X

19 retro gadgets we think should get a reboot

After the Nokia 3310 rerelease ushered in the idea of rebooting retro technology, here are 19 other pieces of old tech that deserve a comeback.
By Chris Hayner, Contributor
Apple Macintosh 128K
1 of 19 Apple

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.

Blackberry Bold
2 of 19 Blackberry

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.

Sega Genesis
3 of 19 Sega

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.

production2f1484731796958-bubx5xap05bmun8t-a24a9b9d92409b79e6ffec8207476d37.jpg
4 of 19 Chris Hayner/ZDNET

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.

Sony AIBO
5 of 19 Sony

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.

Pagers
6 of 19 Motorola

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.

Tamagotchi
7 of 19 Bandai

Tamagotchi

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

Flip Phones
8 of 19 Motorola

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.

Bop It! Extreme
9 of 19 Hasbro

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.

Microsoft Zune
10 of 19 Microsoft

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.

Sony Walkman
11 of 19 Marvel Studios

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.

Nintendo Game Boy
12 of 19 Nintendo

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."

CN Radios
13 of 19 Galaxy

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.

Power Glove
14 of 19 Mattel

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.

Teddy Ruxpin
15 of 19 Hasbro

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.

iPod
16 of 19 Apple

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.

Tiger Electronic Handheld Games
17 of 19 Tiger Electronics

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.

PalmPilot
18 of 19 Palm, Inc.

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.

Sega Saturn
19 of 19 Sega

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.

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes
Holiday lights in Central Park background

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes

21 Photos
Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting
Wooden lodge in pine forest with heavy snow reflection on Lake O'hara at Yoho national park

Related Galleries

Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting

21 Photos
Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes
3D Rendering Christmas interior

Related Galleries

Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes

21 Photos
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza
img-8825

Related Galleries

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza

26 Photos
A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex
img-9792-2

Related Galleries

A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex

22 Photos
Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup
shutterstock-1024665187.jpg

Related Galleries

Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

8 Photos
Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'
Full of promises!

Related Galleries

Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'

8 Photos