Atari 400 Mini First Impressions

I got the Atari 400 Mini a day after its public street date and I've had a few days to collect my experiences and thoughts on it. This is by no means a comprehensive look at the console but one mans experience with it. I also give some tips and tell about a particularly lengthy process I had to endure just to get the unit working.
If you want to pickup the 400 mini for yourself then you can go to the following websites:
Atari Direct
atari.com/products/atari-400-...
Amazon
a.co/d/6ohLbI3
You can also read up on the manuals and FAQs shown in this video by clicking the links below:
Atari Direct
support.atari.com/hc/en-us/ar...
The manufacturer (RetroGames)
retrogames.biz/products/the40...
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[@ASalvaro]

grew up with the Atari 800xl....SO MANY great games

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for the fun & light-hearted look at your experience with THE400 Mini! 😃

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Thank you for your in depth look into the console and the controller!

[@jh5124]

Thumb drives and SD cards usually come formatted right out of the box.

[@KR2XD]

Thank you! I would not have gotten my USB disk to work on the mini without your help.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I'm glad my experience helped somebody. Enjoy the 400 mini!

[@sabertoothretro]

I got mine last week, and it's still in the box. Your video has inspired me to set aside some time to get it up and working. 🎉

[@MarquisDeSang]

All of these are better investment than modern consoles.

[@sneed3840]

GEM of a pfp

[@XV250]

My first computer was an Atari 400, followed by an 800XL. They are long, long gone - but the Mini makes a very good substitute. Today I connected a cheap USB keyboard and played a game of Star Raiders complete with keyboard inputs. Great game!

[@RobinDale50]

THIS is useful!! One of the best so far about how to get stuff onto the mini. Thank you!

[@RobinDale50]

I see that .ATR an disk formats are are supported. Do you have any info on how to switch disks from within a program, and/or can you load more than 1 "drive" with an image, like D2: or D3:, etc?

[@TheAtariNetwork]

So I was told that multidisk games are supported but I have yet to really dig into it. I plan on doing a lot of this stuff on a Livestream either this weekend or early next week so stay tuned. The manual for the console is available in PDF form in the description that might help!

[@MichaelRGibson]

I have been using an Atari 8-bit emulator for a while. All the software that I found run on the emulators, run on the 400 mini. The biggest advantage I have found is the save states of applications. for example, Time Pilot does not use standard screen mode and most emulators screw this up, including default of the 400 mini. But the 400 mini will allow you to adjust the screen, save and remember - so the next time I play Time Pilot, it remembers.

[@rameybutler-hm7nx]

Dude great video as always! Even my wife watched it and said it was excellent! So i would take that as the highest of compliments! So are you gonna do a man vs 400 special? Just a thought.🎉🎉🎉

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Oh wow I'm honored your wife enjoyed it. Thank you both. I'm definitely going to do a Livestream but I've been really busy lately. I'm hoping this weekend but it will definitely be soon. I'll try to give a heads up by at least 24 hours

[@PapaBradsGaming]

Well done review!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Thank you

[@jeffpearson1863]

Got my and love it. Now we need a The Bally Astrocade mini

[@AnimationPlus179]

I love the 400 Mini! It did run most of my favorite Atari 8-Bit games, including the aftermarket games! Unfortunately, the 5200 core on it has an issue. I know it has a setting for self centering, but the input delay is terrible. And the 5200 version of Pengo was acting strange, because everytime I control him at his first move, he gets stuck at somewhere, and doesn't move at all. Maybe it's best to say that it needs to be fixed for the next firmware update. But for now, I can still play Atari 8 bit games considering some are the same as the 5200 console ports.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I was more interested in the 8 bit side and admittedly didn't do a ton of 5200 testing so I'm sure this comment will be useful! I'm glad it ran most of what you wanted to play, that's also important information. Thanks for the comment!

[@cryptoesquire3168]

Got it yesterday!

[@kevinstrade2752]

Its been very tempting for me but I have a real 400 and other Atari computers. The games on the mini are good but there could be so many more good ones. Why the original Star Raiders isn't on and the second is? Also there is the"real Star Raiders 2" out there in Rom form. It would be awesome if it could take peripherals but I get it, mini is really an emulator. Awesome video

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Thank you. This can't compare to the real thing I'm sure but will be worth it to many who got rid of their originals a long time ago. Not to mention the ease of use and convenience...

[@kevinstrade2752]

@@TheAtariNetwork I agree. It has its place. Also the fact that games can be added. I have a question. Can one plug in a working keyboard ? Some games benefit from the keyboard like the original Star Raiders.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@kevinstrade2752 so it's to my understanding that a keyboard should work however my dog apparently chewed the USB end of mine so I have to grab another one to test it out. I'll probably have it in time for when I do the Livestream so I'll let you know then.

[@kevinstrade2752]

@@TheAtariNetwork cool! Thank you!

[@another3997]

The omission of certain games is down to copyright. Probably because the rights holders can't be determined in advance, can't be contacted or they simlly couldn't agree terms. But whichever it was, selling a commercial product with unlicensed software or without permission, often ends up being very exensive with threats of litigation etc. So companies like Atari and RGL wisely don't include any.

[@djwrahfael]

Next month I'll get mine 🙌🏻

[@Bearcade]

A few months ago I purchased a 600xl and felt sad that I had to return it. So, thinking of getting this because I love their computer line.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

You're probably just the person they had in mind when they created this. If you love the Atari line of computers then I think you'll like this. But honestly nothing ever compares to the originals

[@Bearcade]

@@TheAtariNetwork Heck yeah! This may be a little more accessible for the moment. I still want a 800xl. Played dual stick Robotron 2084 on a friends, love it!

[@MotownBatman]

I think they did a Stellar Job Athletically!

[@fensthespook8866]

This one just has me on the fence. I'm definitely intrigued but I also can see this gathering dust after the first week... Man, when you listed out all the stuff Atari has put out and how you bought it all...I felt that! I have also purchased everything you mentioned (other than Save Mary) And I'm just not sure at this point if another 120 bucks on a mini a good idea. Appreciate the guide on how to format the USB, just in case it ever becomes an issue. I wonder if it has to do with the age of the USB stick itself?

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Your probably right about the age thing. I should've clarified that I tried 3 different USB sticks but all were well used and the newest I got around 2015. I figured it was worth reporting and putting my steps out there just in case. These games definitely have their own flavor that won't be for everybody. Keep an eye out for a stream I plan on doing soon with it...

[@jacobbaranowski]

Yoop there it is

[@gbedford]

I received mine on launch day and it's been fun so far. I had a new 32gb micro SD card and usb adapter laying around, so I threw a few roms on there and it worked fine. I love the inclusion of Bristles and Forbidden Forest, I used to play those on my friends C64, so it's a real blast to have them on the Atari. I can seem to take off the runway without crashing in Blue Max, so I wonder what I'm doing wrong there?

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I had a similar experience. It's just really difficult your timing has to be flawless. Try lifting up towards the end of the run way...

[@Buyemsellem]

Convert to MBR, yep GEN X fella et-al, they wont tell you this as they are paid and want to make it look so easy and maybe they are scared you mess up and blame them ... thanks for the instructions!!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I don't know if that's the reason. It could be that my situation was rare but I always want to give honest takes and my actual experiences. No matter how dumb I may look lol

[@another3997]

Here we go, another unsubstantiated conspiracy theory from a numpty on the internet. It just never occured to you that most people never encountered the problem because their USB drive is already formatted as bootable FAT32 with the MBR in place? Or that they read the instruction manual and FAQ? No, it has to be that everyone else is paid not to point out any problems. 🙄

[@erikl5340]

Thank you for a very good review. I own other products of retro games but i decided to pass on this one. I'll be waiting for the next MAXI console from retro games later this year.

[@cavalleri]

I also bought a pair of the sneakers too. They feel really nice.

[@Jolt7800]

Thank you Atari Network for the first impression. I am really intrigued since I never had an Atari computer; or a retro computer for that matter. I am going to wait to see how I progress with pc emulation before I get this mini.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

It'll save you 120 or so dollars that's for sure. But the 400 mini could become cheaper like the GSP did. Or it could skyrocket in value like other mini Consoles. I plan on doing a Livestream with it as soon as I have time. One night here or maybe the weekend...

[@another3997]

There's no point in buying any of these retro consoles if you have no experience with the hardware and software they're emulating. If you're interested in how old games played or old hardware and software in general, you should definitely try out emulators of a variety of older machines on a PC/Mac or Raspberry Pi etc. There are far too many old computer platforms to mention, each with their own pros and cons.

[@socrates0603]

Thanks for the impressions and some of the early mishaps for new users. I only have experience with the VCS, but Atari’s out-of-the-box experience is horrible to put it mildly. You are right about whether this is a must-have product. Nowadays there are many ways of playing these games, so the 400 Mini doesn’t offer anything unique there. My single biggest reason for wanting one is because of the way it looks. I think Atari did a great job on the appearance. I grew up with the Atari 800 but always loved the design aesthetic of the 400. I just bought the Atari Gameprostation from a local gamer. I will also add the 2600+ to the collection in the near future. I haven’t been too keen on the physical game releases, but Atari sure has made things interesting on the hardware. By the way, as that stock footage showing Blue Max? I heard that it doesn’t work on the 400 Mini which is a real shame if true. Synapse games are some of the best Atari 8bit games.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

That's gameplay of me playing Blue Max on the 400 mini. I didn't have any issues but you'll need to adjust some of the options. You can run the mini in 400 mode, 800, 800XL, 130XE and probably another one that I'm forgetting. Changing the modes helps with compatibility and so does changing the keys. You can make each button perform a joystick function, a keyboard function or a console function. I plan on showing this more in depth during a Livestream and maybe another video down the road.

[@fensthespook8866]

I have both the GSP and the 2600+. Love them both!

[@another3997]

Just wanted to point out that whilst the Atari brand name and some of the software is licensed from Atari, this is designed and produced by Retro Games Ltd, not Atari themselves. What Atari did with their modern VCS and 2600+ shouldn't influence anyone's decision to buy this, as despite a few hiccups, RGL have developed quite a good reputation.

[@andrecoleman9549]

Now, if we could just get an Atari ST mini!! 😂

[@bnatens1]

Good console

[@RobinDale50]

Well I went ahead and took the plunge. Works really well except for one HUGE problem: NO artifacting for hi res graphics!! I got the disk swap thing working (tip: use a playlist) but when I went to run the Ultimas, they were all monochrome. This is a huge disappointment as artifacting has been in emulation for a very long time. System works really well otherwise, pretty slick. Using an old VGA monitor, so I got an HDMI-to-VGA adapter with a 3.5mm stereo plug hooked to small Amazon speakers and the audio sounds great.

[@nickolasgaspar9660]

There are so many great homebrew games, you don't even need to deal with your '' legally owned games " RGB, ALBERT, CROWNLAND, PAC MAN ARCADE, ASSEMBLOIDS, BREATIT, NIGHT KNIGHT, TIME WIZARD, BISQUITS IN HELL, BETTY ISSUES, RIDICULOUS REALITY, IK RCX, HELI IN CAVES, DIRT, CALISTO, HAR'EM, X8 , JIM SLIDE, DIMOS QUEST & DUNGEON, LAURA ADVENTURES, BRUCE LEE ROF, ROCKMAN, MARBLED, THE LAST SQUADRON, MONTEZUMA REDUX, MOON PATROL, REDUX, PANG, SPACE HARRIER , ATARI BLAST, PLAN B, FLOWERSMANIA, FLIMBO QUEST, STUNT CAR RACER, BOMBER, DUDE STORY, DRACULA,

[@FunkmasterV]

Is Airball any good? I always wanted that on the 7800

[@TheAtariNetwork]

It's an odd game. I didn't realize that you're literally a balloon and anything you touch pops you. It didn't work as well with the included joystick as I would've liked too. I could see it being a really fun and challenging game but it's an acquired taste!

[@nickolasgaspar9660]

Having about 8 Atari 8bit computers, all hooked on crts ready to be used makes difficulty to justify spending 150euros(dealer's price) for this mini.

[@another3997]

If you're not interested in the product because you have original hardware that's fine, the 400 isn't really aimed at people like you. I do wonder why, when you know in advance you're not interested in something, you feel the need to go around commenting on a specific product... just to tell everyone you're not interested in it?

[@TheJaws27]

My boys and I love the mini 400, had to get a 2nd controller. I wanted them to play it the way I did. With the thumb drive. I had 0 issues with that. Just dumped a couple games onto an old staples 256mb drive and off we went. I did have issues with the atx files but .xex .car .atr or .rom (.bin as well?) Seem to run just fine.

[@patrickprevenas1867]

It took me a few minutes to get past the language selection screen, as well. 😂

[@josemontes3258]

Good Consolé But I Justo Get The PS Family It's Easy The Mini PSOne Was Cool

[@MarquisDeSang]

If you format Fat32 with Linux, it just works out of the box. Winbloat fail again.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Yeah I think I'll be in the minority with my issues but I had to report my experience. The age of my USB sticks might've contributed to the issue who knows

[@another3997]

You do realise that it's not a problem with Windows per se? You can format FAT32 in Windows without any problems whatsoever. If people don't read instruction manuals and don't know how to use the right tool to do a particular job, it's not Microsoft's fault. Many Linux distros are just a bloated as Windows, and honestly, with all the problems the Linux world has, being able to make a bootable FAT32 thumb drive is the least of it's worries. 😂

[@MarquisDeSang]

I bet 10$ that you won't talk about the left-handed mode of the new joystick.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Nope. I was aware of it but it didn't apply to me so I didn't even consider it.

[@Applecompuser]

I dont think I would buy a 2600 again. I got the first one after it was released and once I bought the 800 comp never looked back. PCs are better for everything. I hope they come out with an 800 or 130 XE. I would like there to be an easy way to get my regular disks to run such as an interface to the original 1050 drive. PS All that drive formatting stuff gave me anxiety. They should fix that going forward.

[@another3997]

The cost and complexity of interfacing with original Atari hardware would be prohibitive for a modern "Atari" product, when you consider the size and profitability of companies like Retro Games Ltd. That sort of thing is a small niche within an already niche market. As for the formatting problem, most USB sticks come formatted with FAT32 and the MBR, so it's not likely to be a problem for most people. Plus, anybody using USB thumb drives or other storage devices, really ought to have some idea about formatting. It's hardly rocket science.

[@user-lr4sd2cw6d]

It’s the size of a PS4 controller if you need an example

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Thank you. I didn't jump to that immediately but that's a fair comparison

[@cbaxter6527]

Easier to buy a 32G USB stick pre-formatted as FAT32. The 400 Mini is plug and play. I tried my Pi3B+ with the 8000 game library - no go, config issue with emulator and OS !@#$. Few games like Drol don't work.

[@MisterSplendy]

Good point. Emulator makes this thing useless. You can use emulators on your TV by using the TV as a video out on your computer (second screen). Mac or PC. Makes no sense to waste money. But if you're a collector, this thin might be fun.

[@another3997]

Clearly it isn't useless, and it's not only collectors who might want it, it's those with nostalgia for the Atari 8 bits too. Your assumption that everyone has a PC or Mac to hand isn't a good one. Many people don't, or they may share it's use with others, making it less likely to be available for playing games when they want to. A phone or an iPad aren't ideal emulation platforms. Having emulators on a PC or Mac isn't the same plug and play experience... you have to set them up manually, find suitable system ROMs and then download games and software. Not everyone wants that hassle. And you still need to buy a suitable controller.

[@MisterSplendy]

@@another3997 Yeah, but people who are into Atari 8 bits games, generally, I would say, are more adept a system rams and downloading emulators, etc. More experienced. Very few people of this generation or prior even care for or know of old Atari computers. I used one in 1981, and have used computers since. yeah, true, not everyone owns a PC orMac, and maybe this thing is not useless to all. But I would say someone of the type that knows the Atari computers have no need for this thing besides collecting. I'd not that hard to set up Atari 8Bit emulation on computers, really.

[@clutch2827]

Most people who are into this stuff already have emulators. They probably also have a real 400.

[@adm712]

8:00 It's a heck of alot easier just to plug the actual cartridges into an actual 8 bit 😅

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I agree 100%. But I think I'm gonna be in the minority there. Most people don't have any issues there but I have to report my experience as it was...

[@cbaxter6527]

Yes and No! There is no S-video inputs left on new TVs, RF is like looking through snow storm, and composite plugs are T-R-R jacks (gone the phono red/white/yellow). My 1984 64K upgraded 600XL is getting forgetful. PACMAN plays and crashes randomly (worked fine a few years back). All the joystick reed contacts needed cleaning, three different Manufactures (Newport Prostick II, Wico Boss, Konix 500XJ Epyx) and NO, repeat NO! - ATARI CX40 or copycat SpectraVideo QuickShot I. Had to switch to 130XE for reliable play. All keyboards required an alcohol wipedown of the Mylar contacts. Power supply on Trak AT-D2 floppy drive require re-Cap and new TO-3 regulator, see atari age. Atari XF551 drive not working, suppose to be SIO cold solder joints.

[@adm712]

@@TheAtariNetwork Thanks so much for taking time out and putting in the effort with this and all your reviews. I bought the 400 mini, it does what it sets out to do and it has a welcome home in my collection. As an owner of a 5200, XEGS and 130 XE, these fantastic old school machines will be my go to source for my 8 bit fix.

[@another3997]

Yes. Assuming you've spent the time and money to buy and maintain original hardware, and that the software is actually available on cartridge, and that the particular Atari model you own is compatible with that software, you're correct. But there were many hardware revisions, ROM versions and memory configurations, and most software didn't actually come on cartridge. I guess you mean apart from those problems? 😉

[@DoctorCrasher]

It dosn't play .a52 Files... Useless...

[@tarstarkusz]

The problem with these PNP systems is they are designed to work with HDMI and modern flat screen TVs. These old games look TERRIBLE on modern high res LCD screens. This is just a fact. They look so much better on CRT NTSC TVs. Or if you don't have the room for a CRT, see if you can find an old NTSC based LCD screen. They are much lower resolution, though they are still very sharp.

[@MarbleGiant]

The whole point of mini systems is a entry solution for modern screens. I’m sure anyone with a CRT will look for (or already have) alternative solutions with analogue outputs.

[@tarstarkusz]

@@MarbleGiant If you're willing to deal with HDMI, you should probably just get a raspberry pie.

[@another3997]

No, it's not a "fact, it's an opinion... one that is not shared by everyone.

[@another3997]

​@@tarstarkuszWhy a Raspberry Pi? Lots of computers (and many other devices) have HDMI ports, but if not, you can buy a dirt cheap passive Display Port to HDMI adaptor cable. A Raspberry Pi also requires you to buy an HDMI lead, a power adaptor, a keyboard, an SD card and usually a case too. Then download your emulator, configure it, download Atari OS ROMs and all the software you want, either via Linux or one of the multi-system emulation front ends. Hardly the plug and play experience many people are looking for. 😂

[@tarstarkusz]

@@another3997 No, it is a fact, at least that they look different on modern flat LCD screens. Better or worse, perhaps is more opinion.