Typewriters, VHS and DVD players, and slide-up phones are the retro devices Chris Smith wants back. Printers, Adobe Flash Video, and rollerball mice can stay in the past. That is Smith’s personal wish list, not a measured ranking of which gadgets are returning or a claim that he tested the devices he describes.
What retro tech is making a comeback?
Recent coverage has highlighted renewed interest in older forms of technology, from cassette players and instant cameras to basic phones, handheld consoles, wired headphones, and physical music formats. Those are reported examples, not evidence of how many people are buying retro devices. TechCrunch’s September 2026 feature and Euronews’s August 2026 feature describe the trend through products and design choices rather than a market-wide adoption statistic.
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The appeal often lies in the interaction as much as the object: a physical keyboard, a screen with fewer distractions, or a collection you can hold. But nostalgia alone does not make an old device practical. Compatibility, support, ongoing consumables, convenience, and what the device can do today all matter.
Which old gadgets does Chris Smith want to bring back?
1. Typewriters and the deliberate act of writing
Smith values the sound and feel of a typewriter, along with the slower, more intentional process of putting words on a page. As he puts it, “There’s something so marvellously satisfying about the imprecise clattering of keys and the deliberate act of sitting down to write.” The appeal here is his personal experience of the ritual, not a claim that a mechanical typewriter is the most efficient writing tool.
#1 Best Overall
- Kids Friendly Design: This P30S handheld game console is specially designed for kids. It has a stylish arcade - like appearance. The body fits a child's hand, and the game settings also cater to kids psychology, thus being very attractive.
- Excellent Gaming Experience: Equipped with a 3.0 - inch high - definition screen and excellent speaker sound, it provides an excellent visual and auditory experience for video games. This handheld game console is small and lightweight, convenient for kids to use and carry. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing children to fully enjoy the games.
- Rich Collection of Classic Games: This retro handheld game console contains 220 interesting kids video games, including various types such as entertainment, sports, and adventure games, just like those found in many retro game consoles. While playing these games, kids can cultivate skills such as hand - eye coordination, thinking, and problem - solving.
- Convenient Rechargeable and Long - lasting Battery: The video game console is equipped with an 860mAh lithium - ion battery. It ensures that kids can play games without interruption, because there is no need for frequent battery replacement, which is very suitable for playing portable games outdoors. It is a great addition to the world of handheld games for children and can bring more fun to them.
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For a modern take, Smith points to Freewrite devices, which he describes as combining a typewriter-like writing experience with a small display and connectivity for saving and safeguarding documents. TechCrunch has also described Freewrite as a typewriter-inspired writing device. Neither description establishes that Smith personally tried one. A digital typewriter may suit someone who wants a focused writing environment, but before buying, check what connectivity and document-export options the particular model supports.
2. VHS and DVD players that keep physical collections usable
Smith’s second wish is for a player that lets people continue using their physical movie collections as digital libraries and access to streaming services can change. He wants an all-in-one device that supports and encourages physical media for new generations. “I’d love to see an all-in-one physical media player that ensures physical media collections are not only supported but encouraged moving into the new generations,” he writes.
Rank #2
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- 【4.3-Inch IPS Full HD Display】 4.3-Inch HD IPS Fully Laminated Display: Immerse yourself in crystal-clear visuals on the vibrant 4.3-inch IPS screen with a sharp 1024x768 HD resolution. The fully laminated display and anti-glare finish ensure excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, significantly reducing eye strain for comfortable extended gameplay. Whether playing classic 2D titles or fifth-generation 3D games, every frame is rendered with stunning clarity and detail.
- 【RG43V Pro Compatible with More retro games】NEW Upgrade RG43V Pro handheld game console, 64GB support Supports over 30 game formats, including open-source games and games in related formats, RG43V Pro Supports 2D&5-generation 3D games and ported games, which can be played immediately after addition. RGBOX can also access the RGBOX APP via a WiFi downloader to play over 22,000 classic retro game for a richer gaming experience, Built-in WiFi 6 Supports Dual-Band 2.5G & 5G Wi-Fi enables wireless local multiplayer for head-to-head battles or co-op play with friends – no extra accessories needed.
- 【All-in-One Multi-Function Game Console】 Precise Controls with Dual 3D Joysticks & Immersive Audio: Take command with dual 3D joysticks featuring a confirmation key and responsive mechanical buttons, including Hall linear triggers for precise analog control. The built-in vibration motors provide tactile feedback, while the joystick ambient lights offer 7 customizable color combinations to enhance your gaming atmosphere. Rich, dynamic audio is delivered through the hi-fi BOX cavity speaker or a private 3.5mm headphone jack.
- 【Fast Charging & Expandable Storage】 4000mAh Battery, Expandable Storage & Multiple Output Options: Enjoy up to 8 hours of gameplay on a single charge thanks to the powerful 4000mAh polymer lithium battery, with convenient USB Type-C fast charging. Expand your storage up to 1TB via the TF card slot. Connect to a larger screen with the HDMI output for TV play, or use the TYPE-C port for OTG, charging, and DP output, offering versatile connectivity for any gaming setup.
That is a product need he identifies, not a recommendation for a device currently shown to meet it. VHS and DVD are distinct formats, and the reviewed coverage does not verify a current all-in-one player that handles both. Anyone considering older hardware should confirm the exact formats it plays, its condition, regional compatibility, and whether compatible media and repair options are available.
3. Slide-up phones with a physical keyboard
Smith wants a middle ground between a full smartphone and a very limited phone: fewer distractions, without giving up essentials. He points to the Flip Light and describes it as offering messaging, maps, one camera, GPS, Bluetooth, a headphone jack, a physical keyboard, and a small screen. Those are claims in Smith’s article, not independently verified specifications or a guarantee of present-day availability.
Rank #3
- 【Game Console with Linux Stylem】Comes with 64G TF Card Preloaded 5570 Classic Games,Support users to download games in relevant 15 kinds of games formats.
- 【supports 5G WIFI Bluetooth 2.4G Wireless Gamepad and Wired Gamepad Connection】 HDMI and TV output function makes the small screen become big screen in seconds, and the joystick connection supports multiplayer games, so you and your friends can enjoy the game together.
- 【3200 mAh Li-polymer battery and 3.5 INCHES OCA IPS screen】you can use for 6-7 hours, support fast charging with USB Type-C cable, With 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, zero distance OCA full-fit screen,the screen resolution is 640*480,Sharper picture quality and more saturated colours.
- 【Chip upgrade】with quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, Quad-core PowerVR SGX544MP GPU,makes have the characteristics of low power consumption and high performance. the Ram of the is LPDDR4 1GB, the larger the RAM running memory, the faster the system response time will be.
- 【Ideal gifts】Dimensions of Handled game :12.8cm*8.1cm *2.2cm,is a good size in the hand and is suitable for carrying aroundis a great gift for boyfriend, husband, brother, son, father and friends for birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, Valentines Day, Thanksgiving Day etc. Get lots of compliments on how it’s interesting or practical.
The useful question is not simply whether a phone looks retro, but whether its limits match your needs. Check current availability and specifications, then confirm that the messaging and navigation features you rely on work as expected. A reduced screen can help limit distractions, but it may also make some tasks less convenient.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which old gadgets does Smith want to leave behind?
Printers: jams, upkeep, and ink expense
Smith would not bring printers back. His reasons are paper jams, maintenance, and the cost of ink. Those are his frustrations, not comparative data on printer failure rates or total ownership costs. For a household that rarely prints, the upkeep may feel hard to justify; for someone who needs regular paper copies, the practical value depends on their own workload and costs.
Rank #4
- 【Kids Friendly Design】This retro handheld game console is specially designed for kids, with a stylish arcade-like appearance and a compact body that fits children's hands perfectly. Every game is thoughtfully created for children, bringing nonstop joy and excitement that keeps young gamers fully entertained.
- 【Lots of Classic & Enjoyable Games】As an emulator handheld, this retro device comes with 240 fun kids' video games, including entertainment, sports and adventure types—just like classic retro gaming console handheld. While playing, kids can enhance hand-eye coordination, thinking and problem-solving skills.
- 【Fun Gaming Experience】Equipped with a 3.0-inch high-definition screen and quality speakers, this handheld game console offers an immersive visual and auditory experience. Small, lightweight and ergonomically designed, this hand held game console is easy to hold and carry, letting kids fully enjoy their gaming time.
- 【Rechargeable, Long-Lasting & Ultra-Portable】Powered by an 1200mAh rechargeable lithium battery, this kids' game console supports long hours of fun and uninterrupted play, with no need for frequent battery changes. Lightweight and easy to carry, it's perfect for gaming on the go or playing at home. It's a wonderful little gaming partner that brings endless joy to every child!
- 【Ideal Surprising Gift】This handheld gaming console is a wonderful surprise gift for kids, teens and even adults, perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving. As a popular gaming console, it brings joy to recipients. We prioritize customer satisfaction, with our team ready to serve you wholeheartedly.
Adobe Flash Video: an outdated way to deliver web media
In Smith’s retrospective view, Flash Video was resource-intensive and often looked poor, so its demise was welcome. He prefers HTML5 as the better direction for web video. This is an assessment of an older technology, not a current product recommendation.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rollerball mice: a cleaning chore Smith would skip
Smith also has little nostalgia for rollerball mice, chiefly because he disliked the maintenance and cleaning they required. His criticism is personal; the article does not offer an objective reliability comparison with other mouse designs.
How to judge whether a retro gadget is useful today
Before buying an old device or a modern product inspired by one, separate the appeal of the ritual from the practical job it needs to do. These checks help make that distinction:
- Function or nostalgia: Decide whether you need dependable everyday use, the older interaction, or both.
- Connectivity and distraction: Check which apps, networks, and services the device supports—and whether its limitations are intentional or inconvenient.
- Media compatibility and ownership: Confirm the formats a player accepts and whether you own the physical copy or depend on a service or license.
- Support and consumables: Look into parts, compatible media, batteries, film, and repair options before relying on a device.
- Total cost and convenience: Account for ongoing media or service costs and setup effort, not just the purchase price. Prices reported in older coverage can change and should not be treated as current quotes.
Retro-inspired products can combine an older look or interaction with modern features, but the balance differs by device. A focused writing device, a physical-media player, and a limited phone solve different problems; none is automatically practical just because it recalls an earlier era.
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