GoKawiilSony relaunches 1979 Walkman headphones as MDR-3R with USB-C
Sony has revived its original MDR-3L2 on-ear headphones from 1979 as the MDR-3R, keeping the retro design but replacing the 3.5mm plug with USB-C and adding an inline remote and microphone. The new model weighs 38g, uses the same 23mm drivers as the original, and ships with a shorter 1.2-meter cable along with recreated packaging, manual and removable orange and blue foam earpads.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The relaunch taps into growing interest in wired headphones among younger listeners, suggesting Sony sees nostalgia as a selling point even as true wireless earbuds dominate the market. By updating the connector to USB-C while preserving the original acoustic design, Sony appears to be betting that retro aesthetics paired with modern convenience can justify a premium price over typical on-ear headphones.
- Sony's MDR-3R revives the 1979 MDR-3L2 design with USB-C connectivity and inline remote/mic.
- The headphones weigh 38g and use unchanged 23mm drivers for similar original sound.
- Packaging, manual and classic orange/blue earpads are recreated, priced at a premium over comparable models.
Sony MDR-3R USB-C Headphones — This is literally the product the article is about: Sony's retro-styled revival of the iconic 1979 Walkman headphones, now updated with USB-C connectivity and an inline mic. It's a perfect pick for anyone nostalgic for the original Walkman look but who wants modern plug-and-play compatibility with today's phones.
See Sony MDR-3R USB-C Headphones on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techspot.com — Daniel Sims, 2026-11-05
Published there as: “Sony resurrects the 1979 Walkman headphones, now with USB-C”
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