Maxell unveils MXCP-P100S portable cassette player with built-in speaker

Maxell Japan has announced the MXCP-P100S portable cassette player to meet the demand for retro music equipment.

Analog cassette tapes were launched in 1963 as an alternative to bulky vinyl records, but portable cassette players did not arrive until the 1979 Sony Walkman TPS-L2 was released. Sales declined after the release of the CD player in 1982, and by 2010, even Sony discontinued manufacture of cassette players. With the recent revival of analog music formats, vinyl records and cassettes are now in demand again.

The MXCP-P100S player is compatible with Normal Type-I tapes with a length of 90 minutes or less, and Maxell installed a brass flywheel to help stabilize the sound during playback. Sound can be output to wired headphones, wireless Bluetooth headphones and speakers, or the built-in 500 mW speaker, with a playback time of up to 9.0 hours, 7.0 hours, or 6.5 hours respectively, according to the company. The rechargeable battery recharges in 2.0 hours with a 5V 1.5A USB Type-C power source.

The player measures 122 × 91 × 45 mm (4.8 x 3.6 x 1.8 in.) and weighs 235 g (8.3 oz.). A clip can be attached to the back of the player.

The price has not yet been announced, but will likely be in the ~$100 range. The player will be released August 20, 2025, in black (MXCP-P100SBK) and white (MXCP-P100SWH) on Maxell's website. Readers looking for interesting music to play might consider the Guardians of the Galaxy cassette sold here on Amazon US.