- Sony's classic Walkman models cannot be revived because the necessary parts, such as miniature motors and optical pickups, are no longer manufactured.
- Manufacturing technology for the thin and precise Walkman designs has been lost, including specialized production lines and undocumented adjustments.
- The economics do not support reissue, as the small market for cassette, CD, or MiniDisc players cannot cover development and tooling costs.
- MiniDisc media production was stopped by Sony in early 2025, making a new MD Walkman impractical without disc supply.
- Sony's limited development resources are focused on Android-based Hi-Res digital Walkman players, not legacy formats.
- Former engineer Akira Tanaka, who had critical knowledge, has left Sony, further reducing the ability to recreate the old models.