Sony revives its 1979 Walkman-era MDR-3R wired headphones with USB-C and a Stranger Things edition

Summary

Sony has refreshed its MDR-3R wired on-ear headphones, a design dating back to 1979 and the Walkman era. According to Digital Trends, the revived model costs $60 and adds USB-C connectivity, retro blue and orange earpads, and a special Stranger Things edition inspired by the character Max. Popular Science describes the design as hand-drawn from 1979 and says the special edition marks the 10th anniversary of Stranger Things. Engadget reports only that Sony has refreshed the design.

Timeline

1. Digital Trends

   5 Nov 2026, 16:00 UTCSource ↗

   Digital Trends reports that Sony is bringing back its 1979 Walkman-era headphones at $60 with USB-C connectivity, retro blue and orange earpads, and a special Stranger Things edition inspired by Max.

2. Engadget

   5 Nov 2026, 16:00 UTCSource ↗

   Engadget reports that Sony has refreshed a headphone design that dates back to 1979, in its MDR-3R wired headphones.

3. Popular Science

   5 Nov 2026, 16:00 UTCSource ↗

   Popular Science reports that Sony's MDR-3R wired headphones return to a hand-drawn 1979 design, add USB-C, and come in a special edition celebrating the 10th anniversary of Stranger Things.