A friend of mine recently asked if I could help him find a “vintage” Sony Walkman for his daughter’s 14th birthday. That’s her only wish, he told me. Not an iPhone, not a PlayStation, and certainly not a pony. Just the same gadget I used when I was her age—nearly four decades ago.

There’s a significant resurgence of interest in retro tech. Transparent and see-through devices are making a comeback, while cassette tape sales have exploded by nearly 490% since 2015. Even analog alarm clocks are experiencing a notable increase in sales.

Both Gen X and Gen Z appear to be reveling in the nostalgic vibes of the past—where cassette tapes turned, boomboxes roared, and everything glowed in neon. Many are feeling fatigued by smartphones and are turning back to the comforting, tactile experiences of earlier tech—seeking both nostalgia and curiosity.

“In a world that’s increasingly digital, the charm of analog technology is truly captivating,” shares Adam Fuerst during our phone chat.

Fuerst, along with his wife Kori, established Retrospekt, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company. Here, a dedicated team refurbishes various old-tech devices, from cassette players and gaming consoles to alarm clocks and more nostalgic items. Fuerst explains that their aim is to “provide products rich with history that perform like they were just made yesterday.”

“We refer to ourselves as ‘protectors of the obsolete,’” Fuerst adds, his voice filled with enthusiasm. “I spend all day on my phone, and interacting with vintage technology allows me to disconnect and engage in a more hands-on and intentional experience. It’s refreshing to step away from our smartphones and reconnect with our senses, truly engaging with each moment. That’s something special, and I believe it’s quite beneficial.”

And it seems many share his perspective. What began as a side project while the Fuersts were in graduate school in 2010 has blossomed into a successful enterprise, now employing 45 people and on track to “approach the 10 million mark,” Fuerst notes.

My Current Retro Tech Obsessions

Here are some retro gadgets and trends that I’m really excited about—so much so that I’ve showcased them on the ‘Today Show’.

Flip Phones Are Making a Comeback

Flip phones are becoming increasingly popular, largely due to smartphone fatigue. I’ve written extensively about my own flip phone that I use during nights and weekends to help me disconnect, but there are some exciting new models to consider as well.

This year, HMD launched a $130 Barbie Flip Phone, and they’ve recently introduced The Boring Phone in collaboration with Heineken and Boston’s Bodega, promoting the idea that “There’s more to social life when there’s less on your phone.”

This device offers features like “no maps, no high-resolution camera, and no social media,” focusing instead on providing nostalgic retro vibes for connecting with friends over drinks.

The official site for Boring Phone states they’re only distributed through giveaways and for a limited duration. If you are fortunate enough to get one, you’ll be able to make calls and send texts using 2G, 3G, and 4G networks in the U.S. Plus, you can enjoy a game of Snake.

Nostalgic Clear Gadgets from the 90s

Translucent technology is making a comeback. These see-through gadgets harken back to the 90s, a time when visibility and the idea of giving consumers a “peek inside” were appealing to buyers.

The London-based tech company Nothing has launched a series of transparent phones and earbuds, aiming to “eliminate barriers between people and technology,” as stated by their CEO.

Additionally, Retrospekt offers the CP-81 Portable Cassette Player for $100, a Walkman-style device featuring a transparent casing.

In the gaming realm, transparent designs are also trending. Xbox has released the Sky Cipher Wireless Controller ($70), which showcases a see-through blue design that reveals a shiny silver interior enhanced with metallic components. You can also find refurbished DualShock 4 Wireless controllers for around $50 on Amazon.

No item embodies retro tech quite like the Nintendo Game Boy ($150). A clear version of this classic is flying off the shelves, quickly reminding us of the nostalgic moments spent under the covers playing “just five more minutes” of Tetris.

Let the Tunes Flow

I’ve tossed the leg warmers aside, but I still cherish my vintage yellow Sports Sony Walkman from the 80s. However, I’m hesitant to use it, fearing it might devour my last remaining Flashdance cassette like a cantankerous gremlin at a buffet.

Luckily, this product happens to be one of Retrospekt’s most sought-after throwbacks. Their website features a variety of both original and refurbished cassette players in a range of colors and designs, including the beloved Sony Walkman, with prices spanning from $150 to $1,200. Each cassette player comes with batteries and a pair of bright-orange on-ear headphones to enhance the nostalgic experience. You can also purchase cassette tapes directly from their site.

Boomboxes are experiencing a revival as well. Numerous brands, including JBL, Anker, Sony, and Bumpboxx, are launching new Bluetooth versions of these classic devices.

However, many of these feel modern. For a true nostalgia hit, consider the Riptunes Boombox ($80) available on Amazon. While it’s new, it features vintage 1982 elements, such as an AM/FM radio, a built-in cassette player, and a recorder. It also includes some contemporary features like Bluetooth connectivity, and you can record directly to a Micro SD card or USB. The audio quality is “classic” stereo, and it requires either a plug-in or four D-size batteries for operation.

Instant Cameras Are Making a Comeback!

Similar to vintage vinyl players, instant cameras that can print photos directly from your smartphone have been around for some time. However, genuine vintage instant cameras are increasingly gaining popularity.

Among them is the Polaroid 600 Supercolor 635 CL ($160), an instant camera adorned with a rainbow stripe that has become one of the most sought-after refurbished models available.

Gadgets available at Retrospekt have been revitalized, making them perfect for a new wave of selfie enthusiasts. To dive into instant photography with a charming vintage touch, all you need is a pack of Polaroid 600 film (sold separately) to capture those classic grainy, soft-focus images.

Additionally, I discovered another “new” old-style camera on Amazon. The Kodak Reusable 35mm Film Camera, priced at $50, resembles the classic Instamatic from the 60s and 70s. However, it’s newly manufactured to evoke that old-school vibe, featuring a pop-up flash that requires batteries. Users must also load it with 35mm film, which can still be developed at Walgreens, CVS, and other familiar drugstores, just like in the past.

Time to Wake Up!

The trend of retro alarm clocks is gaining momentum as more people choose to leave smartphones out of their bedrooms for improved sleep quality. One standout option is the Twemco Analog Flip Alarm Clock ($95), which harks back to 1968. Its delightful “click” sound when the card numbers flip over brings back memories. These are physical cards, not just digital images. This battery-operated wonder also features a date display.

The alarm seems quieter than I recall, but those gentle “beep beeps” take me back to my high school days, where I would push the snooze button repeatedly until the very last moment.

Revisiting the Past

If you had the chance to go back in time, which vintage gadget would you want to bring back?

According to Retrospekt’s Fuerst, we might soon see a comeback of VHS, DVDs, and Blu-rays. “These older media formats offer a seamless experience—no interruptions, commercials, or excessive streaming. They provide a clear beginning, middle, and end, allowing us to enjoy a focused slice of time that we can fully control.”

Despite the many conveniences offered by modern technology, Fuerst believes that embracing more “deliberate” experiences from the past can help many of us “feel a bit more human again.”