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19 retro gadgets we think should get a reboot

5 of 19 NEXT PREV
  • 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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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."

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    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.

    Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

    Photo by: Sega

    Caption by: Chris Hayner

5 of 19 NEXT PREV

By Chris Hayner | July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

  • Apple Macintosh 128K
  • Blackberry Bold
  • Sega Genesis
  • Sony Discman
  • Sony AIBO
  • Pagers
  • Tamagotchi
  • Flip phones
  • Bop It! Extreme
  • Microsoft Zune
  • Sony Walkman
  • Nintendo Game Boy
  • CB Radios
  • Power Glove
  • Teddy Ruxpin
  • iPod
  • Tiger Electronic Handheld Games
  • PalmPilot
  • Sega Saturn

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.

Read More Read Less

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.

Published: July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

Caption by: Chris Hayner

5 of 19 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

PCs Servers Storage Networking Data Centers

By Chris Hayner | July 7, 2017 -- 17:04 GMT (10:04 PDT)

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