Something old is looking new again, gadgets you can actually see into. Across consumer electronics, brands both established and emerging are ditching the sealed, opaque slab aesthetic of the last decade for clear and semi-transparent shells reminiscent of the 1980s and '90s.

There's a philosophical dimension to the look, too. Where modern smartphones hide their inner workings behind smooth, featureless casings, see-through electronics put the circuitry, batteries, and moving parts on full display.

Here are eight standout products bringing that clear-tech sensibility into the present.

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1. Analogue 3D prototype limited edition

Modern console to play original Nintendo 64 cartridges, updated with 4K output. The limited-run translucent shells come in colorways like Ghost, Glacier, Atomic Purple, Extreme Green, and Ocean. There's no multitasking, no notifications, no call overlays, just cartridge-based gaming the way it used to be.

2. Manual holo digital V2 camera

This clear-bodied camera exposes its internal circuitry, deliberate approach to picture-taking with grain and all. It's a contrast to the over-processed images smartphones produce by default. The V2 launches at MoMA Design Store this September.

3. Beats studio buds+

Beats' clear earbuds put the internal hardware on show instead of hiding it inside a featureless shell. The frosted, sculptural look calls to mind retro sci-fi design and despite the throwback styling, the earbuds still deliver up to 36 hours of total listening time with the case.

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4. Mondo freestyle transparent headphones

Headphones channel the aesthetics of '80s audio equipment, pairing bright orange ear cushions with clear housings. Under the retro shell sits 36mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, and up to 22 hours of battery life.

5. Lofree 1% transparent mechanical keyboard

Keyboard renders keycap, switch, and internal component in ice-clear polycarbonate. Typing becomes a visible, performative act, with the circuit board and switch movement on full display.

6. Seletti BIC pen lamp

Classic BIC Cristal pen 12 times over and turns it into a wall-mounted or hanging lamp. An LED tube takes the place of the ink cartridge, while the oversized cap completes the illusion. It's designed by Mario Paroli for the Italian brand Seletti.

7. Retro beeper portable power bank

A loving throwback to the pager era, this power bank borrows the boxy, hip-clip silhouette of a classic beeper. Alongside 10,000mAh capacity and 30W fast charging, it can send 86 preset beeped messages to other units nearby.

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8. Shargeek 170 transparent power bank

With a prism-like clear casing that reveals its battery cells and circuit board. Beneath the eye-catching shell is 24,000mAh of capacity battery and up to 170W output.