{"id":309621,"date":"2025-08-01T15:47:30","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T15:47:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/309621\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T15:47:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T15:47:30","slug":"8-old-gadgets-now-worth-a-small-fortune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/309621\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Old Gadgets Now Worth a Small Fortune"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>                    <img src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10-Apple-iPod-Flickr-Prime-Number.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-post-image main-post-image\" alt=\"An Apple iPod resting on top of an Apple Mac laptop to showcase the different technologies.\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" \/>                <\/p>\n<p>\n                    Prime Number \/ Flickr.com                <\/p>\n<p>Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n<p class=\"Font--Poppins Font--Body-l\">GOBankingRates&#8217; editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services &#8211; our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/about\/editorial-guidelines\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/about\/review-methodology\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&amp;quality=75\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1994546\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"Font--Poppins Font--Body-l\"><strong>20 Years<\/strong><br \/>Helping You Live Richer<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-experts-review.svg?webp=1&amp;quality=75\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1989830\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon__trusted.svg?webp=1&amp;quality=75\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1994547\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"Font--Poppins Font--Body-l\"><strong>Trusted by<\/strong> <br \/>Millions of Readers<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s an expression in the fashion industry that \u201cwhat\u2019s old is new again,\u201d as trends from prior decades tend to cycle through, get refreshed and get \u201chip\u201d once again. But you could also apply this saying to the tech world. Gadgets that you may have casually tossed away as they became \u201cobsolete\u201d in decades past, such as record turntables, are suddenly hot again \u2014 and provides an opportunity to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/money\/jobs\/ways-make-money-online\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-type=\"first-link\" data-link-position=\"1\" target=\"_blank\">make money<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Part of the reason for the newfound popularity of \u201cjurassic technology\u201d is that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2025\/03\/15\/from-polaroid-to-vinyl-gen-z-is-embracing-retro-tech.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gen Z and millennials<\/a> have a fondness for retro items. In fact, according to the Global Wellness Summit\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globalwellnesssummit.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Future of Wellness 2025 Report<\/a>, a rising interest in retro and analog technologies is one of the major trends of 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>While this means that there\u2019s a renewed availability of vinyl records, Polaroid cameras and handheld game consoles, it also means that the collectibles market is exploding for nostalgic technology. Here\u2019s a look at both ends of the spectrum, from the retro tech that\u2019s affordable and readily available once again to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/money\/wealth\/most-valuable-apple-electronics\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-type=\"money-link\" data-link-position=\"2\" target=\"_blank\">rare pieces that can fetch prices in the thousands<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Vinyl Record Turntables<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential cost: <\/strong>Tens to hundreds of dollars<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Turntables went the way of the dodo in the early 90s, as CDs completely transformed the music scene. But thanks to the interest in retro tech, there\u2019s once again a booming market for vinyl players. Models can range anywhere from $35 or so into the hundreds of dollars, depending on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/money\/wealth\/vintage-kitchen-items-that-could-be-worth-a-fortune\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-position=\"3\" data-link-type=\"incontent_link\" target=\"_blank\">whether you\u2019re looking for nostalgic decor<\/a> or an actual high-quality music player.<\/p>\n<p>Polaroid Cameras<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential cost: <\/strong>$50 to $300 (more for collectibles)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Polaroid cameras were massively popular when they first came out due to their ability to put a physical photo in someone\u2019s hand in a matter of seconds. This tangible experience is making a comeback, particularly among generations who have only known smartphones and digital images. Polaroid cameras, along with offerings from a host of competitors, are now available for a relatively modest cost, while collectible versions of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quora.com\/How-much-are-old-Polaroid-cameras-worth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Land Cameras can run into the thousands<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Sony Walkman<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential cost: <\/strong>$80 to $400 (more for collectibles)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The original Sony Walkman cassette version sold <a href=\"https:\/\/designmuseum.org\/discover-design\/all-design-objects\/sony-walkman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">over 200 million units<\/a> of its original cassette version, and pristine versions of the original player are still in demand. One Ebay seller, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2024\/02\/17\/lifestyle\/sony-walkman-nostalgia-leads-to-a-hot-market-for-old-technology\/#:~:text=Not%20so%20Stephen%20Ho%2C%20an,4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lists models for up to $3,780<\/a>, with many others <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/money\/making-money\/check-your-attic-vintage-electronics-worth-a-ton\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-position=\"4\" data-link-type=\"incontent_link\" target=\"_blank\">going for hundreds or even thousands of dollars<\/a>. But you can also pick up a brand-new Walkman player on eBay for a couple hundred bucks, or a more modern MP3 player for even less.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Motorola DynaTAC 8000X<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential Cost: <\/strong>Over $2,300<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Often referred to as \u201cThe Brick,\u201d this bulky, retro-looking device was the first commercially available mobile phone. With its long antenna and sizable, weighty body, the DynaTac 8000X is flat-out unwieldy by today\u2019s standards but plays a huge role in the history of cell phones and holds a warm place in the hearts of nostalgic tech collectors.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Original iPod<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential Cost: <\/strong>Over $29,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Apple didn\u2019t just strike gold with the Apple II (Apple 2) computer, it went on to disrupt and transform computer technology across a variety of product lines, from iPads to Macintosh computers to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/money\/wealth\/most-expensive-iphone-ever-sold\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-position=\"5\" data-link-type=\"incontent_link\" target=\"_blank\">iPhones<\/a>. But the iPod was one of the most revolutionary, giving users the ability to carry their favorite music in their pocket and access it via a slick, easy-to-use interface. A first-generation iPod <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barrons.com\/articles\/first-generation-ipod-sells-for-a-record-29-000-72598d94\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sold for a record $29,000 in 2023<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Original iPhone<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential cost: <\/strong>Over $190,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When the iPhone was introduced in 2007, consumers had seen nothing like it. Originally released in either a 4GB or 8GB version, customers quickly demanded higher memory, making the 4GB almost instantly obsolete and resulting in a stoppage of production by Apple. This means that the 4GB version of the original iPhone, which in and of itself already holds value in the collectibles market, takes top billing. A unit in its original packaging <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barrons.com\/articles\/an-original-2007-iphone-sells-for-nearly-200-000-at-auction-smashing-a-record-90d1af5?mod=article_inline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sold for $190,373 at auction in 2023<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Apple I Computer<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential cost: <\/strong>Over $325,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Apple I computer changed the world, putting the company on the path towards becoming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/money\/business\/how-much-is-apple-worth\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-position=\"6\" data-link-type=\"incontent_link\" target=\"_blank\">one of the most valuable businesses in the world<\/a>. According to the Apple-1 Registry, there are only 104 documented surviving terminals in the world, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macrumors.com\/2025\/03\/21\/apple-1-computer-375000\/#:~:text=A%20rare%2C%20operational%20Apple%2D1,fetch%20high%20prices%20at%20auction.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">one sold at auction in 2025 for $325,000<\/a>. Each of these original machines has a handwritten serial number that most experts believe was penned by Steve Jobs himself. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Super Mario Bros. Game Cartridge<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential Cost: <\/strong>Over $2 million<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Most Super Mario Bros. game cartridges are not worth that much money. However, if you have the right one, you might be in line for a seven-digit payday. In 2021, an unopened, 1985 Super Mario Bros. game cartridge <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/unopened-1985-super-mario-bros-video-game-sells-for-record-2-million\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sold for a whopping $2 million<\/a>. This specific version was a near-mint version of the rare 1987 \u201changtab\u201d edition, with a condition rating of a near-mint 9.8 A+ by Wata Games. According to the video game grading company, per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamespot.com\/articles\/rare-super-mario-bros-game-sells-for-2-million-at-auction\/1100-6494897\/#:~:text=When%20offers%20were%20made%20it,Super%20Mario%20Bros.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GameSpot<\/a>, there are only 14 factory-sealed versions of this specific edition in existence.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Editor\u2019s note: Prices are accurate as of Jul. 30, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Prime Number \/ Flickr.com Commitment to Our Readers GOBankingRates&#8217; editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":309622,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3160],"tags":[1685,20692,19535,1232,53,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-309621","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gadgets","8":"tag-gadgets","9":"tag-gobankingrates","10":"tag-making-money","11":"tag-money","12":"tag-technology","13":"tag-uk","14":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114954296073170916","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/309621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=309621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/309621\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/309622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=309621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=309621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=309621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}