AI-powered companion toys go viral in China for growing and talking to you

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Interactive, AI-powered toys are gaining popularity in China. These toys are similar to the classic Tamagotchi, as they hatch from an egg, grow, and can play games and even have conversations.

We’re now fully in the age of artificial intelligence. AI chatbots are appearing more and more in everyday apps, from social media to work programs, and AI-created videos are becoming hugely popular online, racking up billions of views on platforms like YouTube.

Chatbots are at the center of many ethical discussions about artificial intelligence. Recently, some unusual situations have highlighted these concerns: one man proposed to an AI chatbot even though he was already in a relationship and had a family, and another woman developed a romantic connection with an AI character she designed using ChatGPT.

Fans of the sci-fi dating game ‘Love and Deepspace’ are using artificial intelligence to bring the game’s characters to life. They’re interacting with the virtual love interests through chatbots, augmented reality, and even devices they wear, making the experience feel more real.

A new AI tool is trying to help people with relationships, and it reminds many Millennials of a classic toy from their childhood.

Tamagotchi-like AI companion sees surge in popularity

AI-powered companion toys are incredibly popular in China and are gaining traction in other countries as the technology improves.

A new toy called ‘Sweekar’ is gaining popularity at tech shows. These little, hand-sized creatures are similar to the Tamagotchis from the early 2000s – they start as eggs and develop through different life stages, growing from babies to teenagers and eventually into adults.

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A post shared by Sweekarofficial (@sweekar_pocket_pet)

Like Tamagotchis, Sweekars can ‘die’ if you don’t take care of them. When they’re young, you need to interact with them often. However, Sweekars are more advanced – they can talk and even go on little ‘adventures’ while you’re not playing with them.

Once fully grown, the Sweekar stops needing special care and can function independently. It can even mimic body heat and breathing, and its personality adapts based on how you interact with it. Plus, you can change its clothes to create different looks.

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A post shared by Sweekarofficial (@sweekar_pocket_pet)

According to China Daily, Chinese AI companies dominated the CES 2026 trade show, representing 80% of all exhibitors. This highlights the growing popularity of AI companions among people of all ages.

AI toys are becoming incredibly popular with online shoppers in China. Taobao, a major online marketplace, reported a sales increase of over 1,600% compared to last year. Sales on another platform, JD.com, totaled 700 million yuan (about $100 million USD).

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A post shared by Sweekarofficial (@sweekar_pocket_pet)

According to Jiang Han, a senior analyst at the Pangoal think tank, the recent popularity of these products likely stems from combining the need for emotional connection with new technologies.

AI toys are poised to become a major new product category, according to industry experts. They combine the appeal of emotional connection with advanced technology, potentially reaching huge markets like children’s learning, the needs of young adults, and products for seniors. This could make them the next big thing, following the growth of smart home devices.

While AI companions are becoming increasingly popular, some people are concerned about their impact. In China, there are reports of husbands asking their wives to stop using AI games like Love and Deepspace. Similarly, Pope Leo XIV has cautioned that chatbots could potentially take the place of real human connections.

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2026-02-03 00:19