1. Apple iBook G3 “Clamshell”
Apple’s colorful clamshell laptops were a design statement in the late 90s, looking like something between a purse and a spaceship. The unusual colors—tangerine, blueberry, lime—make them highly desirable to collectors today. Working units can easily go for several hundred, and sealed versions have topped a few thousand. That’s serious money for what was once a “student laptop.”
The collectability ties to Apple’s cult following and the nostalgia for late 90s design trends. People love how bold and playful these machines look compared to today’s minimalism. They’re also a reminder of Apple’s rise before the iPod and iPhone. Owning one is almost like holding a piece of design history.
2. Nintendo Game Boy Color
The Game Boy Color was the handheld console every kid wanted in the late 90s, with its tiny screen and library of Pokémon titles. Today, collectors will pay big bucks for units in great condition, especially if they’re in rare colors like “Atomic Purple.” Sealed Game Boy Color systems can sell for thousands at auction, often more than a diamond necklace. Even used ones can fetch a few hundred if they come with original packaging.
The value comes from nostalgia combined with scarcity—most kids didn’t keep their boxes, and many consoles got worn down after years of play. Limited-edition versions, like those tied to Pokémon or Zelda, tend to drive prices even higher. It’s not uncommon to see passionate fans bid against each other, pushing values well past retail jewelry pieces. What was once a toy stuffed in a backpack is now a serious collector’s item.
3. Sony Walkman (Cassette Players)
Before MP3 players, the Sony Walkman was the ultimate portable music machine. Models from the 90s, especially higher-end ones with sleek metal finishes, have become cult collectibles. Some limited editions or rare designs can sell for well over $1,000 online. That’s often higher than the price of a gold bracelet.
Why so much? Many people miss the tactile, analog feel of popping in a cassette and hitting play. Audiophiles argue that these old machines still produce warmer sound than most digital devices. Combined with the retro aesthetic, it’s no wonder fans treat them like luxury goods.
4. Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64 changed gaming forever, introducing 3D worlds with classics like Mario 64 and Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Sealed or limited-edition N64 consoles are now highly sought after. Some units in their original packaging have sold for thousands, rivaling high-end jewelry. Even loose consoles fetch steady prices, thanks to demand from retro gamers.
Part of the draw is the multiplayer nostalgia—four controller ports made it the party system of its time. Specific game bundles, like the Pikachu edition, are especially valuable. And since many consoles were heavily used by kids, pristine versions are rare. That rarity turns what was once a birthday present into a serious investment piece.
5. Sony Discman (CD Players)
The Discman was the evolution of the Walkman, bringing CDs into backpacks and glove compartments everywhere. High-end 90s models, especially those with anti-skip features, are now collectibles. Some rare versions can sell for hundreds of dollars, much more than a simple pair of earrings. Even everyday models are climbing in value as nostalgia spikes.
The Discman sits at the crossroads of analog and digital culture. It represents the era when CDs felt futuristic but still physical enough to hold. Collectors appreciate the mix of sleek design and early digital engineering. For many, it’s the symbol of teenhood freedom—just you, your headphones, and a skip-prone soundtrack.
6. Tamagotchi
The little keychain digital pets were a playground craze in the mid-to-late 90s. Original Tamagotchis, especially in good condition or in unopened packaging, have skyrocketed in value. Some rare colors and limited runs have sold for hundreds, even over a thousand. That’s a lot of money for something that once cost less than a movie ticket.
The hype is all about cultural memory—kids were obsessed with keeping their pixel pets alive. Many of those kids are now adults with disposable income, eager to reclaim that feeling. Since most devices didn’t survive intact, the rarity factor kicks in. That scarcity transforms them into nostalgic treasures.
7. Sega Genesis Nomad
The Sega Genesis Nomad was Sega’s attempt at a portable Genesis console, and while it didn’t sell well at the time, it’s worth plenty now. Working models often sell for several hundred, and boxed versions can push past $1,000. That easily rivals a diamond pendant. Its scarcity makes it a true collector’s prize.
The Nomad’s failure in the market is what makes it so desirable now. Few were produced, and even fewer survived in good condition. Retro gamers love its quirky place in console history as a “what could have been” product. Owning one today feels like rescuing a lost chapter of gaming.
8. Original Sony PlayStation
The PlayStation defined gaming in the late 90s, introducing cinematic experiences with Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid. Factory-sealed original consoles have sold for thousands of dollars at auction. Even well-kept used versions can bring in more than you’d expect. That’s especially true if the unit comes bundled with rare controllers or accessories.
Its cultural impact is enormous—this was the moment gaming fully crossed into mainstream entertainment. That nostalgia, combined with Sony’s massive brand, drives collectors’ passion. The PlayStation also represents a turning point for CD-based gaming. For fans, it’s not just a console, it’s history.
9. Casio G-Shock Watches
While technically still being produced today, certain 90s G-Shock models are worth serious money. Limited editions or rare designs can sell for thousands online. Collectors prize models with unusual colorways or collaborations. Some have outpaced the price of luxury jewelry despite their rugged reputation.
The appeal is both style and substance—G-Shocks were known for being virtually indestructible. Their chunky, retro look has aged well, with fashion trends embracing them again. Vintage pieces are scarce since many were heavily worn and beaten up. That rarity makes mint-condition 90s models extremely valuable.
10. Sharp GX Series Mini TVs
Remember those tiny handheld TVs that barely worked but felt futuristic? Sharp’s mini TVs from the 90s have become quirky collector’s items. Some models can go for hundreds of dollars, especially if they’re in working order. They may not cost as much as a gold ring, but rare examples certainly push into jewelry territory.
The appeal is pure 90s futurism—owning a TV you could take anywhere felt cutting-edge at the time. Collectors love the mix of clunky design and early portable tech. These gadgets capture the decade’s optimism about technology. They’re conversation pieces as much as collectibles.
11. PalmPilot PDAs
Before smartphones, there were PalmPilots—personal digital assistants that felt futuristic in the 90s. Early models in great condition, especially boxed, can sell for hundreds today. Limited editions and rare accessories make them even more valuable. That’s more than the cost of many traditional jewelry items.
The PalmPilot represents the dawn of portable computing for everyday people. Collectors prize them as symbols of a tech revolution. Many see them as precursors to iPhones, which makes them historically important. It’s like holding the blueprint of the mobile era.
12. Apple Newton
Apple’s Newton was a commercial flop in the 90s, but now it’s a collector’s dream. Working models can sell for well over a thousand dollars, especially if they include original packaging. That puts them squarely in the luxury price bracket. The rarity and Apple brand name drive prices higher every year.
People collect Newtons not for their practicality but for their story—it was Apple’s ambitious but flawed step into handheld computing. Its handwriting recognition was mocked at the time, yet it’s now viewed with nostalgia. Tech historians love it as a symbol of innovation ahead of its time. Owning one today is like having a piece of tech mythology.
This post 12 90s Electronics That Sell for More Than Jewelry was first published on Greenhouse Black.
