15 ’80s Tech Toys That Kids Today Wouldn’t Understand
These 15 tech toys from the 1980s were once cutting-edge but would seem strange or confusing to kids today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1980s introduced a wave of electronic toys that felt futuristic at the time. Many of these gadgets were battery-powered, made sounds, or featured early computer functions. Kids today, raised on smartphones and touchscreens, would likely find these devices outdated and hard to use.
1. Speak & Spell
FozzTexx on Wikimedia Commons
The Speak & Spell was an educational toy that used a speech synthesizer to teach spelling. It had a bright orange body, a membrane keyboard, and a robotic voice. For its time, it was considered a major innovation in learning tools. Today’s kids would find its interface slow and its voice awkward.
2. View-Master 3D Viewer
R. Henrik Nilsson on Wikimedia Commons
The View-Master showed 3D images through small cardboard reels. Kids inserted the reels and clicked a lever to rotate between scenes. Although it required no batteries, it felt immersive back then. Modern kids might be confused by its mechanical nature and lack of a screen.
3. Etch A Sketch Animator
Etcha on Wikimedia Commons
This was a digital version of the classic Etch A Sketch, featuring a small screen and a few buttons. It let kids create simple animations frame by frame. The pixelated display and limited controls made it challenging to use. Compared to modern animation apps, it feels extremely basic.
4. Simon
Shritwod on Wikimedia Commons
Simon was a memory game with four colored buttons that lit up in sequences. The goal was to repeat the pattern as it grew longer and faster. It helped develop memory and focus through repetitive play. The concept is simple, but the lack of visuals and sound depth might bore today’s gamers.
5. Nintendo Game & Watch
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
These handheld devices played a single game on an LCD screen. Each version had a fixed layout, and controls were limited. They were compact and easy to carry but offered minimal gameplay compared to modern consoles. Kids today might see them as repetitive and overly simple.
6. Casio Calculator Watch
Morn on Wikimedia Commons
This watch combined a digital time display with a working calculator. Small buttons allowed users to do basic math on their wrist. It was popular among students and tech fans in the ’80s. With smartphones everywhere now, its appeal and usefulness are lost on today’s kids.
7. Big Trak
MartinLing on Wikimedia Commons
Big Trak was a programmable toy vehicle with a keypad on its back. Kids could enter a sequence of commands to make it move, turn, and fire a “laser.” It introduced early coding concepts in a physical way. Today’s kids might struggle with its slow input method and trial-and-error style.
8. Teddy Ruxpin
Worlds of Wonder on Wikimedia Commons
Teddy Ruxpin was a talking bear that moved its mouth and eyes using a built-in cassette player. Kids inserted story tapes into its back, and the bear would read along. At the time, it was magical and lifelike. Now, kids used to AI assistants and animated characters might find it slow and stiff.
9. Alphie the Robot
jencu on Wikimedia Commons
Alphie was an educational robot toy with card inserts and simple games. It had flashing lights, a monotone voice, and taught letters and numbers. It was seen as a friendly learning partner for young children. Modern kids may find it clunky and limited compared to apps and tablets.
10. Light-Up Drawing Boards
Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons
These boards let kids trace images using a light source under a plastic screen. They were popular for learning to draw and copying favorite cartoon characters. The concept was hands-on but required patience and steady hands. Kids today might not understand why anyone would use this instead of a tablet.
11. Pocket Rockers
Fisher Price on Wikimedia Commons
These were mini music players that used tiny cartridges with two songs each. Kids wore them on their belts and shared tapes like trading cards. The sound was lo-fi, and the music selection was limited. Streaming platforms have made this kind of media sharing feel outdated and strange.
12. Omnibot
D J Shin on Wikimedia Commons
Omnibot was a remote-controlled robot with a built-in cassette deck and programmable functions. It could carry small items and deliver recorded messages. It looked high-tech in the ’80s and was a prized gadget. Compared to robotic toys today, it was slow and lacked smart features.
13. Lazer Tag
彭嘉傑 on Wikimedia Commons
The original Lazer Tag featured infrared guns and chest targets for real-world battle games. Players had to hit sensors to “score” a point. It brought video game ideas into the physical world. Today’s kids may not be impressed by the bulky gear and lack of real-time feedback.
14. Mattel Power Glove
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The Power Glove was a wearable controller for the NES. It allowed players to move and interact using hand gestures. The technology was exciting but often inaccurate and frustrating to use. With today’s VR systems, the Power Glove seems more like a rough draft than a real innovation.
15. Merlin
Junkyardsparkle on Wikimedia Commons
Merlin was a red handheld electronic game with several built-in activities. It featured a grid of lights and beeping tones for games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Music Maker. The toy encouraged thinking and pattern recognition. Today’s touchscreen games make it feel overly simple and repetitive.