Sony revives the original Walkman headphones, adds USB-C

For better or worse, the new headphones also use “the same 23 mm driver units as the MDR-3 to reproduce sound quality close to the original,” per Sony. Audiophiles will prefer something more advanced, perhaps with additional acoustic features. A review of the new headphones from Gizmodo says that the MDR-3R headphones “hold their own,” have “bright and clear” mids and highs, and good stereo separation. However, we don’t expect strong bass.

Unlike their predecessor, the MDR-3R has an in-line remote control and an integrated microphone. Without noise-canceling, though, the microphone isn’t ideal for calls in noisy environments.

But nostalgic gear isn’t about having top-of-the-line capabilities; it’s about showing off your love of old-school tech while enjoying familiar technologies that have reliably served their functions for years.

The MDR-3R may also capitalize on surging renewed interest in wired headphones and even physical media and Walkmans. Today’s Walkmans aren’t cassette players, of course, but are Android-powered, touchscreen media players.