The Xbox Walkman Is a Past-Meets-Present Promotional Campaign

Kids these days probably don't know what a Walkman is, but Microsoft still combined the past and present of tech by creating a Walkman modeled after the Xbox Series S console.

And, get this, kids: It really plays cassette tapes.

So today I received this very cool Xbox Walkman, works with cassettes. pic.twitter.com/6LrEs5XV8O

— Deon G (@djdeong) January 17, 2023

Each one came with a cassette pre-loaded with songs from Xbox games like "Halo" and "Fallout 76." But, you could definitely pop in your favorite cassettes from bands like Presidents of the United States of America or Pearl Jam. The kit (which came in a cool branded box) also included a voucher for Xbox's Game Pass service.

Unfortunately, for those feeling nostalgic, these aren't for sale yet. But, Pure Xbox hinted that they could become available in the future.

This is a fun way to create a multi-sensory experience and advertise a product in a new way. It creates a way to tap into Xbox titles beyond just game trailers or videos. The sound is such a big part of a video game experience, and creating something tactile adds a sense of permanence.

And, retro audio formats are all the rage right now, with vinyl continuing to have a moment among millennials and Gen Z. Cassettes, which are a lot cheaper and easier to manufacture than vinyl records, could be a way to use that demand for nostalgia and analog sound in a cost-effective way.

Xbox has been using the design of its consoles for other promotional items perhaps better than any console maker in history. What other video game consoles have you seen transformed into functional refrigerators? Microsoft has also used it in effective kitting campaigns.