eager to dive deeper into Tamagotchi hacking and explore new frontiers, Zach has shared his work in an effort to foster collaboration among enthusiasts. With the protocol now well-documented, anyone with basic knowledge of electronics and programming can create their own custom transceivers or apps, opening up a world of possibilities for this nostalgic toy.