WM-FX288

The WM-FX288 sat in Sony's FX series of radio cassette Walkman from 2002. It paired cassette playback with a digitally synthesized FM/AM tuner offering forty station presets and a compact LCD display, employing a simplified transport mechanism that eliminated auto-reverse and Dolby noise reduction in favor of basic reliability with automatic shutoff and manual tape-type selection. Mega Bass and AVLS remained available, the plastic body kept overall weight low, and power came from two AA batteries that provides extended operating time.

In the closing years of cassette production Sony streamlined certain FX models to balance cost and essential radio functionality amid shrinking demand. This version existed to deliver simple combined radio and tape playback for users who prioritized preset tuning and long battery life over advanced cassette features, aligning with nearby entries like the FX202 and FX495 as part of the last wave of such hybrids before the industry fully pivoted to solid-state players.