Retro Tech's Revival: Why Old Computers & Gadgets Are Trending Now

A growing counter-current to frictionless technology as Gen Z seeks control, understanding, and a sense of presence in a hyper-connected world.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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There's a growing trend, particularly among Gen Z, of actively seeking out the limitations and tangibility of older technologies. This shift is impacting education, with professors creating 'time machines' of vintage computers to provide historical context, and a commercial market for restored retro tech flourishing. Several specific trends highlight this movement, including the rise of landline phones, 'dumbphones', mechanical keyboards, instant photography, typewriters, and retro gaming - all offering a more mindful user experience in contrast to modern tech.

Why it matters

This renewed interest in retro tech is not simply nostalgia, but a deliberate choice to reclaim control, understanding, and a sense of presence in a hyper-connected world. It suggests a potential future where technology isn't solely focused on seamless integration, but also on providing users with intentional friction and a greater sense of agency.

The details

The shift towards retro tech is impacting education, with professors creating 'time machines' of vintage computers to provide historical context for computing. Commercial businesses like Retrospekt are thriving by restoring and selling classic instant cameras, cassettes, and Tamagotchis. The appeal lies in the deliberate limitations these devices offer - fewer distractions, less data collection, and a more mindful user experience.

  • The Media Archaeology Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder encourages public tinkering with obsolete media.
  • Institutions like the Computer History Museum and the National Museum of Computing offer resources and learning experiences focused on vintage technology.

The players

Thomas Haigh

A history professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee who created a 'time machine' lab filled with 80s, 90s, and 2000s computers to provide historical context for his students.

Retrospekt

A business that is thriving by restoring and selling classic instant cameras, cassettes, and Tamagotchis.

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What’s next

As this trend continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how technology companies respond and whether they incorporate more intentional friction and user control into their product designs.

The takeaway

The embrace of retro tech is not about abandoning modern technology altogether, but rather recognizing the value of boundaries, control, and understanding. This trend suggests a potential future where technology is not solely focused on seamless integration, but also on providing users with a greater sense of agency.