Sony Revives the Original Walkman Headphones, Adds USB-C
Sony updated the 1979 on-ear design with USB-C, a microphone and in-line controls, and set the price at $59.99.
- Sony released the MDR-3R on Thursday, a $60 USB-C revival of its classic 1979 wired headphones designed for modern smartphones and computers. The lightweight 38g headset connects directly to devices without requiring battery charging or Bluetooth pairing.
- The 38g headset retains the iconic metal headband and open design of the classic MDR-3L2, which debuted with the original Walkman in 1979. Sony re-engineered the 23mm drivers to deliver sound 'close to the original,' refined for contemporary listening preferences.
- A limited-edition Stranger Things version costs $80 and features black and red ear pads with an engraved logo on the headband. Sony includes 'Upside Down'-inspired packaging as a nod to the Netflix series, timed for Nov. 6 Stranger Things Day.
- These wired headphones connect via a 1.2m USB-C cable, replacing the traditional 3.5mm jack to support modern smartphones and laptops directly. Sony notes the updated connector prevents compatibility with original Walkman cassette players.
- The release coincides with a broader resurgence in retro technology, arriving 10 years after Stranger Things debuted. This nostalgic trend reflects renewed consumer interest in analog-style hardware including cassette players and instant cameras.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Sony resurrects the 1979 Walkman headphones, now with USB-C
The new MDR-3R looks almost identical to the 3L2 that shipped with the first Walkman. Rather than sacrifice modern functionality for nostalgia, though, Sony swapped the 3.5mm plug for USB-C and added an inline remote and microphone for easy playback controls and hands-free calls.Read Entire Article
Sony revives iconic '80s style with new wired MDR-3R USB-C Retro Headphones at $60
Wired headphones are going through a bit of renaissance right now and Sony is reviving its iconic Walkman-style over-ears with the new MDR-3R USB-C Wired Retro On-Ear Headphones. Now available for purchase at $60 for the standard issue set and at $80 for the Stranger Things edition. more…
Sony's iconic Walkman wired headphones are back, but there's nothing dated about their sound
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreThe Sony MDR-3R are a new take on the brand's iconic Walkman-era headphones.Steven Cohen/Business InsiderAs an elder millennial, I grew up on wired headphones. And not fancy, audiophile ones with big earcups. Just the kind of everyday on-ear cans that I'd throw in my backpack and hook up to a portable CD player. They're the kind of headphones you don't s…
Sony's $60 MDR-3R headphones bring back the original Walkman look
Sony launched the $60 MDR-3R, wired headphones modelled on the pair that shipped with the first Walkman in 1979. They add USB-C, a microphone and a remote. An $80 Stranger Things edition is sold with Netflix, as wired audio makes a comeback. Sony has launched the MDR-3R, a $60 pair of wired headphones modelled on […] This story continues at The Next Web
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