Sony Brings Back Its 1979 Walkman Headphones as the $60 MDR-3R With USB-C

Back in 1979, Sony launched the original Walkman TPS-L2 cassette player alongside the MDR-3 headphones, and together they helped popularize listening to music on the go. Today, the company is bringing those headphones back for the modern era with the MDR-3R, which keep the classic look but add USB-C.

The MDR-3R faithfully recreate the original design, including the lightweight open-ear build and the iconic blue and orange ear pads, which you can swap around to match your mood. Even the packaging and the instruction manual are inspired by the MDR-3's.

Same drivers, modern plug

Under the hood, the headphones use the same 23mm driver units as the original, and Sony says the tuning stays close to the MDR-3's sound signature, with some subtle refinements for modern listening preferences. The set weighs just 38 grams, and the cable is 1.2 metres long.

There are some other modern additions too, namely a built-in microphone for calls and an in-line remote. No charging, pairing, or updates are needed — you just plug them into a compatible device and that's it.

A Stranger Things edition too

Alongside the regular model, Sony is also launching the MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition, inspired by Max's headphones in the Netflix series. These have an engraved Stranger Things logo, red and black ear pads, and custom packaging.

The MDR-3R are available now for $59.99 from Sony, Amazon, and other retailers in the US. The Stranger Things Edition costs $79.99 and is available for pre-order. One quirk worth knowing: Sony says use with a Walkman is not recommended, since the USB-C port on its Walkman players is for power and data transfer, not audio output.

Sources

• GSMArena — Sony brings back the original Walkman headphones with USB-C
• PR Newswire — Sony Electronics Introduces MDR-3R USB-C Wired Headphones