20 Outdated Tech That’s Weirdly Valuable Now
Some old gadgets and devices are now worth a surprising amount of money.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Just because something is old does not mean it is worthless. Vintage tech items that were once collecting dust in attics are now selling for impressive prices. Collectors and tech enthusiasts are hunting for rare electronics, gaming consoles, and even discontinued phones. Here are 20 outdated tech pieces that are unexpectedly valuable today.
1. First-Generation iPhone
Carl Berkeley on Wikimedia Commons
Apple’s first iPhone changed the world, and collectors are eager to get their hands on sealed units. Unopened first-gen iPhones have sold for thousands. If you still have one in mint condition, it could be a gold mine.
2. Original Game Boy
Sammlung der Medien und Wissenschaft on Wikimedia Commons
The Game Boy defined portable gaming, and collectors are still chasing after the original. Special editions and mint-condition models can sell for a premium, and rare game cartridges also add to their value.
3. Disney Black Diamond VHS Tapes
Tobias ToMar Maier on Wikimedia Commons
Some Disney VHS tapes, especially those marked with the “Black Diamond” logo, are highly collectible. Certain titles have sold for hundreds or even thousands—their rarity and nostalgia fuel demand.
4. Vintage Typewriters
Daniel McCullough d_mccullough on Wikimedia Commons
Retro typewriters have become stylish collector’s items. Working models from brands like Royal and Underwood can sell for hundreds. Writers and collectors love their aesthetic and mechanical charm.
5. Tamagotchi
Museum Rotterdam on Wikimedia Commons
The Tamagotchi craze of the ’90s made these virtual pets iconic. Rare and unopened versions now fetch impressive prices, and limited-edition models are especially valuable.
6. PlayStation 1
Tx-re on Wikimedia Commons
Sony’s first PlayStation revolutionized gaming, and original units in great condition are sought after. Special edition consoles and rare games boost value, and sealed copies of classic games sell for thousands.
7. Rotary Phones
Amitbalani on Wikimedia Commons
Old rotary phones may seem obsolete, but collectors love them. Unique designs and rare colors can drive up value. Functional models are especially prized by vintage enthusiasts.
8. Atari 2600
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The Atari 2600 pioneered home gaming, and retro gamers are always looking for well-preserved units. Sealed consoles and rare game cartridges are the most valuable, and limited editions sell for high prices.
9. Sony Walkman
Dillan Payne on Wikimedia Commons
The Walkman was the ultimate portable music device before MP3 players. Certain models, especially in working condition, are now collectible, and rare editions and limited releases are worth even more.
10. Floppy Disks
Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons
Once a staple of computer storage, floppy disks are now collector’s items. Rare software versions and sealed boxes can fetch impressive prices. Some niche industries still rely on them, driving up their value.
11. Sealed Copies of Windows 95
Jonathan D. Cowles and Jeff Boettcher on Wikimedia Commons
An unopened Windows 95 software package is a surprising collector’s gem. Nostalgic tech fans and collectors are willing to pay top dollar for sealed versions, and the original packaging and manuals add even more value.
12. iPod Classic
Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons
The iPod Classic is a relic of the pre-streaming era, and rare models sell for high prices. Collectors look for those with the highest storage capacities. If you have one in great condition, you might have a valuable piece of tech history.
13. First-Edition Pokémon Cards
The Pokémon Company International on Wikimedia Commons
Pokémon card collecting has exploded in popularity, with first-edition cards selling for thousands. Holographic and rare misprint cards are the most valuable. If you kept yours in mint condition, you might have a small fortune in your hands.
14. Sega Genesis
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The Sega Genesis remains a beloved classic, and collectors pay well for boxed consoles. Limited-edition versions and rare cartridges are the most sought-after. If yours still works, it could be worth a good amount.
15. Nintendo 64
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The Nintendo 64 was a legendary console, and collectors loved it. Sealed consoles and rare game cartridges are highly valuable, and special edition controllers and accessories also fetch high prices.
16. Beanie Baby Electronics
Ty Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Some electronic Beanie Babies, like those with built-in sounds, are now rare finds. Special editions or factory errors increase their worth, and collectors pay top dollar for mint-condition pieces.
17. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
Everaldo Coelho on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones, PDAs were essential for organizations. Rare Palm or Apple’s Newton series models have become collector’s items. Devices in working condition hold the most value.
18. Vintage Camcorders
Darian Hildebrand (Dhscommtech at English Wikipedia) on Wikimedia Commons
Old camcorders, especially those with unique features, are surprisingly valuable. Working VHS or MiniDV camcorders sell for high prices, and limited-edition or first-generation models are in demand.
19. Vintage Graphing Calculators
Asimzb on Wikimedia Commons
Certain Texas Instruments calculators are collectible, especially rare models. Students and enthusiasts still seek them out. Unused or limited-edition versions fetch impressive prices.
20. VHS Recorder
Ron Lach on Pexels
Despite the digital age, VHS recorders have nostalgic value. Working units and rare brands can sell for high prices, and some collectors even restore and use them today.