In a world driven by complex technology, people sometimes crave the simple things in life. That’s why retro items often make a comeback.
Retro mobile phones
In 2019, retro mobile phones started to make a comeback. Finnish manufacturer Nokia has already shifted 10 million units of their rebooted 3310 and 8110 handsets and have pledged to release even more models based on old classics in 2020. These new versions look like the originals but are capable of running WhatsApp and other popular social media apps. So, don’t be surprised when you see your friends rocking old school flip phones similar to the Motorola Razr in 2020.
Board games
Also making a return in recent years have been board games. Even in the heart of global technology hubs such as the Old Street Roundabout near Shoreditch in London, bars and cafes specialising in retro board games have been popping up. And the same is true in Canada and the US. It seems that even those at the heart of the technology industry crave an old school gaming experience in their spare time.
These games provide human interaction and can be great for team building in a work environment. They also create a cool and cosy atmosphere in bars and cafes, and they can help people to relax and unwind away from their computer and smartphone screens.
Tabletop games
One game that deserves a revival is Subbuteo. This retro table football game was first released in 1947 and became a global hit. Sales declined with the rise of video gaming, but the game now enjoys cult status and can be found in retro gaming clubs across the globe. In 2019, the game was even honoured in a new slot machine title which was rated as one of the best releases of the year and has reached audiences not only in the UK but in Canada and the US also. You can play the game and even get an OJO Casino bonus for Canadians here.
The Subbuteo revival has happened steadily over the last couple of decades. A governing body has been in place since 1992, and a national team World Cup championship has been held since 1994. Spain is the reigning champion and will defend their title in Italy in 2020. Since 2001, Italy has been crowned champions 14 times.
Vinyl records
Music lovers are also returning to the past by investing in vinyl recordings. Such is the demand for LPs that almost all new albums from major and independent labels are now released in vinyl format. Some are also released in cassette format, while CD sales continue to fall. Enthusiasts point to the warmer and richer sound that comes with vinyl and analogue music in general compared to the colder and sharper tones of digital recordings.
In a world where music can now be consumed at will via applications such as Spotify and Deezer, the continued popularity of vinyl is remarkable. And it is perhaps the best example of old technology resisting total extinction against all the odds.