In the early 2000s, portable electronic toys were all the rage among children.
The Hello Kitty Pocket Love is a unique Sanrio creation that combined romance simulation with pet-raising gameplay.
Even more than 20 years later, it continues to capture attention as both a nostalgic memory and a rare collector’s item.
Product Information
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Product: Hello Kitty Pocket Love (Pink Version)
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Manufacturer: Sanrio Co., Ltd.
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Release Date: Around 1999–2000
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Target Age: 12 and up
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Batteries: 2 × LR44 button cells
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Small LCD keychain toy
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Includes clock function
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Romance mini-game (raising/progressing the love story of two cats)
Concept and Gameplay
How to Play & Features
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Romance Simulation System
The main feature of Pocket Love is its romance game element. Two cats (Hello Kitty and a partner) go on dates, talk, and build affection. With proper care and choices, the story leads to a happy ending. -
Date Events
When affection rises, special date events are triggered, such as amusement park visits. This “scenario storytelling” was rare for LCD toys of the time. -
Happy Ending Melody
Completing the romance triggers an original melody, giving players a strong sense of accomplishment. -
Failure Routes
Neglect or mistakes could worsen the relationship, adding realism and challenge to the game. -
Clock Function
The bottom corner of the screen displayed the time, making it useful as a watch as well as a toy. -
Portable Accessory Appeal
With a ball chain and heart-shaped charm, it could be attached to bags or purses, making it both a game and a fashion accessory.
In short, it combined pet raising + romance simulation + portable accessory charm, making it unique and engaging.
Features of the Pink Version
Source:Mercari
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Color variations included pink and yellow.
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The pink version was especially popular among girls as the “classic cute color.”
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Came with a heart-shaped strap, perfectly matching the early 2000s “cute carry-along culture.”
Sanrio and the History of Digital Toys
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1990s Digital Toy Boom
In Japan, “Tamagotchi” and similar toys created a craze. Sanrio joined this wave, releasing multiple digital toys featuring Hello Kitty. -
Pocket Game Series
The “Hello Kitty Pocket Game” line included action, puzzle, and fortune-telling mini-games in keychain form. Easy to play and carry around. -
Introduction of Pocket Love
Unlike others, Pocket Love combined raising elements with a romance game theme, making it unique in Sanrio’s toy history.
It appealed to slightly older girls, expanding Sanrio’s demographic beyond children.
Overseas Fan Perspectives
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“Japan-Only” Appeal
Since Pocket Love was never officially released overseas, collectors prize it as a rare Japanese exclusive. -
Unique Japanese Culture
While “Tamagotchi” and “Digimon” were global, a romance-based raising game from Sanrio feels uniquely Japanese. -
Hello Kitty’s Global Power
Having Hello Kitty as the main character ensures recognition and charm even for foreign fans. Japanese text and sounds are even seen as “authentic.” -
Community Voices
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“The LCD is simple, but a Kitty romance story is so surprising!”
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“Didn’t even know this toy existed. Must add to my collection!”
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“Too expensive on eBay, but I still want it.”
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“It perfectly represents 90s Japanese girl culture.”
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Rarity & Value
Boxed or unused copies can fetch hundreds of dollars in auctions due to their extreme scarcity.
Popular Sanrio Products Overseas
Source:BANDAI
- Hello Kitty Tamagotchi (Bandai × Sanrio collab; limited colors like red/pink are highly valued).
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Hello Kitty Pocket Love (romance + raising gameplay; rare Japanese exclusive).
Source:takaratom
- My Melody Vintage Plush (1980s–1990s plush dolls; highly demanded).
Source:Sanrio Lottery
- Cinnamoroll Lottery Plush (Ichiban Kuji exclusives; sell for multiples overseas).
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Little Twin Stars Vintage Stationery Sets (1970s–80s letter sets; many high-value sales).
- Badtz-Maru Vintage Vinyl Figures (90s soft vinyl toys; popular with Western
Conclusion
The Hello Kitty Pocket Love is one of the rarest and most unique Sanrio digital toys of the 90s, blending raising simulation and romance in one handheld.
Its limited Japanese release makes it a “phantom item” highly sought after by international collectors.
Don’t miss this chance—adding it to your collection will make it truly shine.
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Sanrio Hello Kitty Pocket Love Pink Version Virtual Pet Game
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