1. Sony Walkman TPS-L2
When the Sony Walkman first hit shelves in 1979, it changed the way people listened to music. Suddenly, you could take your mixtapes anywhere without lugging around a boombox. That freedom made the TPS-L2 one of the most iconic gadgets of the 1980s. Today, original models in good condition can fetch several hundred dollars from collectors and nostalgia-driven music lovers.
The reason prices are so high is partly because of the design. The TPS-L2 had dual headphone jacks, a clever little feature that encouraged sharing music. Its blue-and-silver look also became instantly recognizable thanks to movies like “Guardians of the Galaxy.” For retro tech enthusiasts, owning one feels like holding a piece of pop culture history.
2. Nintendo Game & Watch
Before the Game Boy, Nintendo’s portable gaming revolution started with the Game & Watch series. These slim devices featured a single game on an LCD screen, paired with a built-in clock. Kids in the 80s carried them everywhere, whether they were playing “Donkey Kong” or “Octopus.” Nowadays, original units can sell for several hundred dollars, especially rarer editions.
Collectors are drawn to the simplicity and charm of these devices. Each one came with unique art and gameplay that still feels surprisingly fun in short bursts. Because they were so portable, many were lost or broken, making surviving ones more valuable. Special releases, like the gold-colored Zelda Game & Watch, are particularly sought after.
3. Casio Calculator Watch
In the 1980s, nothing said “future” quite like a Casio calculator watch. It was more than just a timepiece—it let you crunch numbers on the go with tiny buttons. Kids wore them to school, pretending they were secret agents, while adults loved the convenience. Now, vintage models can sell for hundreds if they’re in great shape or boxed.
Part of the appeal comes from their appearance in movies and TV shows. Characters in sci-fi and spy flicks often sported them, cementing their status as a symbol of geek cool. Casio kept updating the designs, but the 80s versions are considered classics. Collectors hunt them down because they capture both retro style and nerdy practicality.
4. Speak & Spell
This bright orange educational toy from Texas Instruments became a household staple in the early 80s. It helped kids learn spelling through synthesized speech, which was groundbreaking at the time. The robotic voice was so distinctive it even ended up in the movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” Today, working models are surprisingly valuable, especially to toy collectors.
The tech behind it was impressive for its era. The speech synthesis chip inside was one of the first of its kind, making it a milestone in electronic learning. Parents loved it because it blended fun with education. Now, retro tech fans and toy enthusiasts alike are willing to pay hundreds to relive that mix of nostalgia and innovation.
5. Apple Macintosh 128K
When Apple launched the Macintosh 128K in 1984, it wasn’t just another computer—it was a revolution in design. It featured a graphical user interface and a mouse, which were brand-new concepts for most users. Although it seemed futuristic back then, Apple only sold it for about a year before upgrading. Today, surviving units in working condition can go for thousands, but even broken ones can sell for hundreds.
What makes it collectible is its place in computer history. It’s the machine that brought personal computing closer to the mainstream. The compact design with its built-in screen remains iconic. For vintage computer collectors, it’s less about using it and more about owning the machine that started Apple’s rise.
6. Polaroid Sun 600 Camera
Instant cameras were everywhere in the 80s, but the Polaroid Sun 600 stood out as a popular choice. It gave people the magic of taking a picture and watching it develop right in their hands. Families used them at birthdays, holidays, and vacations, making them part of everyday life. Today, vintage models can sell for hundreds, especially since film has made a comeback.
The renewed interest comes from both nostalgia and modern photography trends. Younger generations love the instant gratification and vintage aesthetic. Companies like Polaroid Originals even produce film for these old cameras, keeping them alive. That blend of usability and retro charm has made the Sun 600 a hot collector’s item.
7. Sony Betamax Player
Before VHS took over, Betamax was Sony’s big bet on home video recording. The players were smaller and offered better picture quality compared to VHS, but they ultimately lost the format war. Still, in the early 80s, owning a Betamax meant you were on the cutting edge of home entertainment. Today, collectors will pay hundreds for working units.
The value lies in rarity and nostalgia. Because VHS dominated, fewer Betamax players survived, and even fewer are still functional. People who grew up with them or want to explore the “what ifs” of tech history seek them out. Some movie buffs even hunt for tapes, which adds to the demand.
8. Atari 2600
Technically released in the late 70s, the Atari 2600 defined gaming throughout the 80s. With games like “Pac-Man” and “Space Invaders,” it was the console that brought video games into living rooms everywhere. Its wood-paneled design became instantly recognizable. Today, boxed consoles or rare cartridges can bring in hundreds of dollars.
The main reason for the high value is nostalgia. Many people who grew up with it want to relive the experience, even if the graphics look primitive by today’s standards. Rare games like “E.T.” or “Adventure” also attract collectors. The combination of cultural impact and scarcity has made the Atari 2600 a true retro treasure.
9. Sharp Boomboxes
Nothing screamed 80s street culture like a giant Sharp boombox on your shoulder. These portable stereos were about more than just sound—they were about presence. People blasted music at block parties, carried them to the beach, and even used them in breakdancing circles. Today, original Sharp models in good condition are highly collectible.
Collectors love them for their iconic design, with chrome accents, dual cassette decks, and rows of flashing lights. Some models even included features like detachable speakers or early equalizers. Because they were big and often heavily used, many didn’t survive. That scarcity is what makes working units worth hundreds now.
10. Fisher-Price PXL-2000
This quirky gadget was a video camera aimed at kids, released in 1987. The twist? It recorded onto standard audio cassettes instead of videotapes. The result was grainy, black-and-white footage that looked more like experimental art than home movies. At the time, it was more novelty than practical tool, but now it’s worth serious money.
Collectors prize it for its unusual design and lo-fi aesthetic. Indie filmmakers have even used it for artistic projects, giving it cult status. Because it was discontinued quickly, surviving models are rare. Today, working units can sell for several hundred dollars, especially if they come with the original packaging.
11. Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 wasn’t just another home computer—it became the best-selling single model of computer ever. Released in 1982, it offered impressive graphics and sound for the time, plus a huge library of games and programs. For many kids, it was their first introduction to programming or digital entertainment. Today, boxed or pristine units can fetch hundreds.
Its collectibility comes from both history and functionality. Enthusiasts still use them for retro gaming or to run original software. Because of the massive fan community, parts and upgrades are still available. Owning one is like having a working piece of 80s digital culture.
12. JVC VideoMovie Camcorder
In the 80s, home video became mainstream, and the JVC VideoMovie line made camcorders more accessible. Unlike bulky earlier models, these were all-in-one units that didn’t need a separate VCR to record. Families used them to capture birthdays, graduations, and vacations. Today, vintage JVC camcorders can sell for hundreds if they’re in working order.
Their value lies in both nostalgia and design. The bulky but portable shape has become a retro icon, and filmmakers sometimes use them for authentic 80s footage. Because tape-based technology doesn’t always age well, working models are rarer than you’d think. That scarcity makes them surprisingly collectible.
13. NEC TurboGrafx-16
Though it was released in Japan as the PC Engine, the TurboGrafx-16 hit the U.S. in 1989. It offered sharp graphics and arcade-quality games that wowed those who saw it. Unfortunately, it struggled to compete with Nintendo and Sega, so it never became a household staple. Today, that relative obscurity has made it a high-value collectible.
Collectors prize it because it represents an alternate path in gaming history. Many of its best games never reached wide distribution in the U.S. That means finding working consoles and original cartridges can be difficult. As a result, surviving units often sell for hundreds to dedicated retro gamers.
14. Minolta Maxxum 7000
The Minolta Maxxum 7000 was the world’s first commercially successful autofocus SLR camera. Released in 1985, it brought advanced photography features to the masses. Photographers loved it for its speed and precision, while casual users appreciated the convenience. Today, vintage units in good condition are highly sought after.
Its collectibility comes from being a genuine milestone in camera technology. Autofocus is standard now, but in the 80s, it was a game-changer. Minolta’s design also influenced future camera makers, adding to its legacy. Enthusiasts and collectors are willing to pay hundreds for a clean, working Maxxum 7000.
This post 14 Forgotten 80s Gadgets That Now Sell for Hundreds was first published on Greenhouse Black.
