Ground Control's UwU Virtual Pet Buffer is a unique multi-functional sort of Tamagotchi style Opamp Buffer with interactive features

There seems to be something of a trend now to incorporate interactive computer graphics into pedal displays - and this UwU Virtual Pet Buffer kind of takes it a step further than most.

It’s obviously part novelty device - while it of course serves a proper core function. The thing is - the OLED screen is way too small to mean anything from a standing / floor-based stompbox position. So if you want to use the extra functions it really means deploying this in a table-top arrangement - as you need to have hands on to play the games - and you need to be able to properly see the screen for its other interactive features - which requires a degree of proximity.

The device is priced about right at $139 - there are several excellent mini buffers that can be acquired around that price-point ($79 upwards really) - and none of them have any Tamagotchi elements to them which is the key differential for the UwU. How much of a gimmick this is - is surely up to you - but if you’re in the market for a mini buffer - then this a fun alternative and quite distinct from the norm! I’m not sure I will ever acquire this for myself - but like the Notaklön it makes for a great gift.

Walrus Audio’s recent Canvas Tuner allows you to save pictures and text to the ’home’ screen - and I guess this is a further evolution on from that. I’m not aware of whether the gameplay elements would have any impact on the core buffer functionality, there’s no current draw figure quoted yet - while I would imagine the screen and gaming elements would require a little more juice than just a standard buffer.

I currently have the Sitek Cristal Buffer in place, and was down to get the Thorpy FLIR at some stage too - so I’m not in any great hurry to add a third - cool concept really - but with some practicality challenges for your average player!

Controls - A Button, B Button.

The UwU Virtual Pet Buffer covers 3 different core functions and activities :

BUFFER - Opamp-based buffer featuring high input impedance (1MΩ) and low input impedance (25Ω) as well as 18v of headroom

PLAY TRACKER - Virtual ’Listening’ Pet that reacts to your playing in real time - with intricate pixel  animations and level points. The kitten ’Pet’ creature responds to the input signal in real time, and awards experience points as the player evolves over time through 30 exciting levels!

MINI GAMES - Neko Invader, Fishy Blox, Longcat - played with the A + B Buttons

The UwU Virtual Pet Buffer is available right now from the Ground Control Audio Webstore - for $139. And is perfect for all of those that year for the lost Tamagotchi experience of yesteryear!