Feature image of 3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 mins read

3 mins read

Feature image of 3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China
A wave of 2000s nostalgia in China is fueling an unexpected demand for old tech — cameras, phones, and the Nintendo 3DS — among hip Chinese youth

While some Chinese youth are turning waste into art, others have gained a new appreciation for old electronics in recent months. In fact, some of these gadgets and gizmos, which are no longer in production, have become so popular that they now cost more than newer devices on the market.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

The highly coveted CCD camera, a type of digital camera with a charge-coupled device image sensor

nokia old electronics

A netizen’s collection of old Nokias

The hype surrounding old technology is part of a more significant 2000s nostalgia trend: Gen Z is obsessed with Y2K fashion, and many people view digital devices from the noughties and early 2010s as the new ‘it’ accessories.

These are some items you might want to sell on the Chinese internet if they’re lying around the house:

1. CCD Camera

Some might recall the CCD camera in its heyday. An acronym for ‘charged-coupled device,’ CCD technology was the standard in nearly all digital imaging devices from the 1980s until the late 2010s, when complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors gradually took over due to their higher framerates and being easier and cheaper to manufacture.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

Chinese celebrities such as Shen Yue, Jackson Yee, Bai Jingting, and Ouyang Nana have all posted selfies with CCD cameras

Popularized by Chinese celebrities and influencers, CCD cameras are making the rounds among amateur photographers again. Some people are obsessed with the vintage quality of pictures they produce, which have the look of fuzzy film photography.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

influencer 2000s nostalgia

On the Chinese lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, the hashtag for CCD has garnered 100 million views. Competition is so fierce among eager collectors that soaring demand has caused the price of secondhand CCD cameras (about 50 RMB or 7 USD) to increase tenfold.

Meanwhile, professional photographers are baffled by the hype. One such naysayer issued a rant of disbelief under the title, “Saying no to e-waste CCD cameras,” on Xiaohongshu.

2. iPhone 4

Discontinued cell phones are also trending among Chinese Gen Zers.

iPhone 4 and 4S, in particular, are all the rage among Zoomers. On Xiaohongshu, search results for ‘photographing with an iPhone 4S in 2022’ had 4 million views at the time of writing.

iphone 4 2000s nostalgia

Search results for the query ‘photographing with an iPhone 4S in 2022’ on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu

Although some Gen Zers never had any experience using the fourth-gen iPhones when they were released in the 2010s, they have fallen in love with the retro-looking pictures produced by the old smartphones. Some are also nostalgic about the iPhone’s home button, which has been defunct since 2017.

“Pictures that are taken by an iPhone 4 have a white halation diffusion, low color saturation, and natural graininess, just like films,” reads a Xiaohongshu post encouraging people to buy an iPhone 4 instead of CCD cameras.

3. Nintendo 3DS

Last but not least, the Nintendo 3DS is another item on many nostalgic Chinese youths’ must-have lists. According to NetEase News, the console has recently gone viral on Xiaohongshu and its price has almost doubled compared to last year.

The handheld gaming console, launched worldwide in 2011, was officially discontinued in 2020. The Nintendo eShop is slated to shut down in March 2023, after which device holders won’t be able to download new games.

nintendo 3ds 2000s nostalgia

A self-decorated Nintendo 3DS case belonging to a Chinese social media user

Even so, young Chinese collectors aren’t put off by this ‘expiry date.’ To them, the 3DS represents a “cute-looking,” cost-effective, and accessible Nintendo console for beginners.

Moreover, gamers can still use the device to play classic titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Animal Crossing, while enjoying its stereoscopic 3D effects without requiring additional accessories.

nintendo 3ds 2000s nostalgia

Fans of the Nintendo 3DS call it a ‘cheap alternative’ to the Switch

On the flip side, some netizens are snubbing old electronics, calling them overpriced, poor performing, and improperly regulated. A case in point: To capitalize on the craze, some retailers are — ironically — producing fake and malfunctioning gadgets.

Understandably, some customers have criticized the trend, calling it a publicity stunt, while others deem such devices ‘electronic waste.’

However, these haters seem to be forgetting one thing: Those capitulating to the trend aren’t necessarily after high-quality electronics but looking to relish in the ‘good old times.’

Cover image designed by Haedi Yue. Other images via Xiaohongshu

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Feature image of 3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 mins read

A wave of 2000s nostalgia in China is fueling an unexpected demand for old tech — cameras, phones, and the Nintendo 3DS — among hip Chinese youth

While some Chinese youth are turning waste into art, others have gained a new appreciation for old electronics in recent months. In fact, some of these gadgets and gizmos, which are no longer in production, have become so popular that they now cost more than newer devices on the market.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

The highly coveted CCD camera, a type of digital camera with a charge-coupled device image sensor

nokia old electronics

A netizen’s collection of old Nokias

The hype surrounding old technology is part of a more significant 2000s nostalgia trend: Gen Z is obsessed with Y2K fashion, and many people view digital devices from the noughties and early 2010s as the new ‘it’ accessories.

These are some items you might want to sell on the Chinese internet if they’re lying around the house:

1. CCD Camera

Some might recall the CCD camera in its heyday. An acronym for ‘charged-coupled device,’ CCD technology was the standard in nearly all digital imaging devices from the 1980s until the late 2010s, when complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors gradually took over due to their higher framerates and being easier and cheaper to manufacture.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

Chinese celebrities such as Shen Yue, Jackson Yee, Bai Jingting, and Ouyang Nana have all posted selfies with CCD cameras

Popularized by Chinese celebrities and influencers, CCD cameras are making the rounds among amateur photographers again. Some people are obsessed with the vintage quality of pictures they produce, which have the look of fuzzy film photography.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

influencer 2000s nostalgia

On the Chinese lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, the hashtag for CCD has garnered 100 million views. Competition is so fierce among eager collectors that soaring demand has caused the price of secondhand CCD cameras (about 50 RMB or 7 USD) to increase tenfold.

Meanwhile, professional photographers are baffled by the hype. One such naysayer issued a rant of disbelief under the title, “Saying no to e-waste CCD cameras,” on Xiaohongshu.

2. iPhone 4

Discontinued cell phones are also trending among Chinese Gen Zers.

iPhone 4 and 4S, in particular, are all the rage among Zoomers. On Xiaohongshu, search results for ‘photographing with an iPhone 4S in 2022’ had 4 million views at the time of writing.

iphone 4 2000s nostalgia

Search results for the query ‘photographing with an iPhone 4S in 2022’ on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu

Although some Gen Zers never had any experience using the fourth-gen iPhones when they were released in the 2010s, they have fallen in love with the retro-looking pictures produced by the old smartphones. Some are also nostalgic about the iPhone’s home button, which has been defunct since 2017.

“Pictures that are taken by an iPhone 4 have a white halation diffusion, low color saturation, and natural graininess, just like films,” reads a Xiaohongshu post encouraging people to buy an iPhone 4 instead of CCD cameras.

3. Nintendo 3DS

Last but not least, the Nintendo 3DS is another item on many nostalgic Chinese youths’ must-have lists. According to NetEase News, the console has recently gone viral on Xiaohongshu and its price has almost doubled compared to last year.

The handheld gaming console, launched worldwide in 2011, was officially discontinued in 2020. The Nintendo eShop is slated to shut down in March 2023, after which device holders won’t be able to download new games.

nintendo 3ds 2000s nostalgia

A self-decorated Nintendo 3DS case belonging to a Chinese social media user

Even so, young Chinese collectors aren’t put off by this ‘expiry date.’ To them, the 3DS represents a “cute-looking,” cost-effective, and accessible Nintendo console for beginners.

Moreover, gamers can still use the device to play classic titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Animal Crossing, while enjoying its stereoscopic 3D effects without requiring additional accessories.

nintendo 3ds 2000s nostalgia

Fans of the Nintendo 3DS call it a ‘cheap alternative’ to the Switch

On the flip side, some netizens are snubbing old electronics, calling them overpriced, poor performing, and improperly regulated. A case in point: To capitalize on the craze, some retailers are — ironically — producing fake and malfunctioning gadgets.

Understandably, some customers have criticized the trend, calling it a publicity stunt, while others deem such devices ‘electronic waste.’

However, these haters seem to be forgetting one thing: Those capitulating to the trend aren’t necessarily after high-quality electronics but looking to relish in the ‘good old times.’

Cover image designed by Haedi Yue. Other images via Xiaohongshu

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Feature image of 3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 mins read

3 mins read

Feature image of 3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China
A wave of 2000s nostalgia in China is fueling an unexpected demand for old tech — cameras, phones, and the Nintendo 3DS — among hip Chinese youth

While some Chinese youth are turning waste into art, others have gained a new appreciation for old electronics in recent months. In fact, some of these gadgets and gizmos, which are no longer in production, have become so popular that they now cost more than newer devices on the market.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

The highly coveted CCD camera, a type of digital camera with a charge-coupled device image sensor

nokia old electronics

A netizen’s collection of old Nokias

The hype surrounding old technology is part of a more significant 2000s nostalgia trend: Gen Z is obsessed with Y2K fashion, and many people view digital devices from the noughties and early 2010s as the new ‘it’ accessories.

These are some items you might want to sell on the Chinese internet if they’re lying around the house:

1. CCD Camera

Some might recall the CCD camera in its heyday. An acronym for ‘charged-coupled device,’ CCD technology was the standard in nearly all digital imaging devices from the 1980s until the late 2010s, when complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors gradually took over due to their higher framerates and being easier and cheaper to manufacture.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

Chinese celebrities such as Shen Yue, Jackson Yee, Bai Jingting, and Ouyang Nana have all posted selfies with CCD cameras

Popularized by Chinese celebrities and influencers, CCD cameras are making the rounds among amateur photographers again. Some people are obsessed with the vintage quality of pictures they produce, which have the look of fuzzy film photography.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

influencer 2000s nostalgia

On the Chinese lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, the hashtag for CCD has garnered 100 million views. Competition is so fierce among eager collectors that soaring demand has caused the price of secondhand CCD cameras (about 50 RMB or 7 USD) to increase tenfold.

Meanwhile, professional photographers are baffled by the hype. One such naysayer issued a rant of disbelief under the title, “Saying no to e-waste CCD cameras,” on Xiaohongshu.

2. iPhone 4

Discontinued cell phones are also trending among Chinese Gen Zers.

iPhone 4 and 4S, in particular, are all the rage among Zoomers. On Xiaohongshu, search results for ‘photographing with an iPhone 4S in 2022’ had 4 million views at the time of writing.

iphone 4 2000s nostalgia

Search results for the query ‘photographing with an iPhone 4S in 2022’ on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu

Although some Gen Zers never had any experience using the fourth-gen iPhones when they were released in the 2010s, they have fallen in love with the retro-looking pictures produced by the old smartphones. Some are also nostalgic about the iPhone’s home button, which has been defunct since 2017.

“Pictures that are taken by an iPhone 4 have a white halation diffusion, low color saturation, and natural graininess, just like films,” reads a Xiaohongshu post encouraging people to buy an iPhone 4 instead of CCD cameras.

3. Nintendo 3DS

Last but not least, the Nintendo 3DS is another item on many nostalgic Chinese youths’ must-have lists. According to NetEase News, the console has recently gone viral on Xiaohongshu and its price has almost doubled compared to last year.

The handheld gaming console, launched worldwide in 2011, was officially discontinued in 2020. The Nintendo eShop is slated to shut down in March 2023, after which device holders won’t be able to download new games.

nintendo 3ds 2000s nostalgia

A self-decorated Nintendo 3DS case belonging to a Chinese social media user

Even so, young Chinese collectors aren’t put off by this ‘expiry date.’ To them, the 3DS represents a “cute-looking,” cost-effective, and accessible Nintendo console for beginners.

Moreover, gamers can still use the device to play classic titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Animal Crossing, while enjoying its stereoscopic 3D effects without requiring additional accessories.

nintendo 3ds 2000s nostalgia

Fans of the Nintendo 3DS call it a ‘cheap alternative’ to the Switch

On the flip side, some netizens are snubbing old electronics, calling them overpriced, poor performing, and improperly regulated. A case in point: To capitalize on the craze, some retailers are — ironically — producing fake and malfunctioning gadgets.

Understandably, some customers have criticized the trend, calling it a publicity stunt, while others deem such devices ‘electronic waste.’

However, these haters seem to be forgetting one thing: Those capitulating to the trend aren’t necessarily after high-quality electronics but looking to relish in the ‘good old times.’

Cover image designed by Haedi Yue. Other images via Xiaohongshu

NEWSLETTER

Get weekly top picks and exclusive, newsletter only content delivered straight to you inbox.

NEWSLETTER

Get weekly top picks and exclusive, newsletter only content delivered straight to you inbox.

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Feature image of 3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 mins read

A wave of 2000s nostalgia in China is fueling an unexpected demand for old tech — cameras, phones, and the Nintendo 3DS — among hip Chinese youth

While some Chinese youth are turning waste into art, others have gained a new appreciation for old electronics in recent months. In fact, some of these gadgets and gizmos, which are no longer in production, have become so popular that they now cost more than newer devices on the market.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

The highly coveted CCD camera, a type of digital camera with a charge-coupled device image sensor

nokia old electronics

A netizen’s collection of old Nokias

The hype surrounding old technology is part of a more significant 2000s nostalgia trend: Gen Z is obsessed with Y2K fashion, and many people view digital devices from the noughties and early 2010s as the new ‘it’ accessories.

These are some items you might want to sell on the Chinese internet if they’re lying around the house:

1. CCD Camera

Some might recall the CCD camera in its heyday. An acronym for ‘charged-coupled device,’ CCD technology was the standard in nearly all digital imaging devices from the 1980s until the late 2010s, when complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors gradually took over due to their higher framerates and being easier and cheaper to manufacture.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

Chinese celebrities such as Shen Yue, Jackson Yee, Bai Jingting, and Ouyang Nana have all posted selfies with CCD cameras

Popularized by Chinese celebrities and influencers, CCD cameras are making the rounds among amateur photographers again. Some people are obsessed with the vintage quality of pictures they produce, which have the look of fuzzy film photography.

ccd camera 2000s nostalgia

influencer 2000s nostalgia

On the Chinese lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, the hashtag for CCD has garnered 100 million views. Competition is so fierce among eager collectors that soaring demand has caused the price of secondhand CCD cameras (about 50 RMB or 7 USD) to increase tenfold.

Meanwhile, professional photographers are baffled by the hype. One such naysayer issued a rant of disbelief under the title, “Saying no to e-waste CCD cameras,” on Xiaohongshu.

2. iPhone 4

Discontinued cell phones are also trending among Chinese Gen Zers.

iPhone 4 and 4S, in particular, are all the rage among Zoomers. On Xiaohongshu, search results for ‘photographing with an iPhone 4S in 2022’ had 4 million views at the time of writing.

iphone 4 2000s nostalgia

Search results for the query ‘photographing with an iPhone 4S in 2022’ on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu

Although some Gen Zers never had any experience using the fourth-gen iPhones when they were released in the 2010s, they have fallen in love with the retro-looking pictures produced by the old smartphones. Some are also nostalgic about the iPhone’s home button, which has been defunct since 2017.

“Pictures that are taken by an iPhone 4 have a white halation diffusion, low color saturation, and natural graininess, just like films,” reads a Xiaohongshu post encouraging people to buy an iPhone 4 instead of CCD cameras.

3. Nintendo 3DS

Last but not least, the Nintendo 3DS is another item on many nostalgic Chinese youths’ must-have lists. According to NetEase News, the console has recently gone viral on Xiaohongshu and its price has almost doubled compared to last year.

The handheld gaming console, launched worldwide in 2011, was officially discontinued in 2020. The Nintendo eShop is slated to shut down in March 2023, after which device holders won’t be able to download new games.

nintendo 3ds 2000s nostalgia

A self-decorated Nintendo 3DS case belonging to a Chinese social media user

Even so, young Chinese collectors aren’t put off by this ‘expiry date.’ To them, the 3DS represents a “cute-looking,” cost-effective, and accessible Nintendo console for beginners.

Moreover, gamers can still use the device to play classic titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Animal Crossing, while enjoying its stereoscopic 3D effects without requiring additional accessories.

nintendo 3ds 2000s nostalgia

Fans of the Nintendo 3DS call it a ‘cheap alternative’ to the Switch

On the flip side, some netizens are snubbing old electronics, calling them overpriced, poor performing, and improperly regulated. A case in point: To capitalize on the craze, some retailers are — ironically — producing fake and malfunctioning gadgets.

Understandably, some customers have criticized the trend, calling it a publicity stunt, while others deem such devices ‘electronic waste.’

However, these haters seem to be forgetting one thing: Those capitulating to the trend aren’t necessarily after high-quality electronics but looking to relish in the ‘good old times.’

Cover image designed by Haedi Yue. Other images via Xiaohongshu

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Feature image of 3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

3 Examples of Old-school Electronics Making a Comeback in China

A wave of 2000s nostalgia in China is fueling an unexpected demand for old tech — cameras, phones, and the Nintendo 3DS — among hip Chinese youth

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