5 Obsolete Gadgets Worth Money in 2025: Informational Guide

Across collectors’ markets in 2025, a small group of once-everyday gadgets has become surprisingly sought after. These items are valued not just for nostalgia, but also for design, historical importance, and rarity. For owners, that means a dusty device in a drawer could potentially be a collectible that commands meaningful prices.

Not every old gadget will be valuable, and condition plays a major role. Collectors typically look for complete, working examples with original packaging, manuals, and accessories. Scarcer variants, limited runs, and devices tied to major cultural moments often carry additional premiums. Non-working items may still sell, but usually at significantly lower prices.

This guide focuses on five obsolete gadgets that often attract collector interest: the first-generation Apple iPod, Nintendo Game Boy, Sony Walkman TPS-L2, Apple Lisa computer, and Polaroid SX-70 camera. Each plays a distinct role in the history of personal technology and can, in the right condition, be worth more than many people expect.

First-Generation Apple iPod

The first-generation Apple iPod, released in 2001, marked a turning point in portable music. Its mechanical scroll wheel, FireWire connection, and classic white design have become iconic. Collectors gravitate toward early production runs, sealed units, and models with minimal wear, as these best capture the early era of digital music players.

Devices with original boxes, cables, earbuds, software discs, and paperwork tend to bring higher prices than loose units. Capacity also matters: the 5 GB and 10 GB models are widely recognized, and unusual configurations or engraved versions can interest specialized buyers. Evidence of battery swelling, heavy scratching, or non-functioning drives can reduce value, though enthusiasts sometimes buy them for parts or display.

Nintendo Game Boy

The Nintendo Game Boy, introduced in 1989, became a defining handheld gaming system for an entire generation. Collectors distinguish between the original “brick” Game Boy, later color variants, special editions, and region-specific releases. Complete-in-box units, especially those with matching serial numbers and inserts, are significantly more desirable than consoles alone.

Beyond the hardware itself, rare Game Boy game cartridges, limited editions, and bundle sets can increase the overall value of a lot. Systems that have avoided common issues like screen burn, dead pixels, or heavy yellowing stand out. In the United States, collectors look for unmodified examples, while some players seek backlit or IPS-modded units for everyday use, typically at lower collectible value but solid functional appeal.

In recent years, sale prices across online marketplaces and auction platforms have illustrated how valuable these obsolete gadgets can become. Platforms such as eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Sotheby’s have recorded a broad range of realized prices depending on condition, completeness, and provenance, as summarized below.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Sony Walkman TPS-L2

The Sony Walkman TPS-L2, released in 1979, is widely seen as the device that popularized private, portable music listening. Its blue-and-silver chassis and dual headphone jacks are instantly recognizable. Because it predates the mass-market Walkman models of the 1980s, surviving examples are comparatively scarce.

Collectors pay particular attention to cosmetic condition and functional performance. Units that play tapes at the correct speed, with minimal background noise and responsive controls, stand out. Original headphones, carrying cases, and packaging all add to value. Signs of corrosion, cracked plastics, or non-functioning mechanisms tend to reduce prices, though some enthusiasts purchase damaged units for restoration projects.

Apple Lisa Computer

The Apple Lisa computer, introduced in 1983, represents one of the earliest commercial personal computers with a graphical user interface and mouse. Its development costs and high original retail price limited its commercial success, which in turn has contributed to its rarity today. As a result, the Apple Lisa computer is often treated as a serious historical artifact rather than a casual collectible.

Working Lisa systems with original monitors, keyboards, mice, and external drives are highly prized. Documentation, original software disks, and provenance—such as use in notable organizations or by well-known individuals—can influence auction outcomes. Because of the age of these systems, many require careful restoration or are sold primarily for display, and potential buyers often factor in the cost of specialist repair or conservation.

Polaroid SX-70 Camera

The Polaroid SX-70 camera, launched in the early 1970s, was one of the first folding single-lens reflex instant cameras for consumers. Its leather-and-metal design, compact folding body, and distinctive viewfinder have made it a favorite among design enthusiasts and photographers alike. The continued availability of compatible film from specialty manufacturers has helped sustain interest.

Collectors evaluate SX-70 cameras on both form and function. Clean, undamaged leather, smooth folding mechanisms, and accurate exposure performance are key positives. Special editions, such as models with unique finishes or co-branded designs, often carry higher values. Even well-used cameras can have appeal if they remain fully functional and visually presentable.

For anyone in the United States sorting through old electronics, these gadgets are reminders that technology can gain cultural and historical value long after it has ceased to be cutting edge. While not every device will justify professional appraisal, understanding the factors that influence desirability—condition, completeness, rarity, and historical significance—can help you make informed decisions about what to keep, sell, or research further.