Let’s Break Down the Radio Shack 80s Tribute Super Bowl Ad

by Howie Decker @HowardTheDeck on February 3, 2014

in Memorygasms, The 80s

Though the full slate of 2014 Super Bowl commercials was a somewhat forgettable offering (Bud Light puppy notwithstanding), Radio Shack has more buzz this morning than they’ve enjoyed in over two decades. Their Twitter feed continues to barf 80s radness at this hour.

In case you missed the ad, the full version is here (including an additional Slimer-ific spot.) It oozes 80s goodness from every USB port (or from wherever Radio Shack would ooze things). I’d attempt a full breakdown of its radical contents, but please I might need your help in the comments if I miss something. All I know is I completely missed Slim Goodbody the first time around. Together we can fully catalog this jam-packed 80s tribute.

Here are a few Radio Shack 80s ad gifs that feature the action from start to finish. It truly is a whirlwind of nostalgia.

Cody Mix February 3, 2014 at 8:02 am

Awesome commercial but still a lame store. I used to like Radio Shack when it carried more specialty items and actual electronics kits.

I totally missed Sargent Slaughter in the commercial but caught him leaving in your gif.

HowardTheDeck February 3, 2014 at 8:25 am

It’s funny, I agree in the sense that I love to bag on Radio Shack and often seriously ask how the hell they are still in business. I do have a nostalgic love for them in a way though, as there was one in my town (which was small) growing up and my dad got me quite a few toys from there, including the knockoff Shockwave and this guy:

Cody Mix February 3, 2014 at 8:28 am

Yeah those types of things was what I was referring to. They had some unique items. So Radio Shack, what if we actually want your 80’s stores BACK??

HowardTheDeck February 3, 2014 at 8:34 am

I know! Their #InWithTheNew idea is actually the opposite of what we want!

Cody Mix February 3, 2014 at 8:37 am

I find it ironic that they want to shed the idea they are stuck in the past YET they advertise and have a huge giveaway of 1980’s stuff. Did you enter their giveaway yet? http://80s.radioshack.com/?sf22340512=1

Jason G February 4, 2014 at 1:35 pm

I think they are tapping into the spirit of their 80s stores by offering the 3D printer and those Neon strips. Weird electronics and gadgets are what made them cool back then. Need to bring back those handheld electronic games though. That would be sweeeet!

Lamar the Revenger February 3, 2014 at 8:24 am

Seeing Mary Lou Retton set me over the top. And Kid from Kid ‘n’ Play. Only thing missing was the Land of Confusion puppets…

icecycle66 February 3, 2014 at 9:05 am

I wish it was like the 80s version of Radio Shack. Then maybe they would carry more that 10K resisters, 24mm potentiometers, and relay switches no one needs. Then I could actually go by and pick up a component I need ever once in a while instead of going, looking, and leaving empty handed and disappointed.

bmorin54 February 3, 2014 at 11:15 am

There was so much that I missed the first time around. I loved the BTTF Delorean at the end.

Clarence February 4, 2014 at 7:06 pm

I like seeing those old characters and people back, but the tagline of “Goodbye 80s” is too much.

Marzo Kalif February 5, 2014 at 4:55 pm

All I ever remember getting from Radio Shack was a remote control truck and various generic light up robots and Godzilla toys for Christmas back in the day.
They definitely won the Super Bowl commercial game though with the 80s love. ♥

HowardTheDeck February 3, 2014 at 8:40 am

I have now! That pac table would be nice..

bmorin54 February 3, 2014 at 11:13 am

That contest is awesome. I don’t know what to choose!

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