Technology is constantly moving forward, but that's not always a good thing. Sure, modern high-tech gadgets can make you money, and it's useful to have multiple devices connected to each other. But many "advancements" have also made people feel suffocated by forced online access and locked-down platforms. As a result of this, as well as simple curiosity and perhaps nostalgia, younger generations have begun to embrace older pieces of tech, including analog devices and physical forms of media.

Not every kid or young adult is embracing older technology, of course. Some even have a continued love for Apple products that created new challenges for Android. But many from Generation Z and Alpha have found creative uses or enticing prospects for "retro" devices and media in general. They also don't have very high opinions on the direction that current technology has started to move in. That's why you might see these generations taking full advantage of these classic electronic items.

CRTs

If you're a major fan of older games, the reason old CRT TVs are making a comeback shouldn't be surprising. Regardless of generation, many people insist that retro titles only really look as they should on retro monitors. The screens might have been limited in resolution and much less clear than modern TVs, but the people making media that was supposed to be played on those screens knew that. Thus, pixelated video games and even older movies can look especially appealing on a CRT, to the point that today's audiences have to seek out filters and overlays to replicate the style.

Of course, the retro gaming benefits make up the main appeal of CRT TVs. It's led to Gen Z actively seeking the bulky boxes out, all for the sake of experiencing the games as they were originally intended to be played. It's not just visual, either; even some of the most high-end TVs of today can't match the response time of a CRT. Even with the massive 8K screens of today, younger generations agree that there are some great benefits to these older models. Additionally, CRT technology has a distinct warmth and glow that modern LCD or OLED panels cannot reproduce. This has sparked a small but dedicated community of collectors and modders who restore vintage sets. Some even use CRT monitors for non-gaming purposes, such as watching classic films or connecting vintage computers. The resurgence is so strong that local thrift stores and online marketplaces have reported increased demand, driving up prices for functional units. For Gen Z, many of whom grew up with flat screens, discovering the authentic look of a CRT can be a revelation that deepens their appreciation for classic media.

CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and records

Streaming platforms can offer a wide plethora of movies and shows for everyone. But as more people leave expensive services for cheaper options, some are choosing to abandon them altogether. For younger generations, the concept of owning your media is even more appealing when you'd otherwise have to sign into an account and hope a company doesn't take down your favorite series. That's why physical media from optical discs, records, and even tapes still appeals to some younger users — in spite of how the latter is commonly seen as old tech that most Gen Z kids will never learn to use.

Of course, these solutions aren't perfect, either. DVDs and CDs are likely to degrade over time, and streaming services still have the benefit of turning viewers onto many shows or movies they'd never have bothered with otherwise. But as one young DVD enjoyer told the BBC, it isn't just about functionality and preservation. "The main selling point [of DVDs] for me is the cases ... it's about having something physical you can look at instead of just scrolling through your phone mindlessly." There's a certain feeling that comes with having something physical that you won't get by just binge-watching your favorite shows or movies, and that's a major part of why they still have plenty of appeal today.

The vinyl record revival is perhaps the most prominent example. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, vinyl sales have grown steadily for over a decade, with Gen Z and millennials making up a significant portion of buyers. Record stores have become gathering spots for young people seeking tangibility and high-fidelity audio. Similarly, DVD and Blu-ray sales, while declining overall, have seen niche increases among collectors who appreciate bonus features, director's commentaries, and artwork. VHS tapes, though more obscure, have a cult following for their analog warmth and retro aesthetic. Some Gen Z filmmakers even use VHS camcorders for a vintage look. The trend emphasizes a counter-movement against the ephemeral nature of digital content, where ownership is often temporary and subject to licensing agreements.

Retro consoles and phones

It might seem impossible to live a modern life without a full smartphone, but younger generations are embracing older "dumb" phones instead. This sort of trend is popular enough to have its own community on Reddit with over 175,000 viewers weekly, and we've even made a dedicated article on the best dumb phones you can buy. On top of being cheap and lightweight, these devices aren't squeezing owners out for every drop of data they have, allowing them to reach out to friends without giving away so much personal information to Google, Apple, or some other major company.

While it's not quite for the same reasons, younger generations are also embracing retro gaming consoles. In this case, it's more because the best classic games are simply timeless to them, not because the older devices have so much functionality. That being said, while it's possible to enjoy some older games on modern systems, their implementation can be somewhat lacking. It's hard to be unappreciative of how well retro consoles can run their original libraries — especially for Gen Z players willing to take those consoles to their limits.

The dumb phone movement, also known as "digital minimalism," has gained traction as people seek to reduce screen time and avoid the constant distractions of social media. Brands like Nokia, Punkt, and Light Phone have introduced modern versions of classic candy-bar designs with limited apps. According to a 2025 report by Counterpoint Research, sales of feature phones in North America and Europe increased by 15% year-over-year, driven largely by younger demographics. Meanwhile, retro gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1 are actively hunted at flea markets and online. The popularity of mini retro consoles (e.g., NES Classic Edition) further shows that nostalgia sells. However, many purists prefer original hardware and cartridges, which has led to a thriving aftermarket for refurbished consoles and flash carts. Retro gaming events and tournaments are also attracting younger participants who appreciate the simplicity and challenge of older games in a world of microtransactions and online passes.

Point-and-shoot cameras

Smartphones have some pretty incredible cameras today, but vintage point-and-shoot cameras aren't going away. Gen Z has been pushing to make use of them in recent years, and there's a very simple reason for that: They're still fantastic, even in 2026. Rather than being designed as an extra feature for your phone, the picture-focused internals in a point-and-shoot camera are all you'll find inside one. In other words, everything about these cameras is designed to take the best photos possible.

In a way, these cameras are less a retro trend for Gen Z or Gen Alpha and more of an everlasting constant for aspiring photographers. Like classic games or the unique look of a CRT screen, they're timeless for many people, and their capabilities still haven't been so easily replicated or surpassed by modern alternatives. Even beyond modern technology's issues with ownership and the curiosity of younger generations, a major draw to older tech is simply that it still has plenty of fantastic benefits of its own.

The demand for point-and-shoot film cameras, such as the Olympus Stylus Epic or the Canon Sure Shot, has skyrocketed on second-hand markets. Prices for some models have tripled in the last five years. Meanwhile, digital point-and-shoot cameras from the 2000s, like the Fujifilm FinePix or Sony Cyber-shot, are also gaining popularity for their unique sensor characteristics and easy-to-use controls. Many young photographers appreciate the constraint of limited shots or the grainy aesthetic of film. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with photos taken on these cameras, often tagged with vintagecamera or pointandshoot. The appeal extends beyond nostalgia; it's about intentionality in photography. With a dedicated camera, users focus more on composition, lighting, and the moment instead of endless editing and filters. This shift has even influenced smartphone manufacturers to add retro camera modes, but the real thing remains a favorite among those who want to disconnect from their phones while still capturing memories.

Source: SlashGear News