Sony has brought back the iconic Walkman aesthetic with its new MDR-3R headphones, priced at £49. The over-ear design takes styling cues from the original wired headphones that came with the 1979 Walkman TPS-L2, featuring a slimline look, a comfortable fit, and the recognisable blue and orange colour scheme.
Modern Features Meet Retro Design
While the look is nostalgic, the MDR-3R includes modern updates such as USB-C connectivity, making them easy to plug into smartphones, including the latest iPhones, as well as laptops and tablets. Sony has also re-engineered the headphones with the same 23 mm driver units as the original MDR-3 to reproduce sound quality that closely matches the 1979 product.
Subtle refinements have been made to suit modern listening preferences, and the headphones feature a microphone for calls and an in-line remote for convenient operation.
Company Statement on the Release
"Sony today announces the MDR-3R, USB-C-compatible wired headphones that build on the MDR-3 philosophy introduced alongside the original Walkman® TPS-L23 and updated for today's listeners," the Japanese firm said.
"Introduced in 1979, the Walkman and MDR-3 helped create a new way of enjoying music freely on the go. Nearly half a century later, as listening styles have become more diverse, the value of wired headphones is being rediscovered for their simplicity, ease of use, and freedom from charging or pairing."
Stranger Things Edition Available
Alongside the standard headphones, an MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition is also launching, celebrating the spirit of the 1980s. Inspired by Max's signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, this special edition features exclusive design details, including an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.
The MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition will be available from this month and costs £59.
