12 Vintage Electronics That Are Now Collectibles
These old gadgets used to be everywhere, and now, people collect them.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Long before modern tech, these electronics were part of daily life. They may seem outdated now, but many are worth money and hold special memories. Some still work, while others just look cool. These 12 gadgets are now popular collectibles for tech fans and vintage lovers.
1. Sony Walkman (TPS-L2)
Anna Gerdén on Wikimedia Commons
This was the portable music player that changed everything. The original Sony Walkman brought music into pockets long before iPods existed. Collectors now search for these blue-and-silver beauties, especially if they still come with the orange foam headphones.
2. Nintendo Game Boy
Nintendo Game Boy on Wikimedia Commons
The Game Boy was a ’90s kid’s prized possession and now a retro collector’s dream. Units in good condition, especially in the original gray casing, can fetch a decent price. Bonus points if you still have the Tetris cartridge.
3. Polaroid SX-70 Camera
Fabian Reus from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia Commons
Instant photography had a golden moment with this folding beauty. The SX-70 wasn’t just functional, it was stylish too. Collectors appreciate both its design and the fact that it still works with new instant film today.
4. Macintosh 128K
w:User:Grm wnr on Wikimedia Commons
Apple’s first Macintosh was bulky, boxy, and groundbreaking. That small screen and single floppy drive kicked off a personal computer revolution. Today, working models are rare and highly collectible.
5. Atari 2600
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The woodgrain design evokes the 1970s and early 1980s gaming era. The Atari 2600 transformed homes into arcades and is now a highly sought-after item among retro collectors. Find one with the original joystick, and it’s worth even more.
6. IBM Selectric Typewriter
Isipeoria on Wikimedia Commons
This wasn’t your average office typewriter — it had a rotating ball instead of traditional keys. The IBM Selectric was a popular office staple for decades and now stands as a relic of analog productivity. Collectors love its industrial charm.
7. Sony Trinitron TV
George Arriola from Potrero Hill, San Francisco, CA, United States on Wikimedia Commons
These bulky TVs had some of the clearest pictures back in the day. Gamers and retro media enthusiasts now seek them out to play old consoles in their native resolution. The smaller models are easier to collect, but the rarer large versions are prized, too.
8. Panasonic RX-5600 Boombox
bahniuk on Wikimedia Commons
Before Bluetooth speakers, there was this oversized sound machine. The Panasonic RX-5600 boombox is now a collectible street-style icon. If it has working cassette decks and radio dials, collectors are all over it.
9. Casio Calculator Watch (CA53W)
MOEJAMA64 on Wikimedia Commons
This tiny tech piece made you feel like a time traveler. It was a nerdy staple in the ’80s and now has retro flair. Collectors love the working ones, especially if the buttons are still sharp and legible.
10. Zenith Space Command Remote
Todd Ehlers on Wikimedia Commons
This remote didn’t use batteries. Instead, it clicked metal rods to send ultrasonic signals to the TV. It was weird, clunky, and way ahead of its time, just the kind of thing collectors love.
11. VHS Camcorders
Zalasem1 on Wikimedia Commons
Heavy, boxy, and often shoulder-mounted, these camcorders captured birthday parties and graduations long before smartphones did. Now, they’re showing up in retro tech collections, especially if the tape deck still works. Some are even used by filmmakers for that vintage look.
12. Apple iPod Classic
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The iPod Classic may feel recent, but it’s already vintage in collector circles. The click wheel, the minimalist design, and the massive storage made it a game changer. Sealed or well-kept models are already going up in value.