The 2000s provided a plethora of new technology that made people's lives easier, from personal care to gaming. Still, as time goes on, more and more gadgets of the 2000s have been left behind to make room for new devices even though the old devices are still perfectly functional. In modern times old is considered inadequate or useless when this isn't the case.
Many devices have incredible staying power but are seen as useless since a new model replaces the current installment. This is especially prevalent in gaming as so many new consoles come out per decade, leaving old consoles to collect dust even when the games are still outstanding. Many 2000s devices could be utilized now but have been left to gather dust to have what is new.
Nintendo Wii
Wii gave gamers some of the best sports games on Nintendo systems and was a revolution in motion technology when it came out in 2006. The console went without a competitor for a long time, but with VR and Nintendo Switch taking over the motion gaming market, the Wii has fallen out of fashion.
However, the system still holds up as the games are still entertaining and launched several of Nintendo's most popular franchises in recent history. The system is easy to set up and connects to the internet, making it less obsolete than most consumers realize, as well as a great way to get into gaming for those who don't want to be stationary when playing.
PlayStation Portables (PSP)
The first PSP changed handheld gaming as it allowed more than just games to be taken on the go without having to have more than one device, for example in 2004, if someone wanted to watch a movie, play a game, and listen to music, they had to carry three devices. Still, the PSP combined those abilities into one.
While the Switch has taken over on-the-go gaming, the system doesn't offer a movie or music option among its apps, making the PSP more beneficial than and convenient. Even though smartphones fill in the Switch gaps, the PSP has a larger screen for movie watching, giving viewers a more enjoyable experience.
Kindle
Amazon's first generation of Kindle made reading cool again as it took new technology and combined it with a centuries-old hobby making it more convenient for those who travel or commute but love to read. While the more recent generations of the Kindle still have e-reader capabilities, they function more like tablets than a space-age book, making them less targeted at readers and more for those who need a simple tablet.
The original Kindle is perfect for people who want to completely unplug from their online lives for a while and fall into a new world without cluttering up their space with books that they may only read once and then have to store.
Heelys
Heelys were every teacher and mall security guard's worst nightmare as kids could pop out the wheels on their shoes and zip around hallways without a care in the world, which was part of the reason the shoes went out of style since few places allowed the wheels to be uses making them as useful as a regular shoe.
But Heelys still have a purpose in 2022. With more people taking up outdoor activities as hobbies since the beginning of Covid lock-downs, Heelys are a great alternative to traditional roller skates as they are lighter weight and still function like regular sneakers making them multipurpose and more easily stored.
Dream Life
If 2000s nostalgia-inducing Instagram accounts aren't enough for those who lived through the 2000s, there is the Dream Life plug-and-play game that had kids and teens of the 2000s running home after school to live their best lives. Dream Life was a simpler version of The Sims that required only television with auxiliary audio and visual plug-ins and double A batteries for the unique remote.
Now with games like Animal Crossing being popular again, plug-and-play games like Dream Life should make a comeback as they are low-stress but have some challenges that keep the game interesting. Dream Life is excellent for anyone who loves fashion and all things the 2000s, like spending a day at the mall with friends.
Hairagami
Hairagami was the essential hair tool of the 2000s. With its easy application and versatility, people flocked to pick up the simple tool. Hairagami didn't fall out of fashion because it became useless but because hair trends of the 2000s moved on to different styles and new hair tools that took attention away from the snappy device that made buns easy.
The device still holds up today as it has no tech to update and doesn't require any heat, making it safe even if it has been collecting dust in a drawer for over a decade or two.
Nintendo DS
Out of every Nintendo video game console released, the Nintendo DS may have changed handheld gaming the most with its touch and dual screen setup, plus the games being small chips rather than clunky cartridges. Even with the innovations in handheld gaming, the DS still holds up as it allows one to play nostalgic games from the GameBoy era.
The DS games make it perfect for collectors who like to play all their games without multiple consoles. The system is user-friendly, so anyone can play it regardless of age or skill level, unlike some newer consoles that require a high skill level to enjoy.
Home Robots
Robots were a big deal in the 2000s as people of the past expected the 2000s to be the decade of fully automated homes with Robo butlers and smart appliances, and while the 2020s is closer to that vision, that didn't stop 2000s toy makers from trying to achieve that goal.
Toys like the Robosapien were supposed to act as butlers but were more so an introduction to STEM for many kids of the time, which makes it the perfect toy for kids now, as robots are cool no matter the decade. If the robot butler isn't for today's generation, the robot dinosaurs of the 2000s combine toys and smart devices, making them fun and slightly educational.
iDog
When kids weren't watching the best cartoons of the 2000s, they were listening to music, and there was no better way to get a dance party started than with an iDog. The iDog was entirely reactive to music and danced along with listeners, which made it more fun than any Bluetooth speakers on the market now, as the only reactivity modern speakers provide is color-changing lights.
Even with louder speaker options, the iDog still provides a good listening experience and adds fun to any music-listening session, and with multiple sizes, there is an iDog for everyone.
iPod
Regardless of the model, the iPod still holds up as one of the best music-listening devices that came out in the 2000s that could still be used today. When it comes to social listening, there is nothing worse than a song being interrupted by a text or app notification cutting into the song; with the iPod, that isn't a problem.
The iPod only went out of style because smartphones included the music app; without that integration, the iPod would still be used today to listen to music anytime, anywhere. The iPod provided a variety of sizes, so everyone could find their perfect gadget, making it functional for all lifestyles.