5 Old Gadgets That Are Now Surprisingly Valuable

Do you have a drawer full of old electronics you just can’t bring yourself to throw away? Before you start that decluttering project, you might want to take a closer look. While most obsolete tech is just e-waste, certain iconic gadgets have become highly sought-after collectibles, fetching serious cash from enthusiasts around the world.

The Hidden Treasure in Your Attic

The world of vintage tech collecting has grown significantly. Nostalgia, historical importance, and rarity all play a role in turning a once-common device into a valuable artifact. For an item to be worth “big bucks,” its condition is crucial. A gadget that is still sealed in its original, unopened box will always command the highest price. However, even gently used items in excellent working condition with their original accessories and packaging can be quite valuable. Let’s explore five specific gadgets that could be worth a small fortune.

1. Apple iPod (1st Generation, 2001)

Before the iPhone, the iPod was the device that revolutionized Apple and the entire music industry. The original 2001 model, with its iconic scroll wheel that physically turned, is now a piece of tech history. It was the first MP3 player to successfully combine a massive storage capacity (for the time) with a user-friendly interface, putting “1,000 songs in your pocket.”

Why It’s Valuable: The first-generation iPod marks a pivotal moment in modern technology and design. It was the product that set Apple on its path to becoming the most valuable company in the world. Collectors and Apple enthusiasts seek it out as the genesis of the mobile digital revolution.
What It’s Worth: The value varies wildly with condition. A used, working model might sell for a few hundred dollars. However, a factory-sealed, first-generation 5GB iPod is the holy grail for collectors. In recent years, these have sold at auction for upwards of $20,000, making it one of the most valuable pieces of consumer electronics from its era.

2. Apple iPhone (1st Generation, 2007)

It’s hard to believe the original iPhone is now considered vintage tech, but its impact is undeniable. When Steve Jobs introduced it in 2007, it changed communication, photography, and computing forever. It didn’t have an App Store at launch and ran on the 2G network, but its revolutionary multi-touch interface set the standard for every smartphone that followed.

Why It’s Valuable: As the very first iPhone, it is a landmark device in human history. Finding one in pristine condition is becoming increasingly difficult. Many were used until they broke, making sealed-in-box examples exceptionally rare.
What It’s Worth: A used first-generation iPhone in good condition can be worth a few hundred dollars. But the real money is in factory-sealed models. An unopened 8GB original iPhone sold at auction in 2023 for a staggering $63,356. Even a sealed 4GB model, which was produced for only two months, can fetch over $100,000 due to its extreme rarity.

3. Sony Walkman TPS-L2 (1979)

Long before digital music, the Sony Walkman made music personal and portable. The TPS-L2 was the first model, a portable cassette player that allowed people to listen to their own mixtapes anywhere. Its durable blue-and-silver metal case and dual headphone jacks (so you could listen with a friend) made it an instant cultural icon, famously featured in the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Why It’s Valuable: The Walkman defined the 1980s and created the concept of a personal soundtrack for your life. The TPS-L2 is the original model that started it all. Its historical significance, combined with its classic design, makes it a prime target for collectors of 80s memorabilia and audio technology.
What It’s Worth: Finding a fully functional TPS-L2 is key. A working unit in good cosmetic condition with its original orange-padded headphones can sell for $500 to over $1,500. A mint-condition model in its original box can fetch even more.

4. Nintendo Game Boy (Original, 1989)

The original gray brick Game Boy brought handheld gaming to the masses. With its monochrome green screen, simple controls, and legendary durability, it became one of the best-selling consoles of all time. It launched with the killer app Tetris, and a massive library of classic games followed, including Super Mario Land and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.

Why It’s Valuable: The Game Boy is pure nostalgia for an entire generation. It represents the beginning of serious gaming on the go. While millions were sold, most were heavily used by kids. Finding one in excellent, unmodified condition is a challenge. Special editions and, of course, factory-sealed units are exceptionally rare.
What It’s Worth: A loose, working Game Boy might only be worth $50 to $100. However, a “complete-in-box” version with the console, manuals, and original packaging in great shape can sell for $300 to $800. A pristine, factory-sealed original Game Boy can be valued at several thousand dollars.

5. IBM Model M Keyboard (1985-1999)

This might seem like an odd one, but the IBM Model M keyboard is a legend among computer enthusiasts. Known for its “buckling spring” key mechanism, it produces a distinct, satisfying “clack” with every press. These keyboards are famously durable, with many still in use over 30 years after they were made.

Why It’s Valuable: In an age of flimsy membrane keyboards, the Model M is revered for its superior build quality and unmatched typing feel. Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and programmers seek them out for their reliability and tactile feedback. They are no longer produced, so the existing supply is all that’s left.
What It’s Worth: Unlike the other items, the value of a Model M isn’t in being sealed in a box but in its condition and specific model number. A clean, tested, and fully functional Model M from the 1980s or early 90s can easily sell for $150 to $400, depending on the specific variant. That’s a great return for a keyboard that likely came with an old desktop computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about my old flip phone or Nokia? While iconic, most old cell phones like the Motorola RAZR or Nokia 3310 were produced in such massive quantities that they currently have little monetary value. The exception is a rare, factory-sealed model, which might be of interest to a niche collector.

Does the gadget have to be in the original box? The original box, manuals, and accessories will always add significant value, often doubling or tripling the price of the item alone. For top-dollar sales, being “complete-in-box” (CIB) or “new-in-box” (NIB) is essential.

Where can I sell my vintage tech? Online marketplaces like eBay are the most common places to sell these items. Be sure to check the “Sold Items” filter to see what similar items have actually sold for recently. For extremely rare and valuable items, you might consider a specialized auction house.