RepliTronics reimagines iconic 1980s change machines and tape decks as chargers and power banks

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New Wave Toys has form in Honey, I Shrunk The Technology territory, yet until now has squarely focused on arcade cabinets. But with RepliTronics (from $35), the company wants to give a refresh to iconic kit that doesn’t have you blow up aliens or punch someone in the face. A change machine becomes the ‘Charge Machine’, a 1:6 scale replica fashioned from wood, metal and plastic. Its five USB 2.0 ports and single USB 3.0 quick-charge port are ideal for powering RepliCades – or boring modern kit like smartphones (which should probably be dressed in a Game Boy cover to properly fit in). Elsewhere, the Hotline 16000 power bank mimics a vintage personal tape player in 1:1 scale. It has USB-C, USB-A, wireless charging, and real tactile buttons. It won’t, though, play that battered cassette of the soundtrack to Fame you’ve been desperate to give another airing to since 1982.

About

I’m a regular contributor to Stuff magazine and Stuff.tv, covering apps, games, Apple kit, Android, Lego, retro gaming and other interesting oddities. I also pen opinion pieces when the editor lets me, getting all serious about accessibility and predicting when sentient AI smart cookware will take over the world, in a terrifying mix of Bake Off and Terminator.

Areas of expertise

Mobile apps and games, Macs, iOS and tvOS devices, Android, retro games, crowdfunding, design, how to fight off an enraged smart saucepan with a massive stick.