20 Forgotten Tech Gadgets From the Early 2000s
The early 2000s were packed with quirky, innovative tech gadgets that once felt futuristic but have now faded into nostalgia.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
The early 2000s introduced us to a wave of tech gadgets that felt like the peak of innovation at the time. From chunky MP3 players to bizarre gaming accessories, these devices shaped how we listened to music, played games, and connected with the world. While many have been replaced by modern smartphones and smart devices, their legacy still sparks nostalgia.
1. iPod Classic
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones took over, the iPod Classic was the ultimate music player. It had a click wheel, a chunky design, and enough storage to hold thousands of songs. It revolutionized how we listened to music but was eventually phased out by touchscreen devices. Today, it’s a collector’s item that screams cool from the early 2000s.
2. BlackBerry Phones
Kt38138 on Wikimedia Commons
These were the original business-class smartphones with physical keyboards and BBM messaging. At their peak, BlackBerries were everywhere, from boardrooms to high school hallways. Then, touchscreen phones took over, and the brand struggled to keep up. Now, BlackBerries are relics of a pre-iPhone world.
3. Motorola Razr
Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons
The Razr was the phone that made flip phones cool. Its sleek, ultra-thin design and satisfying snap made it a fashion statement. It dominated the early 2000s but disappeared once smartphones took center stage. A modern version exists, but it’s more nostalgia than necessity.
4. MiniDisc Players
Retired electrician on Wikimedia Commons
Sony’s MiniDisc players were supposed to replace CDs, offering a smaller, rewritable format. They had great sound quality but never quite took off, thanks to MP3 players and, eventually, the iPod. By the mid-2000s, MiniDiscs were already fading into obscurity. They’re now a forgotten chapter in portable music history.
5. Zune
Kirche on Wikimedia Commons
Microsoft’s answer to the iPod had a solid fanbase but never caught on. It had a cool interface and a social music-sharing feature, but Apple’s dominance was too strong. By the early 2010s, Microsoft officially gave up on Zune. Now, it’s remembered more as an underdog than a success.
6. Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
With its backlit screen and rechargeable battery, this clamshell handheld console was a game-changer. It was the perfect gaming device for long road trips and late-night sessions under the covers. While the Game Boy line eventually gave way to the Nintendo DS, the GBA SP remains a classic. Nostalgia alone keeps it alive in retro gaming communities.
7. Sidekick Phones
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The Sidekick was the phone of choice for teenagers and celebrities, thanks to its flashy screen flip and QWERTY keyboard. Texting never felt cooler, but once touchscreens became the standard, Sidekicks were done for. T-Mobile tried to revive it, but it didn’t stick. Now, it’s just another tech fossil from the early 2000s.
8. Digital Camcorders
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Before smartphones had great cameras, digital camcorders were essential for capturing home videos. Brands like Sony and Canon ruled the market with compact, tape-free designs. They were everywhere—at birthday parties, school plays, and on vacation. Now, smartphones have made them practically extinct.
9. HitClips
Jason Curtis on Wikimedia Commons
These tiny music cartridges were a kid’s dream—a portable way to play 60-second clips of hit songs. They were small, collectible, and completely impractical. MP3 players quickly replaced them, making HitClips a strange but nostalgic memory. If you had one, you were definitely a cool kid in the early 2000s.
10. PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants)
Steve Elliott on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones, PDAs like the Palm Pilot helped professionals stay organized. They had styluses, touchscreens, and apps for taking notes and managing contacts. They felt futuristic then, but once smartphones combined all their features, PDAs vanished. Now, they look like clunky prototypes of modern tech.
11. MP3 Players (That Weren’t iPods)
Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons
Brands like Creative, SanDisk, and Rio made MP3 players before the iPod crushed them. These devices varied in size, design, and storage, but they all shared one goal—making portable music digital. Some had weird buttons, odd screens, or clunky interfaces. Most were forgotten the moment Apple took over.
12. PSP (PlayStation Portable)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Sony’s PSP was a handheld gaming powerhouse with console-quality graphics. It had a solid run, but its expensive memory cards and lack of must-have games held it back. The PS Vita followed, but it also struggled to compete. Today, the PSP is a nostalgic relic for gamers who grew up in the 2000s.
13. E-Machines Computers
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These budget-friendly PCs were everywhere in the early 2000s. They weren’t flashy, but they got the job done for basic tasks like web browsing and school projects. Once laptops became more affordable, eMachines faded away. If you had one, you probably remember how slow they were.
14. TiVo
TiVo Corp. on Wikimedia Commons
TiVo changed how people watched TV, letting them pause, rewind, and record their favorite shows. It felt revolutionary, but cable companies started offering DVRs, making TiVo less essential. Streaming services eventually made DVRs obsolete altogether. Now, TiVo is just a tech footnote.
15. Boomboxes with CD Players
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The ultimate bedroom accessory for blasting music, boomboxes with CD players were essential. They let you carry your music anywhere—until MP3 players and streaming took over. By the late 2000s, they became rare sightings. If you still have one, congratulations; you own a time machine.
16. USB Flash Drive MP3 Players
Tom Harpel on Wikimedia Commons
These tiny devices were simple—plug them into your computer, load MP3s, and go. They lacked screens, fancy controls, or big storage, but they were cheap and convenient. Smartphones and streaming services made them useless. Now, they’re just weird little relics in junk drawers.
17. VHS/DVD Combo Players
Michelle Hawkins-Thiel on Wikimedia Commons
These hybrid machines were perfect for families transitioning from VHS to DVD. They allowed people to keep their old VHS collections while enjoying DVDs. Once streaming services and Blu-ray took over, combo players disappeared. Now, they’re mostly found in thrift stores and grandparents’ houses.
18. Razer Boomslang Mouse
Sumanroy35 on Wikimedia Commons
This gaming mouse was one of the first designed specifically for pro gamers. Its odd, chunky shape offered precision that early 2000s gamers loved. Today’s gaming mice are far more advanced, leaving the Boomslang in the dust. Still, it paved the way for the esports gear we have today.
19. Wireless Infrared Keyboards
Colin on Wikimedia Commons
Before Bluetooth took over, wireless infrared keyboards were the best way to type without cords. The problem? They required a direct line of sight to the receiver, which was super annoying. Bluetooth keyboards made them irrelevant fast. Now, they’re a forgotten tech fail.
20. Nokia N-Gage
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Part phone, part gaming console, the N-Gage was ahead of its time—but also kind of weird. It had a sideways design and awkward buttons, and users were required to remove the battery to swap games. Gamers mocked it, and it flopped hard. Now, it’s a cult collector’s item for tech nerds.