What's old is new again: Retro electronics at CES

CES 2026 embraces nostalgia as tech companies showcase retro-inspired products, from vinyl players to arcade games, captivating both older and younger generations.

Reuters

January 8, 2026

What's old is new again: Retro electronics at CES

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during a Nvidia keynote address at CES 2026, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. January 5, 2026.

Steve Marcus/Reuters

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during a Nvidia keynote address at CES 2026, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. January 5, 2026.

One theme at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year is nostalgia, as attendees flocked to the show on Wednesday (January 7).

Many tech companies are specializing in retro versions of new-age products, like vertical record players, smartphone-compatible game controllers, arcade games and pinball machines.

"We have a ton of attention from both Millennials, as well as Gen Xers, but you know be more of like a nostalgia interest," said My Arcade Vice President of Design Michael Ponce.

Fuse Audio President Joseph Wu said they also have two main demographics for those who buy their vertical record players: An older group who has held on to vinyl records for decades and a newer generation.

"The Gen Z, those who grew up in a digital world never having something physical, they're actually actively buying vinyl just to feel connected to the artist."

The CES 2026 runs from January 6 (Tuesday) to January 9 (Friday).

Production by: Erica Stapleton/Reuters