Youngsters in UK are leaning towards age old tech devices

 

Gen Z are going retro. People in their teens and early 20s are increasingly turning to old school tech in a bid to unplug from the online world.

Amazon UK told BBC Scotland News that retro-themed products surged in popularity during its Black Friday event, with portable vinyl turntables, Tamagotchis and disposable cameras among their best sellers.

On December 7, 2025, BBC News highlighted the surge in retro tech purchases among Gen Z, especially during retail events like Black Friday. Amazon UK saw a spike in sales of portable vinyl turntables, Tamagotchis, and disposable cameras. Meanwhile, major retailers like Currys and John Lewis reported significant jumps in sales of radios, instant cameras, and even alarm clocks. It’s a scene that might make anyone who grew up in the 1980s or 1990s feel a distinct sense of déjà vu.

Retailers Currys and John Lewis also said they had seen retro gadgets making a comeback with sales of radios, instant cameras and alarm clocks showing big jumps.

While some people scroll endlessly through Netflix in search of their next watch, 17-year-old Declan prefers the more traditional approach of having a DVD in his hands.

He grew up surrounded by his gran's collection and later bought his own after visiting a shop with a friend.

"The main selling point for me is the cases," he says.

"There's something about really clean cases that I love."

Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ dominate the market but Declan says he values ownership.

"It's nice to have something you own instead of paying for subscriptions all the time," he says.

"If I lost access to streaming tomorrow, I'd still have my favourite movies ready to watch."

He admits DVDs are a "dying way of watching movies" but that makes them cheaper.

"I think they're just cool, there's something authentic about having DVDs," he says.

"These things are generations old, it's nice to have them available."

Saul, 20, has been collecting vinyl records since 2016.

With new vinyl albums costing about £35 on average, it might seem expensive compared to streaming but Saul feels it's worth it.

"It's a more authentic sound," he says.

"The grooves on the record make it feel real, you can hear the difference.

"It's about having something physical you can look at instead of just scrolling through your phone mindlessly."

For Saul, the appeal goes beyond sound quality.

"You've got the actual cover art, and you put the disc down yourself, it's a hands-on experience." he says.


Nasir Uddin Shah is Chief
Reporter at The Asian Age.