Reliving eras from the past, Millennials and Gen Z are tech-savvy digital intellectuals who have a curiosity for nostalgia from popular decades like the 80s and 90s as well as historical periods that might have seemed too distant to connect to -- making these retro-inspired tech innovations notable.
From sleek typewriter keywords that connect via Bluetooth, karaoke machines, and audio players, to brand-themed polaroid cameras, a spark of interest for ‘retro’ items has developed a niche of products that reside alongside the smartest, cutting-edge tech.
Experimenting with simple devices, operated by chunky buttons and switches that need to be flipped to even turn on, younger generations are experimenting with the mechanics and aesthetics of the past to develop tech innovations that transform old-school technology to inhabit a space within the landscape of a fast-paced digital world.
10 Retro-Inspired Tech Innovations
10
Vintage-Inspired Digital Audio Players
The Conceptual 'Pony Project' Hi-Res Player is Retro
9
80s Computer-Inspired Keyboards
The 8BitDo C64 Edition Retro Keyboard is Commodore 64-Inspired
8
90s-Inspired Music Players
Bang & Olufsen Release the Vintage Beosound 9000 CD Player
7
Memory-Making Retro Camera Concepts
The Polaroid Duo Modular Instant Camera is a Sleek Concept
6
Retro-Themed Wireless Mouse
The LOFREE TOUCH PBT Mouse Comes with Custom Keycap Designs
5
Hardware Replication Gaming Handhelds
The Chromatic from ModRetro Uses FPGA to Play GameBoy Games
4
Retro Mechanical Numpad Devices
8BitDo Released a Dedicated Numpad for Professional Use
3
Timeless Typewriter Keyboard
The Qwerkywriter Meets Modern-Day Tech Needs
2
Early Computer-Inspired Keyboards
8BitDo Released the 'M Edition' Mechanical Keyboard
1
Retro-Tinged Polaroid Cameras
Fujifilm's New SQUARE SQ40 Celebrates Vintage Photo Formats
Related Ideas
Compact Knob-Equipped Keyboards
The Epomaker TH80-X Places its Rotary Knob in Full Focus
Intelligent All-in-One Induction Cooktops
The Braun SY10 Portable Induction Cooktop is Powerful
Ultra-Cushioned Performance Sneakers
Introducing The All-New Cloudeclipse by On
Metallic Architectural Record Players
The Conceptual 'RYTM' Record Player is Harmonious
Mood-Powered Smartphone Speakers
The Conceptual 'MIX:X' Speaker by Junyoung Lee is Intelligent
Modular Audio Immersion Speakers
The Conceptual 'TakeOut' Speaker Has Removable Sub-Speakers
Modular Physical Media Players
This Winamp Media Player Device by Eslam Mod is Digitally-Inspired
Illusory Transparent Earbud Cases
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero One Case is MagSafe-Enabled
AI-Powered Calculators
The 'OBSCURA' Calculator Concept by Divyansh Tripathi is Ultra-Advanced
Next-Gen Whiskey Bars
The Bulleit Limitless Lounge Changes Its Look with Projection Mapping Tech
Gaming-Friendly Work Numpads
The Keychron Q0 Max Supports Productivity and Pastimes
Modernized Modular LP Players
found/Founded Designs the Controlled Vibrary Digital LP Player
Customizable Alice-Layout Keyboards
Keychron Debuted the 'K15 Pro' with an Ergonomic Alice Layout
Dependable Multi-Console Controllers
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is Durably Built
Modular Sound Engineer Laptops
The Conceptual 'LAP-1' teenage engineering Laptop is Industrial
Retro-Themed Mechanical Keyboards
8BitDo's Latest Keyboard is Inspired by SNES-Era Gaming
Retro Car-Inspired Audio Devices
The EVO 150 DeLorean Edition is Designed by Cambridge Audio
Sustainable Luxury Buildings
RO54 by Arshia Architects is Located in LA's Bel Air Neighborhood
Advanced Antiquated Keyboards
The Azio MK-Retro Typewriter-Style Mechanical Keyboard is Sleek
Bass-Boosting Bluetooth Speakers
Sony's ULT Power Series Brings Back a Nostalgic Audio
Childhood Bedtime Story Speakers
The Chishu 2X Audiobook Player by Chanie Liao is Interactive
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
AI-Powered Personalized Avatars
Google Presents the VLOGGER AI to Replicate Users Digitally
Anime-Inspired Clothing Collections
UNIQLO Collaborates with Chainsaw Man on a New Capsule
Sleek Compact Keyboard Designs
The Fusion Keyboard 2.0 is Sophisticated and Practical
Cellular Off-Grid Security Cameras
The eufy 4G LTE Cam S330 Has a Solar Panel for Off-Grid Power
Otherworldly 3D-Printed Runners
Matthew Blunt's EXPLR 02 are Visually Stunning
Ultra-Compact Mechanical Keyboards
The Ducky Mecha Mini has Professional-Grade Switches
Retro Docking Hubs
The 'RayCue 128K' is Dripping With 1980s Computer Aesthetics
Accessible Nostalgic Gaming Systems
The Anbernic RG35XX H Pays Homage to the History of Gaming
Nostalgic Mechanical Keyboards
Lofree's 'Block 98' Calls Back to the Windows 98 Era
80s Computer-Inspired Keyboards
The 8BitDo C64 Edition Retro Keyboard is Commodore 64-Inspired
Modernized AI-Powered Typewriters
The 'Ghostwriter' AI Typewriter by Arvind Sanjeev is Intuitive
Modular Cat Trees
The PETLIBRO INFINITY Cat Tree Supports Comfort, Relaxation & Play
Architecture-Inspired Structural Speakers
Philipp Emrich Designs the Brutalist Agnes Speaker
Sculptural Pebble-Shaped Cameras
The 'Ditto' Camera Concept Captures with Holographic Effect
Pocket-Sized Clamshell Devices
The RG35XXSP is a Retro-Inspired Foldable Gaming Handheld
Adaptable Keyboard Peripherals
This Modular Keyboard Concept by Zhang Zhirui is Retro-Inspired
Digitally Enabled CD Players
This Portable CD Player Can Also Handle Digital File Formats
Indoor Cyclist Furniture Solutions
Tons Tech Table and Stands are Lightweight Yet Durable
Bamboo Forest-Inspired SUVs
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Has a 3.5L Turbo V6 Engine
Robust Audio Speaker Series
Bowers & Wilkins Presents its 600 Series of Audio Devices
Retro-Inspired Gaming Controllers
The 8BitDo M30 Wired Controller for Xbox is Officially Licensed
Premium Concept CD Players
Anthony Chupp Imagines a Quality CD Player in a Modern Look
Ultra-Miniature Gaming Handhelds
Anbernic Unveiled the RG28XX to Play Retro Games in your Pocket
Transparent Cyberpunk MP3 Players
'The DEVICE' by Alex Casabò Has an Ultra-Industrial Design
Chilled Soda Makers
Glacier Fresh's Sparkin Cold Soda Maker Has an Advanced Cooling System
Dual Screen-Equipped Keyboards
The KT84 from Machenike uses a Modern, Retro-Inspired Design
Aftermarket Console Connectivity Devices
The 8BitDo Retro Receiver Works with Retro Consoles
Crystalline Handheld Gaming Devices
The Analogue Pocket: Transparent Limited Editions are Stylish
Swappable Lens Livestream Webcams
The Logitech Mevo Core Has a 8.3MP 4/3 CMOS Sensor
Ergonomic Office Chair Designs
The Nouhaus Ergo3d is a Sleek and Luxurious Ergonomic Office Chair
Compact Campsite Cooking Irons
The Uno Casa Double Pie Iron Works Well for Solo Meals
Accessible Gamer Controllers
The 8Bitdo Ultimate C 2.4G Wireless Controller is Xbox-Style
Floor-Standing Wireless Speakers
Goldmund Designs the Dynamic Theia Speakers with a Tall Form
High Polling-Rate Gaming Keyboards
Lemokey's P1 Has Premium Keycaps and Switches in a 75% Layout
Multipurpose Handheld Game Consoles
Powkiddy's RGB20SX Plays Games from Various Platforms
Game Console Replication Kits
FunnyPlaying's FPGBC Uses FPGA to Replicate the GameBoy
Remixed Stealthy Camera Concepts
Wencheng Zhang Creates the Leica M Reimagined Concept
Cruise Control E-Scooters
The Vida V1 Coupe from Hero MotoCorp will Debut Soon in Europe
Dual-Port Mechanical Keyboards
Drop's 'ALT V2' Features Two USB-C Ports for Optimal Desk Layouts
Adaptive DIY Macro Keyboards
The Keybon is a Compact Customizable Device for Any Apps
Keychain-Sized Game Controllers
The 8BitDo Micro is a Wireless Controller that Fits in a Pocket
Portable Pill-Shaped Soundbar Speakers
The LG StanbyMe Speaker Maximizes Capabilities
Wireless Mechanical Keyboards
Keychron Unveils its New Q1 Pro with Convenient Design
Revolutionary 3D Scanners
Matter and Form Three™ Offers Unmatched Capabilities in Scanning
Retro-Inspired Mechanical Keyboards
AZIO Introduces a Juxtaposing Tactile Keyboard Design
Typewriter-Style PC Peripherals
The FINEDAY 3.0 Full Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard is Sophisticated
Compact Handheld Game Consoles
PowKiddy Released the 'RGB30' Pocket-Sized Gaming Device
Colorful Compact Retro Keypads
Meletrix Presents the ZoomPad Essential Edition Keypad
Modernized Retro Controllers
8BitDo Released an Officially-Licensed NeoGeo CD Controller
Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices
Nik Reitmann Designs a DIY Streaming Audio Player
Color-Matched Gaming Consoles
The Analogue Classic Limited Edition Pockets Come in Eight Colors
Verified AI-Proof Content
Realify.io Ensures Authenticity in Digital Content
Tycoon-Style Beauty Games
e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches a Digital Tycoon World on Roblox
Inclusive Personal Care Products
The one+other Universal Tools Collection is at CVS Pharmacy
Hardware-Based Emulation Devices
Analogue Announced the '3D,' an FPGA Device for Nintendo 64
Victorian-Inspired USB Keyboards
The Diviner Keyboard is Crafted From Solid Wood
Harmonized Audio Sleek Speakers
Adsum and ELAC Forms the Designer Series ConneX DCB41-DS Speakers
Haunting Tech Safety PSAs
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection Releases 'The Horse'
Retro Gaming Controller Support
The New Retro Receiver by 8BitDo is a Versatile Modern Controller
Sustainable Dynamic Hilltop Buildings
Arshia Architects Designs the RO54 in LA's Bel Air