VHS Tapes and Landlines Are Making a Comeback: The ’90s Tech We Still Want

In an era dominated by streaming, smartphones and instant connectivity, a surprising trend is emerging: younger consumers are rediscovering the charm of ’90s technology. VHS tapes, landlines, and even disposable cameras are experiencing a resurgence, driven by nostalgia, sustainability, and a growing desire for tactile, low-tech experiences. While these formats were once obsolete, they now represent a deliberate rejection of digital fatigue—a movement toward intentional, analog entertainment.

The appeal lies in their simplicity. VHS tapes require rewinding, CDs demand physical handling, and landlines offer a slower, more deliberate way to communicate. For millennials and Gen Z, these devices evoke a sense of ritual and presence that modern tech often lacks. Collectors and enthusiasts are snapping up vintage VHS players, retro gaming consoles, and even flip phones, turning them into both functional tools and cherished collectibles.

But is this more than just nostalgia? Or is it a meaningful shift in how we interact with technology? Below, we explore the resurgence of ’90s tech, its cultural impact, and why some of these relics of the past might just have a future.

The VHS Revival: Why We’re Rewinding the Past

Introduced by JVC in 1976, VHS (Video Home System) dominated the 1980s and 1990s as the standard for home video recording. It overtook Sony’s Betamax in the format wars, thanks to longer recording times and lower costs, and became the backbone of video rental stores like Blockbuster, which peaked in 2004 with over 9,000 locations worldwide.

By the late 1990s, DVDs began replacing VHS due to their superior picture quality and compact design. Production of VHS players officially ended in 2016, and blank tapes became nearly impossible to find by 2019. Yet, the format never fully disappeared. A 2025 Consumer Reports survey found that approximately 15% of Americans had watched VHS tapes in the past year, with millennials and Gen Z leading the revival.

Why the comeback? For one, VHS tapes offer a tactile, communal experience. Watching a movie on tape requires commitment—no endless scrolling or decision paralysis. It also fosters shared rituals, like gathering around a TV to watch a rented film or recording a favorite show. In an age of algorithm-driven content, VHS represents a return to intentional media consumption.

E-commerce platforms like eBay reflect this trend. A 2026 analysis of top-selling VHS tapes on eBay reveals a mix of nostalgic classics—such as Disney animated films, ’90s action movies, and cult horror titles—and rare collector’s editions. The market for vintage VHS has expanded beyond nostalgia, with some buyers seeking out original pressings for their historical value.

Landlines: A Symbol of Simplicity in a Digital Age

Landlines, once the cornerstone of household communication, have all but vanished in the mobile era. According to the CDC’s 2024 National Health Interview Survey, nearly 79% of U.S. Adults now live in wireless-only households. Yet, some consumers—particularly parents of young children—are reconsidering the landline’s appeal.

Companies like Tin Can, a Wi-Fi-enabled landline phone, are capitalizing on this nostalgia. Marketed as a “modern landline,” it retains the familiar design of a traditional phone while connecting via home Wi-Fi. Parents like Alison Bennett, who delayed giving her daughter a smartphone, cite landlines as a way to encourage face-to-face communication without the distractions of modern tech.

Beyond practicality, landlines evoke a sense of privacy and control. Unlike smartphones, which are always on and connected, a landline requires you to be home to receive calls—a deliberate choice in an era of constant notifications. Some Gen Zers and millennials are even “bricking” their phones by disabling non-essential apps, a trend that aligns with the landline’s slower, more intentional communication style.

Beyond VHS and Landlines: The Full Retro Tech Revival

The resurgence of ’90s technology extends far beyond VHS tapes and landlines. Here’s a look at other analog devices gaining traction:

• Portable CD Players (Discman): Sony’s Discman, released in 1984, allowed users to carry high-quality music on the go. While CDs were eclipsed by digital formats in the 2000s, a 2025 Guardian report noted a revival among Gen Z and millennials, driven by limited-edition CD releases from artists like Taylor Swift and Pink Floyd. The tactile experience of handling CDs and the ritual of creating mixtapes resonate with younger audiences tired of digital playlists.
• Game Boy and Nintendo 64: Nintendo’s iconic handheld and console systems remain cultural touchstones. The Game Boy, released in 1989, sold over 118 million units by 2019, while the Nintendo 64’s multiplayer games like Mario Kart 64 and GoldenEye 007 are still celebrated for their social, offline play. Retro gaming communities and “AI anxiety” have fueled demand for vintage cartridges and original hardware.
• Tamagotchis and Virtual Pets: Bandai’s Tamagotchi, launched in 1996, was a global phenomenon that required constant care. Though digital versions exist, the original toy’s physicality and responsibility-driven gameplay have seen a resurgence. In 2025, the franchise was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame, underscoring its enduring legacy.
• Disposable Cameras: Once ubiquitous on vacations and parties, disposable cameras declined with the rise of smartphones. However, Gen Zers are embracing them for their unfiltered, candid aesthetic. Brands like Fujifilm and Kodak have reintroduced limited-edition disposable cameras, tapping into a desire for imperfection in an era of curated social media.
• Walkie-Talkies: Though overshadowed by cellphones, walkie-talkies remain popular for outdoor activities, festivals, and emergency preparedness. Their immediate, unfiltered communication appeals to those seeking real-time connection without digital interference.

Why Are We Bringing Back ’90s Tech?

The resurgence of analog technology isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a reaction to the pressures of modern digital life. Key factors driving this trend include:

• Digital Fatigue: Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and algorithm-driven content have led many to seek slower, more intentional experiences. Analog tech forces users to engage mindfully, whether rewinding a VHS tape or manually advancing a disposable camera’s film.
• Sustainability: Physical media like CDs and VHS tapes have a lower environmental impact than streaming, which relies on data centers and cloud storage. Younger consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable consumption, and analog tech fits this ethos.
• Social Connection: Many ’90s technologies were designed for shared experiences—multiplayer gaming, group movie nights, or family photo albums. In an era where digital interactions often feel isolating, these devices foster real-world connection.
• Anti-AI Sentiment: As artificial intelligence reshapes entertainment and communication, some consumers are turning to analog tech as a form of resistance. The unpredictability of a Tamagotchi or the physicality of a Game Boy cartridge offer a counterpoint to AI-driven personalization.

Key Takeaways

• VHS tapes are experiencing a revival, with 15% of Americans reporting recent use, driven by nostalgia and tactile media consumption.
• Landlines are being reimagined with modern Wi-Fi connectivity, appealing to parents and privacy-conscious consumers.
• Portable CD players, retro gaming consoles, and disposable cameras are among the ’90s tech seeing renewed interest.
• The trend reflects broader dissatisfaction with digital overload, a desire for sustainability, and a longing for shared analog experiences.

What ’90s tech would you bring back? Share your favorite analog devices in the comments below—or tag us on social media with #RetroTechRevival. For more on this trend, explore our coverage of vintage tech markets and the cultural impact of nostalgia.