It’s not time to toss out that dusty box of electronics just yet. Before you do, take a closer look—you might actually be sitting on a small fortune. These days, a lot of vintage gadgets are now seen as hot collectibles, and a few nostalgic buyers may be willing to pay top dollar for your old junk. Let’s take a look at some old gadgets that could fetch big money if you’re lucky enough to still have them.
Original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
If you were an ‘80s kid, you might still have an old NES lying around, which debuted in 1985. This little console revolutionized gaming and is now seen as a priceless collectible. Systems in working condition, especially those with their original packaging and games like Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda, can fetch hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars on auction sites.
Sony Walkman
Kids today might have no idea what a Walkman is, but this groundbreaking portable cassette player from the late 1970s and ‘80s remains a symbol of music freedom for many. Early models in good condition are prized by collectors, and limited-edition versions can command impressive prices.
Apple iPod Classic
Yes, it’s true that most of us have moved on to streaming our music, but the iPod Classic holds a special place in tech history. First- and second-generation models, particularly those with high storage capacity, are now worth hundreds of dollars.
Vintage Polaroid Cameras
There’s something incredibly charming and nostalgic about Polaroid cameras from the ‘60s through the ‘80s, so it’s no surprise that they’ve become increasingly collectible. Models like the SX-70 or OneStep are particularly desirable among photography enthusiasts.
If you’re lucky enough to have original cases and unused film packs, this will add a lot to their worth, with some cameras selling for several hundred dollars.
First-Generation iPhone
If you were around when it came out, it might seem like Apple’s first iPhone, released in 2007, is a modern gadget, but it’s actually considered a piece of tech history already. If you have one in working condition—or better yet, still sealed in its original box—it could sell for thousands.
Atari 2600
If you were an old-school gamer, you’d know that the Atari 2600 holds a lot of nostalgic value. Because it was one of the earliest home gaming consoles, those in good condition, especially with rare games like Air Raid or E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, can bring in a substantial amount from collectors.
Vintage Sony Trinitron TVs
Old Sony Trinitron CRT TVs may seem prehistoric by today’s standards, but smaller models used for retro gaming are back in demand. Hardcore gamers seek out these TVs for their superior display quality with older consoles, which means working models in good condition are often worth more than you’d expect.
Game Boy
Yet another old console that kept its charm through the years is Nintendo’s original Game Boy. This beloved piece of gaming history is incredibly valuable to many, with first editions and limited-edition models going for big bucks. Rare games like Pokémon Red or Tetris can drive up their value even more.
IBM Model M Keyboards
A lot of people have never even heard of the IBM Model M keyboard, which was first introduced in the 1980s. But for tech enthusiasts, this old gadget is a prized collectible with a tactile feel and impressive durability.
Working models in good condition can sell for hundreds of dollars, as many people actually prefer its build quality over modern keyboards.
VHS Players
Most people will never use a VHS tape again, but collectors and retro enthusiasts still value working VHS players. High-end models from brands like Panasonic or Sony are particularly sought after. And if you can combine the player with rare VHS tapes, you could be holding onto a small fortune.
Casio Calculator Watches
It might be hard to believe, but Casio calculator watches were the height of tech-savvy style in the ‘80s, which is why they’ve become a nostalgic collector’s item. Rare models in excellent condition, especially with their original packaging, can fetch surprising prices online.
SEGA Genesis
Here’s another one for the old-school gamers. The SEGA Genesis, a popular retro gaming console, is in high demand among collectors today. Complete systems with controllers and classic games like Sonic the Hedgehog or Streets of Rage are particularly valuable.
Classic Turntables
As you may have noticed, vintage turntables, especially from brands like Technics or Thorens, are back in style thanks to the vinyl revival. Fully functional models in good cosmetic condition are absolute gems to audiophiles and can sell for hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars, depending on their brand and rarity.
Nintendo 64
If you’ve been around for a few decades, you may be familiar with the Nintendo 64, one of the most popular consoles of the late ‘90s. This old console remains a favorite among retro gamers years later.
Systems paired with rare titles like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, or Conker’s Bad Fur Day could fetch you hundreds of dollars.
Beepers/Pagers
While beepers were seen as an essential tool for communication in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they’ve now become quirky but valuable collectibles. Models from popular brands like Motorola in working condition can attract interest from retro tech enthusiasts.
Compaq Portable Computers
Their technology might not be too impressive by today’s standards, but early portable computers like the Compaq Portable from the 1980s are now valuable pieces of tech history. These bulky, suitcase-style devices are invaluable to many collectors of vintage computing.
Minidisc Players
While Sony’s Minidisc players were once a niche music format, they’ve now found a second life among retro audio enthusiasts. Working devices, especially rare models, are now viewed as hot collectibles. If you can add a collection of minidiscs to the party, this can make your set even more appealing to buyers.
Tamagotchi
Remember those cute little virtual pets from the ‘90s? Well, if you’re lucky enough to have an original, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re now sought after for their nostalgic value. Early versions in working order, especially in unopened packaging, can sell for impressive amounts.
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 was one of the best-selling computers of its time, so it should come as no surprise that it remains a favorite among vintage tech collectors. Complete systems with a working keyboard, monitor, and accessories can sell for hundreds of dollars.