The thrill of opening the newest gadget goodies has always accompanied the holidays and some tech gifts we received left a special place in our hearts.
Let's take a look back at some the most popular Christmas tech gifts in the past that generated happiness and ignited frenzies.
Atari VCS
At the height of disco and bell-bottoms, the Atari VCS revolutionized home entertainment. Its interchangeable cartridges gave it a wider gaming library, creating a fad among kids and adults. The console's unusual technology and addicting games like Space Invaders made it a popular Christmas present and transformed home entertainment forever.
Standing at the top of an ancient Ziggurat, your journey into danger and death starts now. Play it retro or modern, your choice!@MontezumaGame #montezumasrevenge #retrogaming #AtariVCS pic.twitter.com/bMdscTAhrB
— Atari VCS (@TheAtari_VCS) October 27, 2023
Talk Boy
The Talk Boy tape recorder became a popular kids' gadget thanks to Home Alone 2, one of the best Christmas movies ever. This innovative toy allowed children not only to record audio but also to play tricks and create characters with altered speeds.
Teddy Ruxpin
It was not just an ordinary teddy bear; it was a technological marvel with animatronic features and cassette player integration that enchanted children and turned Teddy Ruxpin into an '80s Christmas sensation.
Nintendo Game Boy
Nintendo's boxy gray Game Boy marked a revolution in handheld gaming in the late 1980s, with addictive titles like Tetris. This compact device became a must-have Christmas gift, transcending age barriers. Its success continued for many years.
Furby
Furbies, with their ability to 'learn' and interact, became more than just toys; they became companions. However, Furbies' popularity raised worries about their ability to collect and transmit sensitive data. The idea that these harmless toys may be used as eavesdropping devices was the source of this serious concern.
Teksta the Robotic Puppy
Teksta epitomized the turn of the millennium. Explore how its advanced functionalities and lifelike actions, including responding to voice commands, made it a global sensation.
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii brought motion control technology and active gaming to living rooms worldwide. This iconic video game console became a Christmas must-have, fostering family togetherness during the festive season.
Original iPhone
The 2007 iPhone debut revolutionized technology. This slim touch-screen phone, iPod, and browser became a Christmas blockbuster and status symbol. When it was released shortly before the holidays, people built tents in lines outside Apple shops to get it the next day.
Tamagotchi
Many '90s kids were once scolded for tending to their Tamagotchi in class. Within six months of the virtual pet's release, Bandai sold 5 million Tamagotchi in Japan, leading to rapid sellouts, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Consumers camped outside toy shops and paid hefty resale prices. The original Tamagotchi was reissued in 2017 for its 20th US anniversary.
Commodore 64
According to Time, this 1982 8-bit masterpiece stands as history's best-selling computer. Its chunky, affordable design, complete with a keyboard and RF box connection to the TV, pioneered the personal home computer concept.
These gadgets have reflected innovations in their respective period. While most of them have become obsolete, but those joyful memories associated with them as Christmas gifts last for a lifetime.
