I sat across from my friend, banging my Tamagotchi desperately to please it, slamming the cardboard on the table and yelling, “DDDD-Time to duel!” It's not the late 1990s or early 2000s, it's 2024, and I'm the latest sucker to get caught up in the new-stalgic wave of technology and entertainment.
I'm not the only one being dragged along by the current. Our camera editor is obsessed with his Lego retro camera set, and JBL delighted us with its retro-style Dolby Atmos-equipped Authentics 500 speakers. I love apps that make my iPhone look like a classic iPod or a modern PC. They are running on an older Windows OS.
But why is Nustalgy, a word coined to combine the new and the nostalgic, such a powerful torrent? It reminds us of the classics we love, but feels completely out of place in our modern world? Why can't I get tired of this work?
To find the answer, I consulted two New Stargia experts, representatives from Bandai and Konami. They revealed that it is due to the enduring popularity of the timeless concept and new generations of parents.
never goes out of style
You can't simply transform something from a bygone era into a modern sensibility. A representative from Bandai explained to us that Tamagotchi's continued success is due to its “timeless appeal.”
Tamogotchi's popularity is fueled by humans' innate nurturing behavior. “Kids love pretending to be their parents and playing with dolls. Tamagotchi is the next step.” Bandai says it wants to graduate from dolls and move on to something more interactive, but He added that as long as there are children who are not yet ready to help care for a breathing animal, virtual pets will be a popular way to fill that gap.
This enduring popularity has continued into other popular hits. Listening to high quality uncompressed music will never go out of style. That's why the best turntables are still in fashion. And you'll always want to take, share, and physically preserve snapshots of your adventures with friends and loved ones. That's why you can still buy the new best instant his camera.
Moreover, this technology is not old and is still being updated and adapted.
The new turntable can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker. You can also pick up a pocket-sized printer instead of a camera and instantly print your snapshots physically while enjoying the benefits of a high-tech camera phone.
Similarly, alongside the classic egg-shaped pendant that we all know and love, we have the Tamagotchi Uni. It has all the features of the original, but comes with built-in motion sensors to encourage more active play, and a full-color display to bring your digital creatures to life in new ways.
These upgrades don't fundamentally change the product from what we always wanted as kids. So when you finally have the income to buy it (and no one says no), the new features will only help justify the purchase. You can use it as a speaker even if you don't have many records. Virtual pets can inspire us to go outside and walk more, or encourage excuses to tell ourselves.
It also makes it easier for parents to pass on their favorite technology, toys, and entertainment to the next generation.
childlike wonder
While some may never shake off the image of Millennials as young people who freely munch on avocados on toast, time has passed and this generation is now mostly in their 30s and 40s. They are starting or already have a young family. And just like their parents before them, Millennials want to introduce their children to the things they loved as kids.
But to young people, retro equipment can seem tacky, inaccessible, unintuitive, and downright ugly. Here comes a new element of New Stargy.
I already mentioned Tamagotchi Uni. Bandai explained that the color screen and motion sensor make the toy more in line with the technological expectations of today's youth, both from an aesthetic and functional standpoint.
Next up is Yu-Gi-Oh's Speed Duel format. A Konami representative said the format references classic anime and has been adapted with vintage yet modern elements, such as skill cards that quicken the pace of the game to aid short attention spans. explained.
“Speed Duel is designed to be approachable not only to beginners, but also to players who have quit the game, i.e. those who last picked up the deck back when Yugi and Jaden were the main characters of the anime.” He added, “We've heard from many parents that this is how they introduced their children to Yu-Gi-Oh! and that they enjoyed sharing their childhood with them through Speed Duels.”
Alternatively, there are options like the Lego Retro Camera. If this toy is damaged, repair is as easy as clicking a brick back together. Much easier than repairing an actual antique if it breaks.
Parents and children may have different reasons for loving nostalgic experiences, but it's something the whole family can enjoy together, rather than one person having to put up with the other's desires, as is often the case with family activities. is.
don't be a sucker
Our nostalgia and desire to share happy experiences with our children is a powerful marketing tool that can be manipulated.
Sometimes we get carried away with nostalgic experiences that we will never forget. For example, watching your child win a card game tournament you once competed in (a true story told to me by a Knoami representative), building a brick sculpture together, or learning how to play a traditional card game. Enjoying vinyl and inspiring the next generation's passion for music.
It can also leave you feeling empty and stupid as the novelty of the toy wears off and it burns a hole in your wallet, leaving you with items you don't care about.
Given its continued popularity, Nustalgia isn't going anywhere. It's so much fun to relive your childhood through it. But the next time you're tempted by a gadget that tugs at your heartstrings and transports you back to the good old days, don't forget to stop.
Understand all the tricks Nustalgia is playing and use your head (not your heart) to decide if you're still willing to buy. Record players are fun, but sometimes what you really need is a not-so-chic wireless speaker.
