Humans are fickle by nature. As soon as something new and shiny comes along, we drop old things like a sack of hot potatoes. If we look back, we dropped cassettes for CDs, Nintendo for PlayStation, and Casio watches for Apple watches. Now that these gadgets are completely obliterated, we feel their pull and wish we had them today.
Read on to learn 12 gadgets from the 80s we wish we had today.
Walkman
We can’t talk about the gadgets from the 80s without putting the Sony Walkman at the top of the list. The Sony Walkman revolutionized the way people listened to music in the 80s. It was compact, and portable, and allowed users to enjoy their favorite cassette tapes on the go.
Unlike today’s digital streaming, there was something oddly satisfying about physically flipping a cassette to continue listening. With its nostalgic charm and the rise of retro culture, many of us wish the Walkman could make a comeback, perhaps updated with modern tech but keeping its old-school vibe.
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
The NES wasn’t just a gaming console; it was a cultural phenomenon. Games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Duck Hunt provided endless hours of fun to kids in the 80s. The simplicity of 8-bit graphics and the challenge of limited lives added a level of excitement that modern gaming often lacks. While gaming consoles today are more advanced, the NES holds a special place in our hearts, and many wish for its nostalgic return.
Polaroid Cameras
In a world of filters and endless retakes, Polaroid cameras from the 80s offered something unique: instant, tangible memories. The joy of snapping a photo and watching it develop before your eyes was unmatched. While Polaroid has tried to make a comeback with modern versions in pink, blue, and neon colors, nothing beats the original vintage feel of their 80s models. They remind us of simpler times when capturing memories was more about the moment than perfection.
Casio Calculator Watches
Casio’s calculator watches were the ultimate geek-chic accessory of the 80s. These wrist gadgets combined practicality with a touch of futuristic flair, allowing users to perform quick calculations right from their wrist. It was something to flaunt and yet functional. While smartwatches today have far more functions, there’s a retro charm to these calculator watches that tech enthusiasts still adore. They were quirky, functional, and undeniably cool.
Boomboxes
The 80s wouldn’t be complete without the iconic boombox. These portable music systems were not only a way to enjoy our favorite tunes but also a fashion statement. People carried them to parks, parties, and even street corners, spreading music wherever they went. With their bold designs and impressive sound quality, boomboxes hold a nostalgic appeal that many wish could be revived in today’s Bluetooth-dominated world.
Speak And Spell
Educational toys like Speak and Spell were a hit in the 80s. This electronic device helped children learn spelling and pronunciation in a fun, interactive way. Its robotic voice and simple interface made it a staple in many households. While educational apps have taken over today, nothing beats the tactile buttons and retro appeal of Speak and Spell.
VHS Players
VHS players were the heart of home entertainment in the 80s. Families gathered around to watch rented or recorded tapes of movies and TV shows. Unlike today’s on-demand streaming, there was a certain thrill in rewinding tapes and waiting for our favorite scenes. While we have gotten used to 24/7 streaming, many miss the experience of handling VHS tapes and the nostalgia they bring.
Sony Betamax
While Betamax lost the format war to VHS, it was a superior technology in terms of picture quality. Sony’s Betamax players were compact and ahead of their time, offering an exceptional viewing experience. Even though they didn’t survive into the 90s, their innovative design makes us wonder what could have been if they were still around.
Epson ET TV
The Epson ET TV was a unique and compact device from the 1980s that combined the functionality of a TV and a projector. It was so small and thin that it could fit in the pockets, but could project television images onto a wall or screen. While modern projectors and smart TVs have taken over, the Epson ET TV’s innovative design and simplicity remain unmatched. While new generation high-definition technology has given us TV screens that take up almost the entire wall of our living rooms, many people wish for this gadget for its retro appeal.
Pager
Before smartphones, pagers were a lifeline for communication in the 80s. These tiny devices beeped or vibrated to alert users of incoming messages, making them a status symbol among professionals and teens alike. While they seem obsolete now, the simplicity of pagers has a nostalgic pull. They were straightforward and distraction-free, qualities that many of us wish we could bring back in our overconnected and impatient world.
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 wasn’t just a personal computer; it was a gateway to the digital world for many in the 80s. It was affordable, hence a popular home computer. It was also versatile, no wonder it was a favorite for gaming, programming, and even word processing. The device introduced millions to basic coding and computer literacy.
Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 turned classics like Space Invaders and Pac-Man into household names. Its joystick controller and wood-paneled design were iconic. While gaming systems today are far more advanced, the simplicity and charm of the Atari 2600 are hard to replicate. If it can be remodeled along modern lines, gaming enthusiasts would be delighted.
