The Rise Of The Retro Phone

With the re-release of the Nokia 3310 hitting UK stores on May 24th, Samsung rumoured to be reviving the flip phone and BlackBerry bringing back the physical keyboard with the KEYone, one thing's for sure: people love retro.

The original Nokia 3310

Launched in 2000, is one of the best-selling phones of all time. While it may look like dinosaur technology to anyone born in the 21st century, for hundreds of thousands of people it was their first real mobile phone.

It may not have a massive-megapixel camera or a 4K display, but the 3310 was probably the most hi-tech piece of kit its early adopters owned at the time. It saw us through boring lessons with illicit games of Snake; it received texts from our first crush; it called our Mums and Dads when we needed picking up from the pub after too many ciders.

For a whole generation of teenagers, this little phone was a vital part of growing up – and an early indication of things to come. Like the Sony Walkman and the GameBoy, it occupies a special place in our memories, so is it any wonder people are excited to see it come back?

The new Nokia 3310

Keeping the spirit of the original, some changes have been made to this budget-friendly handset. While it still operates via a 12-button keypad – no touchscreens here – Nokia have snuck in a 2MP camera on the back. And the operating system, perhaps surprisingly, isn't some highly-customised Android variant but the plain old Nokia stock software.

It's got a web browser, music and radio player, photo viewer and, of course, it comes bundled with an updated version of the beloved Snake. Nokia have also signalled that the phone will have its own app store where users can download retro games and apps –custom Twitter and Facebook apps have even been mentioned.

For many people, the biggest selling point will be the price: with an expected RRP of £49.99, it's ideal as a backup, a festival phone or even a child's first phone - as well as being a cool, nostalgic little throwback to a simpler time.

Retro mobile gaming

Here's some of our favourite retro games for you download to your phone right now – no 3310 needed.

Pac-Man 256 (Android, iOS)

Pay tribute to the granddaddy of retro games with this clever update of an old classic. Now munching his way through ghosts in a pixelated 3D style that offers the best of both worlds, Pac-Man 256 offers new power-ups, a never-ending maze and the same fun gameplay.

Snake 97 (Android, iOS)

For real retro purists, Snake 97 brings you Snake exactly as it's meant to be – in two colours, with big chunky pixels and bleepy sound effects. As mind-bendingly addictive as ever, it's the closest you'll get to the 90s without digging out your old PJ and Duncan CDs – and best of all, it's free.

Atari's Greatest Hits ReMaster (Android, iOS)

If you fondly remember the days when games came on machines that were bigger than you were, Atari's Greatest Hits collection is the way to go. With more than 100 arcade classics like Missile Command, Asteroid, Centipede and Crystal Castles, this package offers great value for money for the committed retro gamer.

Excited to get your hands on the Nokia 3310? Find a Nokia phone that’s perfect for you over at Mobiles.co.uk today.