Sony Debuts $60 Wired Headphones With ’80s-Inspired Design
Sony has released the MDR-3R, a $60 wired headphone that replicates the lightweight, open-air design of the original 1979 Walkman headphones but replaces the 3.5 mm plug with a USB-C connector. The model retains the thin headband, blue-and-silver colorway, and on-ear foam pads of the MDR-3L2 that shipped with the TPS-L2 Walkman, while adding an inline remote with volume control and a microphone. Reviews note the sound signature is bright and airy with limited bass, consistent with the vintage reference. The headphones are available now through Sony's online store and select retailers.
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- ✓ Sony released the MDR-3R wired headphones priced at $60.
- ✓ The MDR-3R replicates the design of the original 1979 Walkman MDR-3L2 headphones.
- ✓ The headphones use a USB-C connector instead of a 3.5 mm analog plug.
- ✓ An inline remote with volume controls and a microphone is included.
What changed
Sony officially announced and began selling the MDR-3R USB-C wired headphones, reviving the original Walkman headphone design with a modern digital connector.
Live updates
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Sony Launches $60 MDR-3R USB-C Headphones With 1980s Walkman Design
Sony has released the MDR-3R, a $60 wired headphone that replicates the lightweight, open-air design of the original 1979 Walkman headphones but replaces the 3.5 mm plug with a USB-C connector. The model retains the thin headband, blue-and-silver colorway, and on-ear foam pads of the MDR-3L2 that shipped with the TPS-L2 Walkman, while adding an inline remote with volume control and a microphone. Reviews note the sound signature is bright and airy with limited bass, consistent with the vintage reference. The headphones are available now through Sony's online store and select retailers.
Why it matters
The MDR-3R taps into renewed consumer interest in wired audio and retro aesthetics, positioning Sony against budget icons like the Koss Porta Pro. By using USB-C, the company addresses the disappearance of headphone jacks on modern phones and laptops without requiring a dongle. The release also coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Walkman brand, reinforcing Sony's heritage narrative in portable audio.
What is confirmed
- Sony released the MDR-3R wired headphones priced at $60.
- The MDR-3R replicates the design of the original 1979 Walkman MDR-3L2 headphones.
- The headphones use a USB-C connector instead of a 3.5 mm analog plug.
- An inline remote with volume controls and a microphone is included.
- The MDR-3R is currently available for purchase from Sony and select retailers.
Still unconfirmed
- Sound quality is described as bright and airy with limited bass response.
What to watch next
- Professional audio measurements and frequency-response charts for the MDR-3R
- Comparison reviews against Koss Porta Pro and other sub-$100 wired models
- Sales data or Sony commentary on whether the retro line will expand
confidence 92%Sources used for this update (19)
- finance.yahoo.com — Yahoo Finance - Stock Market Live, Quotes, Business & Finance News
- www.playstation.com — PlayStation® Official Site: Consoles, Games, Accessories & More
- www.sony.co.jp — Sony Corporation - Home
- www.playstation.com — Your account for PlayStation
- www.sony.co.jp — Sony Corporation - Products & Service
- en.wikipedia.org — Sony - Wikipedia
- Bloomberg.com — Sony Debuts $60 Wired Headphones With ’80s-Inspired Design
- Ars Technica — Sony revives the original Walkman headphones, adds USB-C
- TechPowerUp — Sony Electronics Introduces MDR-3R USB-C Wired Headphones
- Mashable — Hands-on: Sony MDR-3R headphones modernize an '80s classic
- Wallpaper* — Sony’s new MDR-3R wired headphones hark back to the glory days of the Walkman
- DJ Mag — Sony launches MDR-3R retro wired headphones inspired by original Walkman-era design
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