Sony Expands Walkman Range With New Players and $60 Retro Headphones

Sony's latest Walkman expansion reaches back to the headphones that accompanied the original player in 1979. The new MDR-3R takes its look from that pair, according to The Next Web.

The revival is not limited to headphones. On November 4, TechRadar reported that two new Sony digital audio players had gone on sale. Both were expensive, but its coverage suggested the teased headphones were attracting more excitement.

The November 4 player announcement put new Walkman hardware on sale while leaving the headphone reveal to follow, according to TechRadar. The supplied coverage does not give the players' names or prices.

On November 5, Sony's headphone plans became clearer. 9to5Google reported that the revived Walkman headphones would cost $60 and use a USB-C connection.

The MDR-3R keeps the old design largely intact, even down to its packaging, TechRadar reported. The main changes are practical: USB-C replaces the 3.5mm plug, and an in-line remote adds controls. The Next Web also reported a microphone.

Sony added a pop-culture tie-in alongside the standard version. Digital Trends described a Stranger Things edition inspired by Max, while The Next Web put its price at $80 and reported that it is sold with Netflix.

The expansion now spans two expensive digital audio players and a substantially cheaper headphone release. Sony described the headphones as a nod to both the Walkman era and the current retro-tech revival, according to Bloomberg Technology.

The headphones borrow the old appearance without requiring an old player. In a hands-on account, The Verge described listening through a phone rather than a Walkman, while finding the experience strongly reminiscent of childhood.

The supplied reports establish the headphone prices and key design changes, but do not provide a full regional release schedule or detailed specifications for the two players.