7 Old Gadgets That Could Be Worth a Fortune
That old phone in your junk drawer or the game console collecting dust in the attic might be more than just a memory. For collectors, these forgotten gadgets are treasures, and theyâre willing to pay serious money for them. Before you toss out that old tech, take a look at our list of seven vintage gadgets that are now surprisingly valuable.
1. The Original Apple iPod (2001)
Before the iPhone, the iPod changed everything. The first-generation model, with its iconic mechanical scroll wheel and â1,000 songs in your pocketâ promise, is now a piece of tech history. It wasnât just a music player; it was a cultural phenomenon that set the stage for Appleâs future dominance.
Why itâs valuable: The first-generation iPod is highly sought after by collectors for its historical significance and revolutionary design. Its rarity increases every year as fewer working models remain.
What to look for: Look for the model number M8541. The most valuable units are those still sealed in their original, unopened box. These can be incredibly rare. Even used models in excellent working condition with the original FireWire cable and headphones can fetch a high price.
Potential value: A factory-sealed, first-generation 5GB iPod has sold for over \(20,000 at auction. Used, working models in good condition typically sell for between **\)300 and $1,000**, depending on their cosmetic state and whether they include the original packaging.
2. The First-Generation iPhone (2007)
The original iPhone is arguably the most influential gadget of the 21st century. It redefined the mobile phone and ushered in the era of the smartphone. Finding one today is like finding a piece of modern history, and collectors treat it as such.
Why itâs valuable: As the very first model, its historical importance is immense. Most were opened and used immediately, making factory-sealed examples the ultimate prize for tech collectors.
What to look for: The model number is A1203. The key to unlocking serious value is the packaging. If you have one that has never been opened and is still in its factory plastic wrap, you could be sitting on a small fortune.
Potential value: The price for these has skyrocketed. A factory-sealed, first-generation 8GB iPhone sold for a record-breaking \(63,356 at auction in 2023. Even an opened box with a phone in mint condition can be worth **\)1,000 to $5,000**.
3. The Sony Walkman TPS-L2 (1979)
The Sony Walkman was the iPod of its day. The TPS-L2 model was the first commercially available personal stereo, allowing people to take their music with them anywhere. Its blue-and-silver design is instantly recognizable, especially after being featured in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy.
Why itâs valuable: It represents a major cultural shift in how people consumed music. Nostalgia plays a huge role in its value, and its iconic status has made it a must-have for vintage tech enthusiasts.
What to look for: Check for the model number TPS-L2. Key features include two headphone jacks (labeled âGuysâ & âDollsâ) and a âhotlineâ button that allowed users to talk over the music. Units in good working condition, especially with the original MDR-3L2 headphones and leather case, are the most desirable.
Potential value: A Walkman TPS-L2 in excellent, working condition with its original accessories can sell for \(500 to \)1,500. Boxed, mint-condition examples have fetched even more.
4. The Nintendo Game Boy (1989)
For an entire generation, the original gray-brick Game Boy was the gateway to portable gaming. With its monochrome screen and classic titles like Tetris and Super Mario Land, it became a global sensation and a beloved piece of â90s culture.
Why itâs valuable: The Game Boy holds immense nostalgic value. While millions were sold, finding one in pristine, working condition is becoming harder. Limited edition models and units with their original packaging are especially prized.
What to look for: The original 1989 model is DMG-01. Look for a clean screen with no dead pixels and responsive buttons. The battery cover must be present, as itâs often lost. A Game Boy still in its box with the manual and original pack-in Tetris cartridge is significantly more valuable.
Potential value: A standard used Game Boy might sell for \(50 to \)100. However, a mint-condition unit in its original box can easily command \(300 to \)700 or more.
5. The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X (1983)
Known as the âbrick phone,â the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X was the worldâs first commercially available handheld cellular phone. It was a symbol of wealth and status in the 1980s, weighing nearly two pounds and costing almost $4,000 at launch.
Why itâs valuable: This phone is a true historical artifact. Itâs the grandfather of every cell phone we use today. Because of its high initial cost and bulk, not many were sold compared to modern phones, making them rare.
What to look for: Any version of the DynaTAC series is valuable, but the original 8000X is the most sought-after. Condition is key, but even non-working models are valuable as display pieces. Having the original charger and antenna adds to the price.
Potential value: These are purely collectorâs items. Depending on condition, a DynaTAC 8000X can sell for \(800 to over \)4,000.
6. The Atari 2600 "Heavy Sixer" (1977)
The Atari 2600 brought the video game arcade into the living room. It was a revolutionary console that popularized interchangeable game cartridges. The earliest models are distinct from the millions that followed and are highly coveted by gaming historians and collectors.
Why itâs valuable: The âHeavy Sixerâ was the first run of the console, featuring thicker plastic molding and six orange switches on the front. Itâs rarer and considered more robust than the later, lighter four-switch versions.
What to look for: You can identify a âHeavy Sixerâ by its six front switches and the thick plastic trim around the base. Working consoles with their original âjoystickâ and âpaddleâ controllers are more valuable.
Potential value: While a later four-switch Atari 2600 might only be worth \(50, a working "Heavy Sixer" in good condition can sell for **\)150 to $400**, especially if it comes with its original box.
7. The Apple IIGS "Woz" Edition (1986)
The Apple IIGS was the most powerful computer in the Apple II family. To commemorate its success, Apple released a limited run of the first 50,000 units with a special signature from co-founder Steve âWozâ Wozniak printed on the case.
Why itâs valuable: Itâs a rare machine that combines the history of the Apple II line with a personal touch from one of the companyâs legendary founders. Itâs a niche but highly desirable item for vintage Apple collectors.
What to look for: Check the front of the computer case on the right side. You should see a silkscreened copy of Steve Wozniakâs signature with the words âLimited Editionâ underneath.
Potential value: A standard Apple IIGS might sell for a couple of hundred dollars. A confirmed âWozâ edition in good, working order can be worth \(1,000 to \)2,500, depending on its condition and included software or peripherals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to sell old gadgets? Online marketplaces like eBay are the most common platforms. By searching for your item and filtering by âSold Items,â you can see what similar gadgets have actually sold for recently. This is the best way to get a realistic idea of its value.
Does the original box really matter that much? Yes, absolutely. For collectors, the original packaging, manuals, and included accessories can double or even triple an itemâs value. It shows a level of care and completeness that is very rare for decades-old electronics.
What if my gadget is broken? Even non-working gadgets can have value, especially if they are rare. They can be sold âfor parts or repair.â A broken but cosmetically clean Motorola DynaTAC, for example, is still a valuable display piece and can sell for hundreds of dollars.