Nostalgic technology is finding a growing market among Canadian consumers, with younger generations leading renewed interest in physical media, retro gaming and older electronic devices, according to a new Best Buy Canada report.
The retailer’s Holiday Tech Gifting Report found that 40 per cent of Canadians are likely to purchase a technology gift out of nostalgia, rising to 53 per cent among Millennials and 49 per cent among Generation Z. The findings point to renewed consumer interest in products and formats that offer an alternative to newer digital technology, including vinyl records, video game cartridges and older music players.
“We’re seeing younger Canadians rediscover technology many of us grew up with, but this isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake,” said Kushal Samy, director of brand marketing at Best Buy Canada. “People want technology that feels personal and unlocks possibilities. Sometimes that means the newest device, and sometimes it means rediscovering a format or product they love.”
Physical media attracts younger consumers
The report found that one-third of Canadians, or 33 per cent, are drawn to older technology because they value owning physical media, including vinyl records and video game cartridges.
Nearly one-quarter of Canadians, or 23 per cent, purchased music, movies or games in a physical format over the past year. That figure was higher among younger consumers, reaching 32 per cent of Millennials and 30 per cent of Gen Z respondents, compared with 12 per cent of Boomers.
Best Buy Canada said its shopping data is also showing increased interest in retro products and entertainment. Demand is growing for iPods and media players, as well as Pokémon cards and collectibles. Classic video game franchises, including The Legend of Zelda and Grand Theft Auto, are also attracting renewed interest, while single-use film cameras are among the products experiencing a resurgence.
The findings suggest that the appeal of older technology extends beyond electronic devices to physical entertainment formats and collectibles.
iPods top list of retro technology Canadians want back
The iPod is the technology product Canadians would most like to see return, according to the survey. Other popular choices include BlackBerry devices with physical keyboards, Nintendo 64 and Super Nintendo consoles, flip phones and VCRs and VHS tapes.
Preferences differ across generations. Gen Z respondents showed the strongest interest in the iPod, while Millennials favoured the Nintendo 64 and Super Nintendo. Boomers were most nostalgic for VCRs and VHS tapes.
The generational differences highlight the range of products contributing to the renewed interest in older technology, with consumers expressing preferences for devices and entertainment formats associated with different periods.
Holiday technology spending
Beyond the retro trend, the report found that nearly half of Canadians, or 46 per cent, are considering purchasing at least one technology product as a holiday gift. Among those considering technology gifts, 46 per cent said they prioritize buying something the recipient will use regularly, while an equal proportion said they want a product that reflects the recipient’s interests.
The most popular technology gift categories identified in the report include small kitchen appliances; headphones, earbuds and portable speakers; video games and consoles; personal care and wellness technology; and turntables and vinyl records.
The findings indicate that practical considerations and personal interests remain important factors in technology gift purchases, alongside the appeal of nostalgic products.
Best Buy Canada Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co. Inc. and operates the Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, Best Buy Express and Geek Squad brands. The company has more than 300 Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile and Best Buy Express stores across Canada and sells additional products through BestBuy.ca.
More from Retail Insider:
