Your old digi cam could be worth $500: The retro gadgets making Kiwis extra cash

Kiwis might be sitting on surprisingly nostalgic little money makers - and they’re probably sitting in a box somewhere at home.

New data from Trade Me shows retro tech and old-school collectibles are having a major moment again, with 90s and early 2000s items going for hundreds of dollars.

Searches for Nintendo 3DS were up a whopping 711% year-on-year. And it’s not just for a look down memory lane - they’re actually selling for around $149 on average.

Old digital cameras are also gaining hype, especially early Sony models, which are going for more than you would expect.

Cassette tapes are back too, with searches up 679% year-on-year and selling for around $50 - mostly classic rock and pop from the ‘70s and ‘80s.

The top average prices of nostalgic items on Trade Me

• Nintendo 3DS -  $149 (searches up +711%)

• Manga - $62 (135%)

• Lego Ninjago - $56 (93%)

• Cassette tape - $49 (679%)

• Pokémon - $49 (54%)

• Monster High doll - $43 (63%)

Another surprising trend that could earn you some big bucks is the comeback of digital cameras.

The top average prices for digital cameras (by brand):

• Sony - $501

• Fujifilm - $383

• Nikon - $362

• Canon - $336

• Olympus - $176

Trade Me Marketplace spokesperson Lisa Stewart says, “Models that were mainstream 15-20 years ago are now seen as specialty items.”

“Fashion and culture are cyclical, and the massive Y2K trend has made early 2000s technology cool again for a whole new generation,” she adds.

“You have younger Kiwis wanting to own a piece of that retro cool they see on screen, while at the same time, the generation who grew up with these items are feeling nostalgic and want to reconnect with their youth.”

And with the cost-of-living struggle continuing, Stewart says more people are trying to cash in on what’s already been sitting at home.

“With the cost of living putting pressure on Kiwi households, every little bit helps. We’re seeing a significant trend of people looking for alternative ways to make some extra cash, and their old stuff is proving to be a goldmine.”

So, it might be time to dig out some of those old boxes and see what treasures could earn you some extra cash in your pocket!