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With the iPhone 15 dropping, it feels like the technology is becoming outdated faster and faster, but that doesn’t always mean it’s losing value.
Earlier this week, DailyMail.com revealed the 10 most sought-after cult classic VHS tapes, which are fetching thousands on eBay.
Now we’ve taken a deep dive into other semi-vintage technologies up for auction, discovering that consumers can make a generous profit on products gathering dust in their attic – as long as they have the original packaging.
These forgotten gadgets include a first-generation iPod that will cost $60,000 and a 1996 Tamagotchi that will fetch up to $3,500.
Here are five gadgets that could make you a small (or big) fortune if you’re willing to part ways:
DailyMail.com has taken a deep dive into vintage technologies up for auction and discovered that consumers can make a generous profit on products collecting dust in the attic – as long as they have the original packaging
These forgotten gadgets include a first-generation iPod that costs $60,000
First generation iPod: $60,000
Apple released the first iPod on October 23, 2001, eight years before the first iPhone was launched.
The device changed the way people listened to music as they no longer had to carry around many CDs to listen to their favorite songs.
Instead, the iPod stored 1,000 songs that could be played in any order with the tap of a finger.
A first-generation 2001 iPod still in its box sold at auction for $29,000 in a private sale early last month.
One of the first generation iPods sells for $60,000 on eBay
On eBay, some first-generation iPods are listed for around double that price, with the current top price going for $60,000 for a factory-sealed iPod Classic 1st generation.
Tamagotchi: $3,500
These digital pets that you had to feed to stay alive debuted in Japan in 1996 before coming to the US less than a year later. The egg-shaped device cost about $18 at the time.
After a digital creature is hatched, users must care for their virtual pet as it goes through its different stages of life.
Users must feed it – a ‘meal’ consisting of a rice bowl or a ‘snack’ of sweets – and clean up after going to the toilet.
If they do not take proper care of it, the pet will become sick and even die.
These digital pets that you had to feed to stay alive debuted in Japan in 1996 before coming to the US less than a year later. The egg-shaped device cost about $18 at the time
Bandai, the creator, revived the adorable digital pet in 2018 for around $20, but the originals are auctioned off for a high price.
A set of two Tamagotchi keychains sells on eBay for $3,500.
The wearable digital pets are now making a comeback with updated colorful graphics, the ability to wear them in a watch strap and the ability to connect with Tamagotchi users around the world who are also in the ‘Tamaverse’.
Game Boy Pocket Limited Edition Ice Blue: $3,500
The Ice Blue Nintendo Gameboy Pocket was released on September 3, 1996 for around $90. But eBay has one for sale for $3,500
Nintendo is undoubtedly one of the most popular gaming device makers ever, and the Game Boys line is listed on eBay for between $100 and $18,000.
A limited edition ice blue Game Boy Pocket, the first redesigned version of the Gameboy, released in 1996, is listed on eBay for $3,500, while a Kiwi-colored version costs almost $18,000.
The Ice Blue Nintendo Gameboy Pocket was released on September 3, 1996 for approximately $90.
Unlike the Gameboy, the pocket version was smaller and had a lighter form factor.
Nintendo 64 Pokemon Stadium Battle Set: $1,800
The Nintendo 64 Pokemon Stadium Battle Set allows users to watch their Pokemon battle in 3D and control the digital creature like a handheld game from the main series
A Pokemon-themed Nintendo 64 is listed on eBay for $1,799.99.
The Nintendo 64 was released in Japan in June 1996 and in the US in September of that year.
The copy up for auction on eBay includes the game itself, two controllers, the transfer package, and the original box.
The console allows users to see their Pokémon battles in 3D and control the digital creature like a handheld game from the main series.
Motorola Dynatac 8000x: $55,519
One of these cell phones is listed on eBay for more than $55,000
The product includes the charging base and carrying case
On April 3, 1973, Motorola employee Martin Cooper made a telephone call in New York on a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X – widely considered the first public cell phone call.
The device is also said to be the world’s first portable mobile phone, weighing 1.75 pounds.
DynaTAC was a series of mobile phones from Microsoft 1983 and 1994.
The DynaTAC 8000x was the first model of the line and offered 30 minutes of talk time. It was the first mobile phone to be offered commercially.
One of these cell phones is listed on eBay for more than $55,000, including charging station and carrying case.
VHS tapes
You could be in a treasure trove of worthwhile children’s films.
Streaming has replaced going to the video store, but VHS tapes are becoming increasingly popular among collectors.
Classics like Back to the Future and films with a cult following like the original Fast and the Furious fetch thousands on eBay.
But before you sprint to the garage or rummage through the attic, proceed with caution: the condition of these tires will determine their selling price.
Sorry, that copy of “Aladdin” you watched 50,000 times as a kid is a dud.
eBay says about 250,000 VHS tapes are sold on the online sales platform each year.
Additionally, it revealed that eBay buyers have spent more than three million dollars on VHS tapes.