Old School Treasures
If you have an old iPod lying around, collecting dust, don’t throw it away — it may be worth a small fortune today. In recent years, the allure of vintage technology has soared — and items that were once used for everyday entertainment and communication are now fetching hefty price tags. Driven by nostalgia and the historical significance of these gadgets, devices like gaming consoles, first-edition iPods, and Tamagotchis have transformed into treasured collectibles.
Here are 11 items from the (not-so-distant) past that are now selling for hundreds or thousands of dollars on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and elsewhere.
Polaroid Cameras
First sold to the public in the late 1940s, Polaroid cameras became hugely popular for their ability to produce photos instantly. Polaroid pictures also became cultural icons in the 1970s and 80s thanks to their distinct, soft-focus aesthetic and unpredictable color shifts. This distinct appeal, coupled with the nostalgic factor, make vintage Polaroids particularly valuable today.
Though Polaroid cameras are available in various shapes and sizes today, with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and digital integrations, original vintage Polaroid cameras can still fetch impressive price tags.
Atari 2600
Launched in 1977, this video computer system set the gold standard in gaming by bringing the arcade experience to your living room with more colorful graphics, sharper sound, and better games than its predecessors. Known for its sleek wood-grain design, the gaming device became hugely popular in the early 1980s, and was perhaps best known for introducing games like “Pac-Man,” and “Space Invaders.” It also allowed gamers to hook up the device to the TV to play table tennis, or “Pong.”
Today, collectors still pay top dollar for units in mint condition or with original packaging. Take this rare Atari 2600 with a low serial number that’s selling for $1,400 on eBay, for example.
Sony Walkman
Before the reign of Apple, the Walkman had its time in the spotlight. Released by Sony in 1979, the portable device revolutionized how people listened to music. By allowing users to listen to cassettes on the go, the device became a novel concept at the time and cemented its status as a chic symbol of pop culture throughout the 80s and 90s.
Today, vintage models, especially refurbished ones in good working condition, are sought after by collectors as cherished vintage tech that can go for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
Commodore 64
Introduced in 1982, the Commodore 64 was one of the bestselling home computers of its time. Highly praised for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, it was a popular device for both gaming and home office tasks. By the late 80s, the Commodore 64 became a staple in many homes thanks to its attractive price (you could buy one for just $250 in 1983) and versatility.
Due to its impact on the home computing scene coupled with a vast library of software, well-preserved units can sell for several hundred dollars.
Apple Lisa
Introduced in 1983, the Apple Lisa was one of the first personal computers to offer a graphical user interface (GUI). Though the device was a commercial failure due to its high price and limited software, its technological prowess laid the groundwork for future computers, including the Macintosh.
Due to its rarity and significance in computing history, the device is now a collector’s item that can fetch anywhere from several hundred to thousands of dollars. This Apple Lisa, complete with a keyboard, mouse, and printer is selling for $5,000 on eBay.
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Released in the mid-1980s, this home video game console helped revitalize a stagnant video game market in the U.S. Known for introducing ultra-famous franchises like “Super Mario Bros.,” “The Legend of Zelda,” and “Metroid,” the NES is remembered for its lasting impact on gaming and pop culture. In fact, Nintendo began as a company in 1889, manufacturing playing cards.
Though largely phased out in favor of modern consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, NES consoles and certain game cartridges are often considered valuable relics of the gaming world. Thanks to its nostalgic value, some refurbished or limited models can sell for several hundred dollars.
Nintendo Game Boy
Introduced by Nintendo in 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized portable gaming by using interchangeable game cartridges and a compact design. In its prime, it was the go-to device for gaming on the go, featuring well-known titles like “Tetris” and “Zelda.” Its 8-bit graphics and quirky sound system became iconic in the 90s.
Today, original units, especially those in mint condition or with original packaging, can fetch impressive price tags. Case in point: This limited edition “Pokemon” console sold on eBay for nearly $4,000. *Runs to look for 20-year-old Game Boy*
Tamagotchis
Hailing from Japan, these digital pets were all the craze in the late 1990s. Kids, teens, (and even full-on adults) would nurture their Tamagotchi by feeding and caring for it via the egg-shaped keychain device. But as adorable as the pets were, they required a lot of work and attention. Underfed, sick, or neglected Tamagotchis would signal their need for attention by beeping incessantly, driving you a little crazy.
If ignored for too long, the digital creatures could even “die,” teaching kids a harsh lesson in responsibility and care. Though largely outdated now, original, unused, or rare editions can demand high sums.
Nokia 3310
Released in 2000, the Nokia is famed for its durability and long battery life (we love memes about them being stronger than actual weapons). Before smartphones became the norm, the Nokia was one of the best-selling mobile devices of its time. Known for its simple, user-friendly design and popular features like the game “Snake,” the Nokia remains a beloved classic among tech enthusiasts.
Today, it is celebrated for its iconic status and simplicity compared to modern devices. Collectors and nostalgists alike seek out this phone, especially in mint or unopened condition.
First Edition iPods
Launched by Apple in 2001, the first iPods forever changed how we listen to music. The digital music player stood out from CDs and cassette tapes by offering the ability to store 1,000 songs in a pocket-sized device. These were clunky, took up more space, and could only store about a dozen songs. The iPod’s sleek design and innovative scroll wheel interface also set new standards in personal electronics.
Nowadays, vintage and original models that haven’t been used or come with original features are highly prized. But sometimes, even used ones can command head-scratching prices. Take this clearly dinged-up 5th generation iPod that’s going for five grand on eBay, for example. Who’s buying this stuff?!
First Generation iPhone
Introduced by Apple in 2007, the first iPhone marked a revolution in mobile technology by combining a phone, iPod, and internet access into a single device. With its sleek design, touchscreen interface, and seamless user experience, it set new standards for smartphones and kicked off the mobile internet age. Though it was met with skepticism at first, it quickly became a cultural icon and commercial success.
Today, original, unopened first-generation iPhones are highly sought after by collectors, commanding premium prices thanks to their historical significance and rarity.
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This article was originally published on Cheapism
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