19 retro gadgets we think should get a reboot

11 of 19
  • Apple Macintosh 128K

    Apple Macintosh 128K

    The Nokia 3310, that hipster from the year 2000, is back with a fresh reboot, and with it comes a fondness for all things retro-gadget. What should the next big tech reboot be? We have some ideas, but let us know what we missed in comments. First: The MacIntosh 128K, the computer that set the standard for everything the company would do in the future.

    Photo by: Apple

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Blackberry Bold

    Blackberry Bold

    The classic Blackberry smartphone had some of the most loyal users on Earth. If Nokia can reboot its smartphone, this only makes sense.

    Photo by: Blackberry

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Sega Genesis

    Sega Genesis

    With the NES and SNES Classic making such a splash, retro gaming is more popular than ever. With that in mind, it's time to bring back the chief rival to the SNES, Sega Genesis.

    Photo by: Sega

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Sony Discman

    Sony Discman

    The Sony Discman was the epitome of cool in the 1990s. Sure, digital music is clearly the way most people listen to songs, but there are still CDs released every week that demand to be heard, plus those classics you still have from your youth.

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Sony AIBO

    Sony AIBO

    Sony discontinued its robotic pet line in 2006. Given the technological advances since then though, a new version of the dog could be very impressive.

    Photo by: Sony

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Pagers

    Pagers

    Once in awhile it's nice to not have a smartphone in your pocket. With a pager you could step away from the phone while still being reachable in an emergency.

    Photo by: Motorola

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Tamagotchi

    Tamagotchi

    There may be a Tamagotchi app, but nothing compares to the keychain-sized digital pet that's yours to take care of.

    Photo by: Bandai

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Flip phones

    Flip phones

    One major problem with smartphones is how often screens get cracked. That wouldn't be a problem with a modern flip phone. Just ask Adele.

    Photo by: Motorola

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Bop It! Extreme

    Bop It! Extreme

    Bop It! Extreme is one of the best party games of all time. While Hasbro has had success with lesser versions of the toy, it's time to bring this one back.

    Photo by: Hasbro

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Microsoft Zune

    Microsoft Zune

    After "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," it'll be surprising if Microsoft doesn't release a retro version of their underappreciated MP3 player.

    Photo by: Microsoft

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Sony Walkman

    Sony Walkman

    Speaking of "Guardians of the Galaxy," Sony should release an affordable version of their classic Walkman. After all, cassette tapes do still exist, at least, for intergalactic heroes.

    Photo by: Marvel Studios

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Nintendo Game Boy

    Nintendo Game Boy

    A true pioneer in mobile gaming, the Nintendo Game Boy could be a retro hit if put back on the market now, complete with "Super Mario Land" and "Tetris."

    Photo by: Nintendo

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • CB Radios

    CB Radios

    Once upon a time, CBs were everything -- the original social media. Nothing would give you more old-school geek cred than having one of these in your car.

    Photo by: Galaxy

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Power Glove

    Power Glove

    Given how big a force virtual reality and motion gaming have become, a retooled and rebooted Power Glove might be Nintendo's next great idea.

    Photo by: Mattel

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Teddy Ruxpin

    Teddy Ruxpin

    The animatronic toy bear that plays cassette tapes may seem dated, but a reboot that plays downloaded digital audio files might become your kid's new best friend.

    Photo by: Hasbro

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • iPod

    iPod

    You can load MP3s onto your iPhone, but the simplicity of the original iPod, with its click wheel and basic operating system, is sorely missed.

    Photo by: Apple

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Tiger Electronic Handheld Games

    Tiger Electronic Handheld Games

    If you were a cool TV show or movie in the 1990s, you had a Tiger Electronic Handheld Game. The LCD screen technology is dated now, but a rebooted version would be a treat.

    Photo by: Tiger Electronics

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • PalmPilot

    PalmPilot

    Before smartphones, there were PDAs, and there was none bigger than the PalmPilot. It might not have the bells and whistles of an iPhone, but a new version would keep you incredibly organized.

    Photo by: Palm, Inc.

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

  • Sega Saturn

    Sega Saturn

    While this is technically the console that killed Sega in that market, it's better than most remember and deserves a second chance.

    Photo by: Sega

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

11 of 19

Sony Walkman

Speaking of "Guardians of the Galaxy," Sony should release an affordable version of their classic Walkman. After all, cassette tapes do still exist, at least, for intergalactic heroes.

Caption by: Chris Hayner

11 of 19

Related Topics:

PCs Servers Storage Networking Data Centers

Related Galleries

    • 1 of 3

  • TestM iPhone testing app

    The TestM diagnostic mode offers 26 tests, which range from testing the cameras, touchscreen, microphone, and even the haptic engine, to a comprehensive stress test that pushes ...

  • Anker PowerLine III Flow USB-to-Lightning cables

    Manufactured from silica gel with a graphene lining, the cable feels soft to the touch, and actually sort of flows through the hand. This isn't just about aesthetics, but it allows ...

  • Netgear LM1200 4G LTE modem

    The Netgear LM1200 4G LTE modem offers a reliable LKTE alternative for fixed-line internet.

  • Netgear AXE11000 Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E router

    The Netgear AXE11000 offers combined speeds up to 10.8Gbps, is built around a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor, and can deliver fast and reliable connections for up to 60 devices ...

  • OWC USB-C Travel Dock E

    A single mini dock that allows you to connect, charge, display, network, and import on-the-go, all through a single cable and a single USB-C port.

  • OWC Thunderbolt Dock

    Turn a single Thunderbolt port into four Thunderbolt ports, four USB ports, as well as a port for your SD Card, Gigabit Ethernet, and a combo audio in/out. ...