The return of retro tech: five gadgets making a comeback
From instant photographs to classic games, these five nostalgic gadgets are finding their way back into Gen Z’s everyday lives
Retro gadgets are making a comeback as Gen Z continues to romanticise the technology of the 2000s and early 2010s. While smartphones can now handle everything from photography to music and gaming, older devices offer a more focused and hands-on experience.
Their appeal is not necessarily about advanced performance. Instead, it comes from physical buttons, visible camera flashes, compact designs, and the feeling of using a device created for one particular purpose. As nostalgic aesthetics continue to influence fashion, interiors, and social media, these gadgets are becoming part of everyday life once again.
Brands have been quick to adapt to the nostalgia wave, reimagining classic designs with modern technology for a generation that values both vintage aesthetics and digital convenience.
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Fujifilm's Instax cameras, for instance, recreate the charm of instant Polaroid-style prints while allowing users to print photos directly from a smartphone through the Instax app. Casio has also revived its iconic digital watch designs with models such as the ABL-100, which retains the familiar retro look but adds Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone syncing.
The trend extends beyond cameras and watches.
HMD has brought back the flip phone with the Nokia 2660 Flip, pairing its nostalgic clamshell design with 4G connectivity, larger displays and improved accessibility features.
Meanwhile, audio brands such as Marshall have embraced vintage-inspired speakers like the Acton III, combining the look of classic guitar amplifiers with Bluetooth streaming and modern sound technology. The message is clear: consumers no longer have to choose between nostalgia and convenience—they can have both in a single device.
Whether used for capturing photographs, listening to music or revisiting childhood games, they bring back the charm of simpler technology in a way that still feels relevant today. These five retro-inspired gadgets prove that old-school design still has a place in today's digital world.
Compact digital camera
Compact digital cameras are returning as Gen Z looks for photographs that feel less polished than images taken on modern smartphones.
Their visible flash, slightly grainy colours and early-2010s appearance can give ordinary pictures a more nostalgic and personal quality.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W830 is a slim point-and-shoot camera that can fit easily inside a small handbag or pocket. Its simple controls allow users to take photographs without carrying heavy equipment or spending time adjusting professional settings.
The built-in flash creates the bright, direct look commonly associated with photographs from the 2000s, while the zoom makes it useful for both close-up pictures and scenes from a distance. For anyone interested in the current digicam revival, it offers an easy way to recreate the familiar look and experience of early digital photography.
Where to buy: Classic Camera BD
Price: TK18,000
Retro handheld gaming console
The simple pleasure of playing classic games without notifications, online updates, or complicated setups- handheld gaming consoles are bringing back all these. Their familiar buttons, compact screens, and old-school designs can make gaming feel more focused and nostalgic.
The Anbernic RG35XX has a vertical shape inspired by older portable gaming systems. Its lightweight body makes it easy to hold, carry in a bag or use during long journeys. The console supports a wide selection of classic games from different older platforms, allowing users to revisit childhood favourites or discover them for the first time. It can also be connected to a larger screen for a more traditional gaming experience.
With its straightforward controls and portable design, the device combines the visual charm of older consoles with the convenience expected from a modern handheld system.
Where to buy: Retro Games BD
Price: TK5,800
Bluetooth portable speaker
Compact enough for a bookshelf or work desk, the Acton III has become a favourite among young consumers who want their gadgets to double as home décor.
Wrapped in textured black vinyl with a woven speaker grille, brass-coloured control knobs and the iconic Marshall script logo, the Marshall Acton III looks like a vintage amplifier but functions as a powerful Bluetooth speaker for today's listeners.
The speaker supports Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless wireless streaming and can also be connected via a 3.5 mm audio cable. Through the Marshall Bluetooth app, users can fine-tune the sound or receive software updates.
Where to buy: Star Tech, Ryans Computers, Gadget and Gear
Price: Starts from Tk 34,000
MP3 player
MP3 players bring back a time when listening to music did not require opening an app, checking notifications or staying connected to the internet. Their compact size and simple controls can make music feel more personal and less distracting.
The ST12 Mini Bluetooth MP3/MP4 Player has a small, iPod-inspired design that can fit easily inside a pocket or handbag. Its screen can be used for music, videos, images and text, while the device also includes FM radio and a recording function.
Bluetooth allows it to connect with compatible wireless headphones, and additional storage can be added for larger music collections. For anyone who wants to keep music separate from social media and other smartphone distractions, the ST12 offers a lightweight and affordable way to return to a simpler listening experience.
Where to buy: Star Shop Bd
Price: TK2,500
Polaroid camera
Instant cameras have made printed photographs popular again by turning ordinary moments into physical keepsakes. Instead of leaving pictures stored inside a phone, users can place them in journals, display them on walls or share them with friends.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 has a compact, rounded design that makes it easy to carry to birthdays, trips and gatherings. Its automatic settings help users take clear photographs without adjusting complicated controls, while the close-up mode and built-in selfie mirror make it convenient for portraits.
Once the shutter is pressed, the photograph comes out of the camera and develops within moments. Available in several soft colours, the camera combines a playful appearance with simple functionality, making it suitable for anyone who enjoys documenting everyday memories in a more personal and tangible form.
Where to buy: Star tech
Price: TK15,000
