It’s 2026, but all over the internet, people are reliving 2016—posting throwback photos, memes, and “remember this?” videos. Is it nostalgia for youth? A reaction to how fast tech has changed? Or just the internet romanticizing the past? Whatever the reason, 2016 was a pivotal year for consumer tech. It was the moment many futuristic gadgets first went mainstream—some defined the next decade, while others quietly disappeared. That’s why I’m taking a close look at 2016 gadgets.
Related: Best smart home gadgets of 2016
Ever wonder what happened to the most talked-about gadgets of 2016? And, most importantly, which are still available today? Let’s rewind and see which devices have stood the test of time—and which ones have faded into tech history.
Virtual Reality and Gaming Tech of 2016
Oculus Rift & Touch Controllers (2016) — The VR System That Started It All
When Oculus Rift launched alongside its Touch controllers, it felt like virtual reality was finally ready for mainstream consumers. Owned by Facebook and hyped as the future of gaming, Rift promised immersive, room-scale experiences that went far beyond phone-based VR. For many people, this was their first real taste of what “presence” in a virtual world could feel like.
While Oculus helped popularize consumer VR, the original Rift didn’t age gracefully. Hardware limitations, complex setup, and increasing competition eventually pushed Meta to pivot away from PC-tethered headsets toward standalone devices like the Quest lineup. The Rift name itself was quietly retired.
Can you still buy it in 2026?
No. The Oculus Rift has been discontinued. Its spiritual successor lives on in Meta’s Quest headsets, which deliver similar immersion without the cables or complicated setup.
Nintendo Switch (2017): The Console That Outlived a Generation
By the end of 2016, Nintendo was openly signaling a shift away from traditional home consoles. Then known by its codename “NX,” the idea of a hybrid system—one that could move seamlessly between the TV and handheld play—felt like a calculated gamble. After the Wii U’s uneven reception, expectations were cautious, but curiosity was high.
When the Nintendo Switch officially launched in early 2017, it quickly proved that the hybrid concept was serious. Strong first-party titles, a growing indie library, and Nintendo’s renewed focus on portability helped the Switch become one of the company’s best-selling consoles ever. Rather than gaming power, Nintendo doubled down on flexibility and fun.
Can you still buy it in 2026?
Yes. While multiple revisions and a second-generation device have entered the lineup, the original Nintendo Switch—and its evolved variants—remain widely available. Its enormous game library continues to grow.
Drones & Creator Gear
GoPro Hero 5 Black (2016): The Action Camera That Still Holds Up
By 2016, GoPro had defined the action camera market, but the Hero 5 Black was a real leap forward. It introduced a fully waterproof design without a case, 4K video, voice control, and GPS tracking; all in a compact, rugged body. Adventure enthusiasts finally had a camera that could handle almost anything without extra accessories.
The Hero 5 set the standard for subsequent GoPro models. Its combination of durability, ease of use, and connectivity features made it a favorite among casual users and professional content creators. While newer models have added more advanced features over the years, the Hero5 remains surprisingly capable.
Can you still buy it in 2026?
Officially discontinued, but the Hero5 Black remains widely available through second-hand marketplaces, refurbished units, and clearance sales. It’s still a solid entry point for anyone new to action cameras.
DJI Mavic Pro (2016): The Drone That Changed Travel Photography Forever
The DJI Mavic Pro arrived in 2016 with a promise: pro-level drone photography in a truly portable package. Unlike larger quadcopters, the Mavic Pro could fold down small enough to fit in a backpack, making it ideal for travel photographers and hobbyists. Its obstacle sensors and intelligent flight modes made aerial photography more approachable than ever.
The Mavic Pro’s compact design and ease-of-use helped it dominate the consumer drone market. DJI iterated on the concept with several successors, but the original Mavic Pro proved that portability didn’t require compromising performance. It set a template that nearly all consumer drones still follow today.
Can you still buy it in 2026?
Yes — refurbished or second-hand units are common, and the design influenced almost every consumer drone that followed. Its footprint is everywhere, even if DJI’s newest models have more advanced features.
Wearables & Personal 2016 Tech
Apple AirPods (2016) — The Wireless Earbuds That Defined a Generation
Apple’s first AirPods launched to mixed reactions: an expensive (for the time) wireless earbud that relied entirely on Bluetooth connectivity and Apple’s W1 chip for pairing. They were futuristic, convenient, and instantly recognizable—though skeptics questioned whether they would stay in ears or survive daily use.
The AirPods quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Their ease of use, reliable connection, and integration with iOS made them an instant status symbol. Apple has iterated on the design multiple times since, but the first-generation AirPods proved wireless earbuds could be mainstream.
Can you still buy them in 2026?
Original units are no longer sold new, but refurbished models and subsequent generations make it easy for anyone to experience the AirPods ecosystem. They remain one of the most influential tech accessories of the past decade.
Garmin Forerunner 235 (2016): Still a Runner Favorite in 2026
The Garmin Forerunner 235 hit the market as a GPS running watch with wrist-based heart rate monitoring, long battery life, and a lightweight design. For serious and casual runners alike, it combined performance metrics with wearable comfort, which was rare balance at the time. It quickly became the go-to watch for people who wanted actionable fitness data without fussing with chest straps.
Over the years, Garmin refined its lineup with smarter watches, better sensors, and more app integration. Yet the Forerunner 235 maintained a loyal following for its simplicity, reliability, and focus on core running features. Even today, it’s often recommended as a first serious running watch.
Can you still buy it in 2026?
Officially discontinued, but refurbished and second-hand units remain popular. Many runners still swear by it, proving that sometimes a solid, no-frills device wins over flashy upgrades.
Smart Home & We Didn’t Know We Needed This
Amazon Echo Dot (2016): The Smart Speaker That Took Over Homes
The Echo Dot was Amazon’s compact, affordable entry into the smart speaker market. Powered by Alexa, it brought voice control into the home for the first time at a low barrier to entry. Users could play music, set timers, control smart devices, or ask questions—all hands-free. Suddenly, “Hey Alexa” became a part of everyday life.
The Echo Dot helped solidify Amazon’s smart home ecosystem and spurred competition from Google, Apple, and others. Over time, smaller and more affordable versions rolled out, while the ecosystem expanded to include lights, thermostats, security cameras, and more. The Dot became the standard for entry-level smart speakers.
Can you still buy it in 2026?
Yes. Multiple generations of the Echo Dot are available, though the original has been discontinued.
Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator (2016): A Smarter Fridge That’s Still Available
The Samsung Family Hub was unlike any fridge before it: a four-door refrigerator featuring a giant touchscreen on one door, voice control, and apps to help organize groceries, manage calendars, and stream entertainment. It aimed to make the kitchen a hub of connectivity rather than just a place to store food.
The Family Hub became the poster child for smart appliances. Updates added better app integration, camera feeds to check your fridge from anywhere, and improved touch interfaces. While expensive, it proved that even traditionally boring appliances could be smart and fun.
Can you still buy it in 2026?
Yes. Samsung has continued the Family Hub line, making it one of the few smart appliances from 2016 that remains both relevant and available.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (2016): The Gadget That Never Left Our Kitchen
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 exploded onto the scene as a multi-functional pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer all in one. It offered home cooks an unprecedented level of convenience and versatility, quickly turning into a must-have kitchen gadget.
The Instant Pot became incredibly popular, inspiring cookbooks, YouTube tutorials, and social media communities. It transformed how people approached home cooking by making multi-step meals faster and easier. Its popularity only grew over the years, solidifying its place in kitchens worldwide.
Can you still buy it in 2026?
Yes. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is widely available, and its successors continue to expand its functionality, proving that a well-designed kitchen gadget can truly stand the test of time.
Why 2016 Gadgets Still Matter
2016 gave us gadgets that shaped the tech we still use today. From the first Nintendo Switch to AirPods that changed how we listen, some devices stuck around, while others paved the way for the next big thing. The 2016 trend shows how quickly tech evolves—and which ideas have lasted.