Sony Unveils Modern Headphones in the Style of the First Walkman

Sony has introduced the MDR-3R, an updated version of the MDR-3L2 headphones, which were included with the first Walkman cassette player, the TPS-L2, released in 1979. The appearance of the new model closely resembles the original, but the technical features have been adapted for modern devices. Instead of the analog 3.5 mm jack, a USB-C connection is used, and a 1.2-meter cable includes a control block with a microphone. This allows users to switch playback and answer calls. Sony positions the MDR-3R as the lightest on-ear headphones in its current lineup: they weigh 38 grams without the cable. The design features 23-millimeter drivers, similar to those used in the MDR-3L2. The package includes replaceable foam ear pads in blue and orange, as well as packaging and instructions styled after the original model.

The return to a wired design comes amid a growing interest in such headphones, including among teenagers. The MDR-3R occupies an intermediate position between compact in-ear models and large over-ear devices. They require support for USB Audio Class 1.0—a standard for transmitting digital audio via USB that does not require the installation of additional drivers. However, Sony does not recommend connecting the new model to modern Walkman players. The Walkman brand itself debuted with the TPS-L2 model, which went on sale in Japan for 33,000 yen. At that time, this amount was roughly equivalent to 150 dollars, and with inflation, it would exceed 600 dollars today. The player made listening to cassette music on the go accessible and helped change listening habits: before its arrival, portable players were bulky, and radios did not play cassettes.

In the following decades, Walkman remained one of the most recognizable brands in portable audio technology until the market began shifting to digital players. The popularity of MP3 players, particularly Apple's iPod, changed the perception of mobile music listening. Sony continues to release devices under the Walkman brand, although modern models run on Android and are more akin to digital audio players in terms of functionality. Another noticeable change occurred in the headphone segment: wired models gave way to Bluetooth devices, but in 2025, interest in them began to rise again alongside sales of CDs and vinyl records. Bose referenced this trend when introducing new wired in-ear headphones with noise cancellation. The MDR-3R continues the retro trend, combining late 1970s design with digital connectivity.