Sony launches new Walkman 40 years after original release but it costs an eye-watering amount

The 90s nostalgia train has arrived at its new destination, with Sony now launching a Walkman for modern times more than 40 years after its original release.

However, unlike the Walkmans of yesteryear, its latest model will set you back a fair bit of cash.

Sony's new NW-A306 is rolling out in Europe this month, but it looks a little different to the cassette tape and CD Walkmans of the past.

First up, there'll definitely be no skips.

Remember the pain of having to hold your CD player steady with expert precision if you wanted to listen to music on a long car journey?

Well, the new model eradicates the issue as it's fully digital.

Sony

The NW-A306 is WiFi and Bluetooth compatible, allowing you to download and stream music from apps like YouTube and Spotify.

What's more, it has an exceptional battery life of up to 36 hours, meaning you can save your phone's energy for other uses throughout the day.

But keeping the nostalgia trend in mind, users can relive their youths by downloading a cassette tape interface and screensaver. Pretty nifty, eh?

Though, the downside for some will most likely be the price. The new Walkman model has a suggested retail cost of £350 ($430), which is a fair chunk of money when you consider the fact that your phone will likely already act as a music player.

But it could be worse, and might just be worth the price tag for many music lovers out there.

In a press release on the product launch, Sony said: "The player is designed for listeners to hear music the way the artist intended with high-quality sound and a sleek design.

"The NW-A306 is designed for discerning users looking for high quality sound and style.

"This stylish and compact music player lets users download and stream more of the music they love.

"The NW-A306 series is dedicated to delivering exceptional music experiences right from the user’s pocket thanks to full Wi-Fi compatibility."

It added that the Walkman weighs just 113 grams and comes with a 3'6" touch screen and tactile physical music controls.

The new model arrives 44 years after Sony's launch of the first ever Walkman – the portable cassette player, TPS-L2 – which dropped in Japan on July 1, 1979.

Aflo Co. Ltd./Alamy Stock Photo

Its arrival marked a new era for music. Prior to this, the only way to listen to tunes was through a stereo or audio system fitted in properties or vehicles.

Sony co-founders, the late Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita, created the concept of a portable stereo as a means of enjoying personal music entertainment on the go.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

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