10 Unexpectedly Valuable Vintage Gadgets

The more technology evolves, the easier it is to forget that cassette players and word processors were once considered cutting-edge gadgets. Chances are you may have tossed out those obsolete machines long ago, but hopefully, you didn’t, because some old video game consoles and computers are worth a fortune today. People will pay a premium for vintage electronics that they find on eBay or at local tag sales, especially if the product is still in good condition. So head down to the basement and see what you’ve got because here are 10 old-school gadgets that are maybe far more valuable than you’d expect.

Nintendo Game Boy

An original Nintendo Game Boy console from the late ‘80s or early ‘90s is worth around $50. That number skyrockets above $2,000 if you still have the box and the instruction manuals and jumps even higher to around $4,500 if it’s graded in excellent condition. Even Game Boy Color models from the later 1990s sell for as little as $70 and as much as $2,700 to the right collector.

Commodore 64 Computer

The Commodore 64 was an early home computer first released in 1982, and it doesn’t have much practical use today. Even still, it’s valuable to the right buyer, especially those looking to play retro computer games from yesterday. Early Commodore models have sold on eBay for between $50 and $300, depending on factors such as condition and whether they come with the original box.

Sony Walkman

Many early Sony Walkman cassette players sell for between $30 to $60 on average. That may seem like a good enough price for a gadget you haven’t used in decades, but certain Walkman models are worth even more. Just check the serial number to see what you’ve got — a Walkman WM-DC2 is valued at $3,500, and the TPS-L2, WM-DD9, and WM-D6C models are all valued at over $2,000.

Macintosh Computer

If you were an early Apple customer, you’re lucky because vintage Mac computers are worth a small fortune. Apple I computers from the 1970s are especially rare and are likely to sell for several hundred thousand dollars. The more common yet still desirable Apple II can fetch upwards of $4,600 in good condition. Macintosh 128K computers from 1984 generally go for between $1,500 and $2,500, so it may be time to dust off that old computer and list it on eBay ASAP.

Atari Console

The Atari 2600 console was released throughout North America in 1977, and was used to play classic games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man. Depending on which model you have, you’re looking at a value of anywhere from $50 up to nearly two grand for this retro gaming console.

Polaroid Camera

The value of a vintage Polaroid camera depends entirely on the model and condition. Some of the more valuable models include the SX-70 from 1972, which now sell for as much as $600. Even a more common Polaroid Spectra camera from the mid-1980s is worth around $200 to the right person.

Apple iPod

Today, we mainly use our smartphones to listen to music. But from 2005 to 2022, the Apple iPod dominated the portable music market. If you own a first-generation iPod in its original packaging, then you’re looking at an easy $1,000 in resale value. Even loose iPods from that era sell for $200 to $500, with those in better condition fetching higher prices.

Original Apple iPhone

Speaking of Apple, let’s talk about the original iPhone, released in 2007. In July 2023, a first-generation iPhone in original packaging sold for $190,373 at auction. That’s a massive increase from August 2022, when it sold for “just” $35,414. If you’re lucky enough to own an original iPhone, then contact your local auction house immediately. Even loose models are still highly desirable to Apple collectors.

Rotary Phones

It’s probably been years since you last spun the dial on a rotary phone, but those once commonplace gadgets now have tremendous nostalgic value. Some older antique rotary phones are worth several hundred dollars if they’re still in working condition. People are even willing to shell out some cash for retro phones that don’t work but still look cool.

Sony Trinitron TV

Old televisions are particularly popular among gamers who want to play retro video games on a television with the right aspect ratio. Sony Trinitrons are particularly valuable and frequently sell on eBay for around $200 if not more. These bulky TVs are probably just taking up space in your basement or storage unit, so list them on eBay or Craigslist and get them sold to the right person.