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Retro tech is having a serious moment. New research from Back Market reveals that nearly three-quarters of Brits (71%) had a specific piece of retro tech they wished they’d owned as a child – and nearly half (45%) are now looking to buy one. Two in five people associate their fondest childhood memories with classic tech gadgets, and 43% say nostalgia is the main reason they’re seeking one out.
I’ve written before about the retro tech trend and why it’s more than just a passing fad – but this guide is about actually doing something about it. These are the devices I’d genuinely buy or recommend, ordered by what people are most searching for, each with a real usage tip drawn from my own experience. If you want the full “why retro tech is back” context, check out Article 1. Here, we’re getting into specifics.
Retro Tech by the Numbers
Nearly 40% of Brits already own an iconic retro tech device. The Nintendo Wii, digital cameras, and iPods top the list. A third (31%) regularly use their retro gadgets for their throwback appeal, while one in ten (11%) even display them as a design feature in their home.
1. iPods & MP3 Players (Wish-List #1 – 20%)
This is my home turf. I’ve owned, modded, and written about iPods extensively – and the appetite for them is clearly back. iPods and MP3 players top the Back Market wish-list at 20%, and I think a big part of that is the “no distractions” appeal. No notifications. No streaming. Just music.
I’ve done a full review of the iPod 5.5 Gen, so if you want the deep dive, head there. But here’s the quick version:
Which generation to buy: If you want something for the gym or for a child, the iPod Nano is a great shout – small, light, and simple. If you want a full library in your pocket, go for the iPod Classic. The 5th or 5.5 Gen Classic is my personal favourite – it’s the sweet spot of usability and upgradability.
Mark’s tip – the modding route: The single best thing you can do with a used iPod Classic is mod it. Replacing the spinning hard drive with a flash/SSD adapter and fitting a higher-capacity battery transforms it into something genuinely modern inside a beautifully retro shell. I’ve covered exactly how to do this in my iPod modding guide. The result? A device that boots faster, holds more music, lasts longer, and never skips. It’s one of the most satisfying tech projects you can do.
Loading music without a streaming subscription: Use iTunes or the foobar2000 alternative to sync locally stored files. You can also rip your CD collection directly onto it – which ties in nicely with pick #3 below.
What to look for when buying refurbished: Battery health is the big one – ask about cycle count or check the grade carefully. Storage size matters if you’re not planning to mod. And always check the click-wheel is fully responsive; sticky or unresponsive buttons are a common wear point.
I went deep on the best generation to buy and how to mod one properly. Read our iPod 5.5 Gen review for the full breakdown.
Shop refurbished iPods on Back Market!
2. Game Boy / Game Boy Color (Wish-List #2 – 20%)
The Game Boy essentially invented handheld gaming. Its library – Pokémon, Tetris, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – remains genuinely great to play today, not just nostalgically great. It’s a device that holds up on its own merits, which is rare.
Which model to go for: The original Game Boy is chunky and charming, but the Game Boy Color hits a better sweet spot – a smaller form factor with a colour screen and full backwards compatibility with original Game Boy cartridges. If you’re happy to spend a little more, the Game Boy Advance SP is arguably the most practical: it has a backlit screen (on the AGS-101 revision specifically) and a rechargeable battery. Worth hunting for.
Mark’s tip – backlit screen mods: If you pick up an original Game Boy or Game Boy Color, a backlit screen mod is a game-changer. The original screens are notoriously hard to see in anything other than ideal lighting. A IPS display kit swap is a popular mod that dramatically improves usability. It’s more involved than the iPod mod, but there’s a solid community around it and plenty of tutorials.
Batteries: Stock up on AA batteries or grab a rechargeable AA set – the original models chew through them. It’s a small running cost worth factoring in.
Best pick-up-and-play titles: Tetris is obvious but genuinely timeless. For RPG depth, Pokémon Red/Blue or Gold/Silver. For something quicker, Kirby’s Dream Land or Wario Land.
What to look for when buying refurbished: Check the screen condition closely – dead pixels or severe scratching can ruin the experience. Inspect the battery contacts for corrosion (a common problem with devices that sat unused for years). Make sure cartridge compatibility is confirmed if the seller lists it.
Game Boy AGS-101 – the One to Find
The Game Boy Advance SP came in two screen revisions. The AGS-101 has a backlit screen; the AGS-001 is frontlit and much dimmer. When buying refurbished, always confirm which revision you’re getting – it makes a significant difference to the experience.
Shop refurbished Game Boys on Back Market!
3. CD Players, Vinyl & Walkmans (Wish-List #3 – 18%)
There’s something to be said for physical media. In an era where a streaming service can remove an album overnight, owning music on CD or vinyl means you actually own it. That’s part of the appeal here – and it ties directly into why I love the iPod so much. The tactile experience of putting on a record or sliding a disc into a Discman is genuinely different to tapping a phone screen.
What to check on a used Walkman or Discman: The belts are the most common failure point on cassette Walkmans – they degrade over time and can cause the motor to slip. A seller should be able to confirm whether the belt has been replaced recently. On a Discman, check the anti-skip (ESP) function works – it buffers audio so the disc doesn’t skip during movement. And always test the headphone jack; it’s a wear point on any older portable audio device.
Pairing with modern headphones: Most Walkmans and Discmans use a standard 3.5mm output, so you can pair them directly with any modern wired headphones. If you’ve got a decent pair gathering dust because you’ve gone wireless everywhere else, this is a great excuse to revisit them.
Where physical media still makes sense: Beyond the nostalgia hit, CDs are genuinely cheap to collect now. Charity shops and second-hand stores are full of them. If you rip them to FLAC or MP3 and load them onto a modded iPod Classic, you’ve got a high-quality offline library that costs almost nothing to build.
Shop refurbished audio on Back Market!
4. Digital Cameras / Digicams (Wish-List #4 – 17%, 40% Already Own)
The digicam comeback is real, and TikTok is a big part of why. That early-2000s aesthetic – slightly overexposed, punchy colours, visible grain – is genuinely sought after right now. It’s the look that Instagram filters have spent years trying to replicate, except you get it natively from a £30 point-and-shoot from 2004.
The Nikon Coolpix range is a popular go-to, and for good reason – they’re widely available refurbished, the image quality is characterful in exactly the right way, and they’re dead simple to use.
Mark’s tip – models to look for: The Nikon Coolpix S series, the Canon IXUS range, and the Sony Cybershot all produce that classic digicam look. Avoid anything that’s been marketed recently as a “retro camera” – you’ll pay a premium for branding. The originals from 2003–2010 are what you want, and they’re much cheaper.
The “just point and shoot” appeal: There’s no fiddling with settings, no app to open, no front camera to stare at yourself in. You point it at something interesting and press the button. That simplicity is genuinely refreshing.
SD card and transfer workflow: Most digicams use standard SD or Mini SD cards. Pick up a card reader for a few pounds, and transferring shots to your laptop takes seconds. No cables, no app pairing – just drag and drop.
What to look for when buying refurbished: Check the sensor is clean (a seller should mention any dust spots), the screen for cracks or dead pixels, and whether a charger or compatible battery is included. Proprietary batteries are a common gotcha – make sure replacements are still available before you buy.
Shop refurbished digital cameras on Back Market!
5. Nintendo DS (Wish-List #5 – 17%)
The Nintendo DS is one of the best-selling handheld consoles ever made, and its dual-screen library still holds up. If you grew up with a DS, the good news is the games are as fun as you remember. If you didn’t, it’s an incredibly cheap way to access a massive catalogue of genuinely great games.
Which model to go for: The original DS is chunky and a bit dated. The DS Lite is the sweet spot – same game library, slimmer design, better screen brightness. The DSi added a camera and an online shop (now closed), but loses Game Boy Advance slot compatibility. The 3DS and 3DS XL are backwards compatible with DS games and add a full 3DS library on top, making them arguably the best overall value if you can find one in good condition.
Mark’s tip – must-play titles: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl or HeartGold/SoulSilver for RPG fans. Mario Kart DS for instant multiplayer fun. The World Ends With You if you want something more unusual. And Professor Layton – any entry – if you want something genuinely brilliant and underrated.
What to look for when buying refurbished: The DS Lite has a notorious hinge crack issue – check the hinge closely and factor in any existing cracks when assessing value. Screen condition matters on both screens (top and bottom), and the stylus port is worth checking too. On a 3DS, battery health is the main concern.
Shop refurbished Nintendo DS on Back Market!
6. Polaroid & Instant Cameras (Wish-List #6 – 15.7%)
Instant cameras occupy a unique space in the retro tech world. They’re not just about nostalgia – they’re social objects. There’s something about watching a photo develop in front of you that no phone photo can replicate. They’re popular at parties, at weddings, and – as Back Market’s own data shows – 11% of people actually display their retro tech as a design feature in their home. A stack of Polaroids on a shelf fits that perfectly.
Film cost – the reality check: This is the one area where I’d urge honesty upfront. Polaroid film is not cheap. You’re typically looking at £15–£20 for eight shots with modern Polaroid Originals film. That’s a meaningful cost per photo, so instant cameras work best when you’re intentional about what you shoot, rather than treating them like a digital camera.
Models to consider: The Polaroid Now and Now+ are the most accessible modern options and can be found refurbished. For a more vintage feel, the Instax Mini range from Fujifilm is widely available and uses cheaper film (around £12–£15 for 20 shots), making it a better everyday option. If you specifically want an original Polaroid from the 70s or 80s, make sure the film type it uses is still in production – some older models use discontinued film formats.
Tips for good instant shots: Natural light is your friend – avoid flash-heavy indoor shots where possible. Keep the camera steady, and remember that the image develops face-down, not face-up (contrary to popular belief, shaking it doesn’t help and can actually damage the developing image).
If you’re weighing up where to spend your money on retro-adjacent tech, our Nothing Headphone (a) review shows how modern gear can scratch the same “intentional listening” itch for less.
Shop refurbished instant cameras on Back Market!
7. Bonus: Nintendo Wii & Retro Consoles (40% Already Own)
The Nintendo Wii is already in 40% of British homes – it’s the most-owned retro device in Back Market’s survey. So this one is less about convincing you to buy one and more about what to look for if you’re picking one up refurbished, or if you want to go deeper into the retro console rabbit hole.
What to check on a Wii: The sensor bar is the most commonly missing accessory – make sure it’s included or factor in the cost of a replacement (they’re cheap). Controllers and nunchucks are the other thing to check; worn rubber on the thumbstick or non-responsive buttons are worth flagging. Storage is solved easily with an SD card for Wii or a USB drive for Wii U.
Best-value bundles: Look for listings that include the sensor bar, at least one Wiimote and nunchuck, and a few games. Wii Sports is almost always bundled and is still genuinely fun. Mario Kart Wii, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Wii Sports Resort round out an instant party setup.
For the enthusiast – PSP, PS1, PS2: If you want to go deeper, the PSP is a brilliant portable with an enormous library and a thriving homebrew scene. The PS1 and PS2 are widely available refurbished and represent some of the greatest game libraries ever assembled. The PS2 specifically is one of the best-value retro purchases you can make – cheap hardware, cheap games, and a catalogue that spans thousands of titles.
Shop refurbished retro consoles on Back Market!
How to Buy Refurbished Without Regrets – Mark’s Checklist
Buying refurbished is almost always the right call for retro tech. You’re not losing out on anything by going second-hand – the device is inherently vintage – and you’re paying significantly less than you would for a “new old stock” item. But there are a few things worth getting right.
Understand condition grades: Most refurbished marketplaces use a grading system – typically Excellent, Good, and Fair (or similar). Excellent-grade devices should show minimal cosmetic wear and be fully functional. Good-grade devices may have visible scratches or scuffs but should work perfectly. Fair-grade items are cosmetically rough but should still function. Know what you’re buying before you click.
Battery expectations: Older devices will have older batteries. On a refurbished device, a replaced battery is worth paying a small premium for. If the listing doesn’t mention battery health or replacement, factor in the cost of a new battery when comparing prices.
What “refurbished” actually means: A properly refurbished device has been inspected, tested, cleaned, and had faulty components replaced before resale. This is different from “used” or “second-hand,” which may just mean someone listed it after finding it in a drawer. A reputable marketplace with a grading system and a returns policy is the meaningful distinction.
Why a marketplace beats a random eBay listing: The risk on a platform like Back Market is lower because sellers are vetted, devices are graded consistently, and there’s a warranty and returns process behind the purchase. With a random private listing, you’re largely on your own if something isn’t as described.
Bundled accessories: For older tech specifically, missing accessories can be a real problem – proprietary chargers, styluses, sensor bars, and memory cards aren’t always easy to find cheaply. A listing that includes all original accessories is worth paying slightly more for.
Quick Refurbished Buying Checklist
Check the condition grade, confirm battery status or factor in a replacement, verify accessories are included, and always buy from a marketplace with a warranty and returns policy. The price gap between “Excellent” and “Good” grade is often small – it’s usually worth the upgrade.
The Bottom Line
Retro tech is affordable, sustainable, and genuinely fun to use again. The devices on this list aren’t just nostalgia objects – most of them do something that modern tech either can’t replicate or has stopped bothering to offer: no notifications, physical feedback, intentional use, and the satisfaction of owning something properly rather than subscribing to it.
If you’re just starting out, an iPod or a Game Boy is an easy entry point. If you want something for the living room, the Wii is a no-brainer. And if you want something that’ll start conversations and genuinely delight people, a Polaroid or a digicam is hard to beat.
Browse the Back Market retro tech category for whatever catches your eye – and for the full picture on why this trend is happening, check back to Article 1. If you want a deep dive on one specific device, my iPod content is the place to start.
Curious how today’s best tech holds up by comparison? Our Sony WF-1000XM6 review is a good place to see what modern audio is capable of.
18 Comments
I was just researching retro tech options, and this article is a fantastic guide. I love how you highlighted the practicality of using vintage items like Polaroid cameras and old gaming consoles. It’s not just about nostalgia, these gadgets encourage creativity and a deeper connection to tech history. Have you considered including tips on maintaining these devices to prolong their lifespan? That’s often a concern for retro tech enthusiasts.
Loved the tip about checking for modded consoles before buying—definitely saves a headache later. For anyone turning these retro finds into content, pairing them with AI upscaling tools like faceless-ai.net makes the footage look surprisingly modern.
The tip about checking battery health on refurbished iPods is spot-on—I’ve been burned by that before. If you’re modding one for a retro media server, pairing it with the the AI Voice Free tool for generating custom voice prompts on old hardware is a surprisingly fun project.
Great tips on checking battery health and modding old handhelds—if you’re capturing gameplay from those refurbished consoles, this Video to Video AI AI tool is perfect for upscaling retro footage to modern resolutions.
Great breakdown of the best retro handhelds—especially the advice on checking battery health before buying. For anyone into upscaling retro consoles, pairing them with a tool like Flux3 makes a huge difference in image quality.
Great tips on snagging a refurbished camcorder—just remember that digitizing those old tapes is half the battle. If you’re looking to clean up the footage after you capture it, this Videoqualityenhancer app does a solid job of reducing noise and boosting detail.
The tip about checking battery health on refurbished iPods is spot on—I learned that the hard way. Also, for anyone modding their retro handhelds, an AI tool I’ve been using has been great for generating custom shell designs. Thanks for the second-hand buying checklist!
The advice on checking battery health and aftermarket parts for retro consoles is spot on—especially for Game Boy mods. And if you’re capturing gameplay from these refurbished gems, this tool can turn your clips into a slick music video in minutes.
The section on which Game Boy models are actually worth modding is spot-on—too many people overpay for the original DMG when the Pocket is easier to upgrade. For anyone curating retro gear for a brand shoot, Magicbrief AI can pull those product details into a brief in seconds.
The tip about checking for original chargers and third-party battery replacements is spot-on—half the fun of retro tech is the modding scene, but a clean power source makes all the difference. If you’re into music-making with old gear, pairing a refurbished sampler with a modern AI tool like https://lyrics-to-song-ai.com is a killer combo for lo-fi tracks.
Great point about checking battery health on retro handhelds first — that’s the make-or-break detail most refurb listings gloss over. For anyone flipping old gear to fund these upgrades, tracking which listings actually convert is way easier with the Cometly tool.
The advice on checking battery health and compatibility before buying refurbished retro consoles is especially useful, as those details can make or break a second-hand setup. I also liked the focus on practical mods rather than upgrades that undermine the original experience—similar to how Minimax H3 AI helps tailor creative projects to specific needs.
The advice on checking model condition and factoring in upgrade or mod potential is especially useful when shopping refurbished, since “retro” often comes with hidden battery and compatibility issues. For creators experimenting with vintage-inspired campaigns, this tool could also be a handy modern complement to that old-school tech.
The advice on checking refurbished models carefully before adding mods is especially useful—older tech can be great, but replacement parts and battery health matter. I’m also interested in pairing retro hardware with tools like https://free-ai-photo.com for a modern creative twist.
The advice on checking battery health and replacement parts before buying refurbished retro tech is especially useful, since those details can make or break a second-hand deal. I’m also curious to try the suggested mods alongside Gethookd for planning product descriptions.
The tips on checking condition and compatibility before buying refurbished retro tech are especially useful, particularly for anyone planning mods or upgrades. I’d also be curious to see how readers use arcadeai.pro to turn nostalgic hardware ideas into polished design concepts.
I was hoping to read that guide on retro tech options from Back Market, but it seems the page is temporarily unavailable. That’s a shame, because I’ve been exploring refurbished devices more seriously lately — not just for the cost savings, but because the quality of certified refurbished gear has improved noticeably over the years. Whether it’s a classic ThinkPad for writing or a retro handheld for gaming, the key for me has always been finding a seller that offers clear grading, reliable warranties, and transparent return policies. That kind of trust matters in any online space, which is why I value platforms that are straightforward and deliver on their promises without hidden friction. When it comes to entertainment, I’ve found that the App Pinco provides a similarly reliable experience — the interface is responsive, the game library is well-organized, and I never have to second-guess how long a transaction will take. It’s become a consistent part of my downtime routine, especially when I want something that works without a lot of setup.
The advice on checking model condition and factoring in mod compatibility is especially useful when shopping refurbished—small details can make a big difference with retro hardware. I also like the idea of pairing older gear with modern creative tools such as Hyper3d.