Summary
Remember cassette players? Well, they’re kinda sorta making a bit of a comeback…maybe. Maxell, who is better known for making cassettetapes, just dropped a new portable player that’s got all the retro vibes you remember—and it was apparently very popular.
The newest portable cassette player on the block is the Maxell MXCP-P100, a Walkman-style device that attempts to bring back the glory days of physical media while stepping firmly into 2025. It’s got Bluetooth v5.4, so you can ditch the wires and connect your favorite wireless headphones. Of course, if you’re a purist, you’ll be pleased to know there’s still a classic 3.5mm headphone jack for your wired listening pleasure.
Portability is a big part of the package, and it’s lightweight at 210g. The player is also compact enough to slip into a bag or clip onto your belt, measuring just 122 x 91 x 38mm. Plus, you don’t have to worry about changing out multiple batteries thanks to USB-C charging. You can enjoy about nine hours of playback with wired headphones, or still get seven hours if you’re taking advantage of Bluetooth.
If you’re familiar with modern cassette players, you know there’s essentially one mechanism being produced that manufacturers use. One of the few improvements that can be made is in the flywheel. Maxell has included a brass flywheel, which they say “reduces rotational irregularities and provides high-quality sound.” This addresses a common failure point with cassette players, and it’s the best you can hope for with modern components.
At launch, this blend of nostalgia and modern technology was priced at around $90 (¥13,000) in Japan, and it flew off the shelves, selling out almost instantly. Of course, we have to mention the caveat that always comes with this type of story. There’s no way of knowing exactly how many players Maxell sold. It’s likely not a huge number, but there’s clearly some interest. While Maxell might be more known to us in the US for its blank tapes, this move into hardware could be interesting to watch.
