Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago
Sony revives Walkman with Android-based players priced up to $5,900
Sony has introduced three new Walkman music players with touchscreens and Android 16.
The models are the NW-ZX900, NW-WM1AM3 and flagship NW-WM1ZM3.
The flagship has a copper body plated with gold and 256GB of storage, while the less expensive models have 64GB and 128GB.
The players support high-resolution audio files, Wi-Fi streaming and wired headphones, and Sony says their batteries last around 30 hours or more.
Prices vary by market: the models start at $1,900 in the US, while the flagship is listed at €4,999 in Spain.
The devices bring the Walkman name back to premium portable music players, though their high prices put them far above typical music devices.
Sony plans to begin shipping in mid-January in the US, while the flagship is due in Spain in November 2026.
Sony has revived its Walkman music-player line with three Android 16 models, including a gold-plated flagship.
The players have touch screens, Wi-Fi, wired headphone ports and support for high-resolution audio formats.
The flagship NW-WM1ZM3 has 256GB of internal storage and a chassis made from oxygen-free copper plated with gold.
The Register reports US prices of $1,900 for the NW-ZX900 and $3,000 for the NW-WM1AM3; its headline puts the top price at $5,900.
Cinco Días reports that the flagship is due in Spain in November 2026 for €4,999.
- Who
- Sony.
- What
- Sony has introduced three updated Walkman music players running Android 16.
- When
- Sony announced the models the week before The Register’s October 20, 2026 report. The flagship is due in Spain in November 2026.
- Where
- Sony’s US site lists the three models; the flagship is also slated for sale in Spain and Japan.
- Why
- Sony presents the materials and audio components as supporting sound quality. The sources do not state why the company revived the Walkman line.
Sony
The Register
Sound quality
Sony
Sony says its components and construction deliver “uncompromising sound quality” and reduce noise.
The Register
The Register describes the claims of audiophile appeal as “dubious” and says Bluetooth can degrade music.
Sony revived its Walkman brand with three updated products, according to The Register.
Cinco Días reported the flagship’s planned November launch in Spain at €4,999 and a Japan-only pack limited to 100 units.
Sony says it will ship the three models then, according to The Register.
- Models
- NW-WM1ZM3, NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900
- Operating system
- Android 16
- NW-ZX900 US price
- $1,900
- NW-WM1AM3 US price
- $3,000
- NW-WM1ZM3 Spain price
- €4,999
- Japan special pack
- 100 units
3 sources
What people are saying
uncompromising sound quality
providing a stable ground connection that delivers powerful bass, an expansive soundstage and smooth, extended high frequencies