THE400 Mini 1st Review: See The New Atari 400 Before Anyone Else!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thanks for watching me probe and get probed! You can preorder THE400 Mini at* amzn.to/3IqT1vI _*affiliate link that helps the channel but all opinions are unbiased_

[@chuckhutchins6107]

That's an incorrect link. It takes me to a Coiled Keyboard Cable

[@RetroRecipes]

@@chuckhutchins6107 Wait you mean THE400 isn't a coiled keyboard cable?! Just kidding and thanks for the heads up; link fixed: amzn.to/3IqT1vI

[@vanonderen9702]

Hyped for the Atari, i ordered it already long time ago 🙂

[@vanonderen9702]

Good evening, Retrorecipes, i love your videos 🙂on another video a while ago now, you had a problem with the capslock flickering all the time and the leyboard of your real Amiga 500 computer not working, trying to repair it, but thats actually one of the few virusses written for the Amiga 500: its the "Byte Bandit virus"its on the bootsector of your diskette, NOT in or on your computer, and when the disk gets inserted, it gets into the RAM memory, and disables the Keyboard, just turn of the amiga, wait for 30 seconds and turn it on again, then the virus is out of the Amiga 500 again, you probebly got some infected disks!

[@RetroRecipes]

@@vanonderen9702 You know what, someone did send me an infected disk, and I think it was that virus. I thought I had cleared it by going back to a backup, but it sounds like that would explain a lot. Do you happen to know a definitive fix if that is on the hard disk (CF Card) boot sector?

[@JohnVideo1969]

Thanks for this. I pre-ordered 2 units just after the announcement. My father bought us a 400 back in 1980. He couldn’t afford it but wanted us to get a kick start on the “computer age”. It worked. I’ve been in the tech industry my entire career. I’m going to get mine all setup and figure out all the tricks. Then send him his with an extra joystick, a wireless keyboard, and a USB drive full of his old favorites for his birthday in May. Your sneak peek has gotten me all excited again. THANK YOU!!!

[@tastyf1974]

As a gamer nearing 50 this year, who has had the pleasure to play commodore v20, 64 and spectrum zx and 128 growing up, your videos bring me great joy to look back on those great times in the 1980's and puts a huge smile on my face, oh I wish the docs time machine was real so I could go back one more time, keep up the great work and content.

[@Mellence]

Yoomp using the bouncing off the ball as additional percussion for the song was genius and it sounded so cool

[@gregholloway2656]

Pretty cool, Peri. My first computer as a kid was also the 400, and as luck would have it, I still have it, 40 years later. I typed in a ton of games from the magazines at the time, but fortunately my 400 is upgraded with an aftermarket keyboard that’s more similar to the 800’s.

[@jeffflowers5489]

I didn't own an original Atari 400 but I did have a 2600 and a Commodore 64. They both filled my free time (and then some) with fun.

[@HutchCA]

They REALLY should have put an SD card slot in the cartridge port. There's no excuse for missing that.

[@RetroRecipes]

Welllll... then they'd have got complaints that it cost more than it does now what with a spring loaded mechanism, hinge, button, catch... It's hard to find the right balance so I think they're going for mass market appeal to those on a budget here.

[@HutchCA]

@@RetroRecipes Of course it'll give modders something to do.

[@rustymixer2886]

Use a USB to sd reader lol

[@Kalle72]

1:10 - 9 pin guy? Who is the lookalike? Please enlighten me on this “drama”! 😂

[@dividion8102]

@@Kalle72 It's a play on "8-bit guy".

[@randymulder9105]

The sound is great! Fun set up. Thanks again for a wonderful video! I get just as excited! The joystick looks the same basically!

[@hyzenthlay7151]

It can be argued that USB belongs on this mini console more than any other, as the original Atari 8 bit SIO port was very much a predecessor to USB. I can't wait for the end of this month when these beauties get shipped. I already have a couple of mods in mind for mine if I find them viable.

[@WolfenSG]

Yup. Joe Decuir was the co-author of both SIO and USB.

[@slaapliedje]

@WolfenSG SIO also has some handlers built into it for devices. Which is quite similar how USB works (though you of course need OS support), where most peripherals follow a standard for whatever type device it is. The Atari was really so much better than all of the other competing computers at the time, as far as peripheral support go.

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

Mini SD card slot under the top cart flap is a must. As is a working keyboard. Pretty easy mods actually. Just need to make ‘em fit inside that tiny case.

[@slaapliedje]

@@user-tb5ns7hc5i ha, then someone can release an after market keyboard replacement for the horrible membrane one...

[@another3997]

​@@user-tb5ns7hc5iIf they were "a must", then they would have been included in the design. A hinged cartridge slot cover with a concealed SD card reader would add etxtra cost and also be a potential point for failure. The fewer moving parts, the better. I'm sure RGL would prefer not to have people complaining about covers being ripped off or damaged. Good luck fitting and using a keyboard that small, the original, full size 400 keyboard was awkward enough... and the 400 Mini makes the ZX81 keyboard look good. 😁

[@capturenorth]

Just wonderful production value in these videos

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹

[@TheSulross]

that young Peri clearly wise beyond his years 😊

[@Colin_Ames]

Congratulations on getting the exclusive. I’m not in the market for one of these, but enjoyed your review.

[@chuckdavis8440]

Boot up Mule with 4 players, memories of college.

[@cardboardboxification]

my favorite

[@seth8629]

One of the greatest computer games ever. Bunten was so far ahead of his time.

[@Doesnotcare12]

As a mere 43 year old your reference points in life are very similar to mine. Another great video 📹 thanks 30 minutes away from the outside world.

[@SynthFreaq]

Ha Ha, you weren't even around in 'the day', you would've been, what? three when these machines came out... :-P

[@Doesnotcare12]

@rolands50 ha ha , so I was three when they were around and have a brother that is four years older than me. So, since I was three, I played on many machines. Thanks for confirming I was around.

[@GAMECLOSET]

After missing the premier, and watching this through interruptions, I finally was able to watch all the way through in the serenity of my studio, at 1:30 AM. As I mentioned to you earlier this evening- wow, I will have to grab one of these ASAP. However, I am behind and my Amiga 500 mini sits there in its box, not yet played with, but powered on to try to put more games on, but FAIL. So, priorities... Atari 400 mini later. This was yet another classic Retro Recipes video. The puns, Puppy being fed (I almost spit out my drink), and the beam out graphics were all part of the great fun. Thank you for being a retro refuge in the storm. ("Retro Refuge" ™ Game Closet)

[@RetroRecipes]

What graphics?! That was real man!

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

How do you not have more subs than you do?! This was awesome content and very well produced.

[@gerrytemple5044]

Fun little thing! BUT after owning a C64 mini and an A500 mini I and a friend came to the conclusion that 999 out of 1000 games have not aged well. You lose that rose-coloured glasses of romance very quickly, just realizing you just bought another dust-catcher for your shelf, trying to bring back some good childhood memories which doesn't really work. I have owned so many emulators, played so many old games but for ne there is only 5 still worth playing. Sometimes it's just better not to think of it as the "good old days" (which is a romantic lie), but to embrace what we have today and have fun with modern games and tech. Don't want to spoil the retro fun for anyone here, just my pov. Nevertheless I love seeing this and love your channel, as you two (3?4?5?) do a brilliant job 🧡

[@gigapascal]

Thanks!

[@RetroRecipes]

Hi, I just wanted to write you a quick real message to say that I’m incredibly grateful you have chosen to support us in this way. It really does help the content continue. Cheers! Your friend in retro, Perifractic

[@haydenscott-baron6799]

Excellent video. Thanks for your hard work on this! I would love to see you try the CXSTICK with the A500 Mini. I suspect those extra buttons will make it convenient for accessing menus while still enjoying joystick controls.

[@winstonsmith478]

GREAT review! The original plan was to release the 400 as just a game system without keyboard but Star Raiders was so good that it led them to add a cheap keyboard. It would be cool if they'd allow a turbo mode so that new games written in Atari BASIC would be more playable. Hopefully in the future - a mini Atari ST (also with a turbo BASIC mode for the same reason).

[@aussie_retro_dude9253]

Ive been sick for a few days stuck inside , watching this video has put a smile on my face. Thank you

[@WillCulbertsonIT]

This is great! Can't wait to get one. My first was an Atari 800 and I had it for years and I've pieced together what I used to have at this point. I can't wait for this as it will really be cool to play all those games again.

[@marklechman2225]

I think they really nailed it with this one. Adding the keyboard and playlist support was a really smart move. Can’t wait for those pre-orders to ship!

[@robf228]

Miner 2049er - my favorite Atari 8-bit game!

[@klocugh12]

Yoomp! pushes boundaries of what can be brewn on machines like this. As a Pole, I am especially happy to see it happen.

[@wearwolf2500]

I hope they do more maxi replicas at some point. It's really nice to be able to use reproductions with authentic keyboards. They would probably want to do the 800 or XLs for that which does mean designing a whole new one.

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

Way better than other online reviewers of this. I can trust your content, as opposed to some of their over the top and exaggerated content. One new Atari adult even making fake new marketing pkg boxes and passing them off as Atari nib oem’s. :(

[@retrom8442]

Thanks for an excellent first look video, it took me back many decades. This was my very first computer, and if I remember correctly it cost over £400 GBP in the UK and originally it only came with 16k of ram. Then I upgrade it to 32k then it's maximum 48k, each upgrade cost over £100 GBP. Later I bought a 1050 disk drive then upgraded that with something called a US doubler (I thinks that was it's name). It was an excellent computer in it's day. Then a few years later I bought a CBM64. then an AMIGA A500 has soon as it was available in the UK from Dixons costing £570 GBP with 512k of ram then I later added another 512K. I loved all these computers.

[@JayDee-iy5be]

That was so good, I think I passed out several times from over excitement. I can't wait for my 400 to arrive.

[@brianv2871]

Now you need 3 more joysticks and people for a M.U.L.E Livestream 😀

[@Dkentflyer]

Very excited for this, got mine on pre order. Thank you for showing us.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

10:51 when he starts moving that joystick, the sound is so spot on that memories of 1983 start floating back.

[@xotmatrix]

Great overview, Peri. Impressive device. Thanks for sharing.

[@77slevins_video_channel]

"Now my balls are symmetrical, which is good!" I ain't never going to grow up 🤣🤣

[@monolalia]

This tiny and in those colours it looks like the lost Sinclair ZX 80.5…

[@eskey691]

Just got done watching this and what a great video and it looks real cool i even like it in the colour they sent you it as. As always looking forward to seeing what cool stuff you bring us all next. So until then have a great weekend and you guys take care.

[@RetroRecipes]

Maybe they'll release an Anakin edition in our honour! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@talesfromthejundlandwastes5498]

It's something of a bittersweet moment when you manage to source something that you couldn't quite have as a youngster!

[@jeffflowers5489]

I remember a bug in the Bruce Lee game for the C64 where you can punch an enemy from across the screen if (I think) two enemies are touching. My brother and I called it 'the long distance punch'

[@theguaable]

I think 8-bit Show and Tell has a long video or two about that game

[@ridiculous_gaming]

What an amazing packing box!

[@billkendrick1]

Load that USB stick with demoscene stuff! Also in that credits screen I saw a last name that makes me think I know which emulator the Mini400 is running

[@carychiasson9834]

I had a Tandy TSR-80 computers growing up that was my first introduction to computers. Then one of them I was able to take four chips in and it upgraded from 256K to 640K memory I thought I was something back then. Then when I found out how to notch the floppies for extra storage. That was cool.

[@AlexEvans1]

What? 640k is an odd memory size for any TRS-80 model and all the ones I know of used the index hold on the floppy so making a Flippy was more involved and difficult than a simple notch on the side.

[@evertonshorts9376]

You'd have thought that they'd have put an SD card slot under the flap to add your own games. Perhaps that's a mod for you to do in the future.

[@robertpeacock894]

Previous mini devices by this company is very easy to add games through with a USB stick.

[@discopot]

I love the fact you bought your first computer from Sloan square, I got my first spectrum 2nd hand from a add in the local paper

[@RealGidspor]

Can’t wait for mine! 🙂 Great review. Thank you.

[@GeorgesChannel]

Great video Perifractic! The prototype has rhe rigjht collor for me: Commodore Plius/4 my fiirst computer. Atari by the way always had the greatest games.

[@markmuir7338]

The magic of rewind is quite simple: it’s just saving a snapshot of the entire system memory every second or so. The wonders of having 1,000,000+ times as much memory these days - even on a small Arm system like this.

[@HAGSLAB]

Already seen this on Patreon, but rewatching and commenting for the algorithm!

[@GAMECLOSET]

Now that is a true fan and helper. Thank you on behalf of RR!

[@HAGSLAB]

@@GAMECLOSET Thank you, subscribed! :)

[@GAMECLOSET]

@@HAGSLABThank you for your support. 😎😀

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you so much!!

[@thylac2024]

Well done - someone that actually enables the CRT/scanline modes... Without this, it looks NOTHING like the original... I was never an Atari person, and won't buy this, but it's good to see the interest in retro systems continues to grow...

[@Mrshoujo]

Thank for showing some Atari Love for once. Seriously under represented. Does the Mini 400 emulate Stereo POKEYs? Yoomp! supports Stereo Audio on upgraded Atari 8-bits. 👍 I would have preferred them making actual Atari chips which would make millions of Atari owners very happy. THEY FIXED THE JOYSTICK PROBLEM!!! The #1 problem with the classic CX41 joystick was the weak points in the XY insert continually breaking under rough use! They totally got rid of that problem!!! I WANT ONE OF THOSE NEW JOYSTICKS!!! With DB9 plugs & NOT USB.

[@RetroRecipes]

Check out my Atari Playlist 👍🕹

[@Mrshoujo]

@@RetroRecipes That playlist is incomplete. You would do well to expand it. 😃👍

[@captainpirx]

Never owned an Atari 400 but I am really looking forward to its Mini version! I still remember vividly playing Bruce Lee on C64 many many years ago. Ah, memories... :-)

[@jeffredd9965]

The best game for the atari was "Fort Apocalypse". Well worth a download.

[@TheoRae8289]

Very sweet of them to send Babyfractic a stuffy.

[@phantomharlock999]

My older brother had an Atari 800 and then later I had a C64. Can't wait for the 400Mini. They should do a full sized 800XL.

[@elblanco5]

I kind of love how the mini has 4 USB ports, and the original Atari SIO ports are the ancestor of the USB standard (and designed by the same guy!)

[@Kwstr42]

im most excited for the controller, i played c64 with atari joysticks, and now i can play my maxi as i used to

[@phantomharlock999]

Same!

[@ThisIsPete]

Looking forward to this. Will be interested to see if the final game configuration options are as in-depth as those on the A500 Mini. TheC64 was also quite customisable, but you had to put configuration files on the USB stick yourself rather than configuring on the system itself, which was a bit of a hassle. I'm hoping there is full button mapping and OS revision selection for the sake of the few older games that throw a bit of a wobbly with later models, plus ideally custom cropping on the display, as the built-in games seem to crop out the border area completely.

[@rhythmandblues9302]

I now see Partridge in your videos when you likely don't intend it: "Idea for film extravaganza. Plot, thus: Malcolm McDowell is trapped in the future. He's being pursued by a *CYBERPUNK* from the past, played by Rutger Hauer."

[@suvetar]

I was not an Atari kid, but my mate had a2600 hundred that he brought around quite often, especially because his Mum was convinced it was ruining her TV! I can't help but think that the top trap on this should open anyway, and they should provide a little USB Caddy to make a thumbdrive look like you're plugging in a little cartridge!! Great video as always Peri! Love to y'all and the Baby

[@suvetar]

or, you know, even provide a custom cartridge thumbdrive ... good job we're hackers with access to PCB Way! If possible I copyright this idea here and now *rofl* Fancy going into business?

[@derkernspalter]

Such a good time for retro gamers these days.

[@talesfromthejundlandwastes5498]

What a scoop !!! 😃

[@GrognardJakBo]

The New Atari Vader ! 😉

[@czviktor]

I really want most iconic ZX Spectrum with 48Keyboard layout and Next compatibility....

[@CaratacusAD]

MY dad bought an Atari 800 in the very early 80's from Lasky's in Bromley UK. I think he paid like £400+ for it with a tape deck, which was serious money in those days. My first games were Astro Chase, Zaxon and Picnic Paranoia. We coded in tons of games from Compute and Antic magazine over the years, plus we had 100's of games through ermmmm "computer clubs"

[@ramonmacias9013]

I have a friend who ran a BBS off of their Atari 400 for a while. Then on an Atari 800, followed by an Atari 520 st, and finally an Atari Mega 4 ST

[@Kw1161]

Re -Pun-zel…I mean Retro Recipes…great review for another tempting computer to crack open my wallet for..😂! Amazing how far retro computing has came in the past 5 years. Have a great day!

[@sorphin]

I had an Atari 800XL.. never played one game on it, just taught myself BASIC. Played games on the VCS. That said, I got the 2600+ and am perfectly fine with it despite the haters , and i'm sure there will be haters on this too. The important thing is that YOU enjoy it.

[@exidy-yt]

Holy snappin' that Yoomp! music sounds just friggin' unreal for the POKEY! That sounds better then most C64 SID music, and borderline Amiga quality. I can't wait to get one of these. The real Atari 400 was the first home computer I ever interacted with at our local Minitronics store and while the saleswoman there tried her hardest to talk my Dad into buying me one, I ended up saving up for and buying my own C64 a couple years later instead. (Dad did spring for the 1541 floppy drive tho!) Still dearly love the 400.

[@antopsyco]

That Yoomp game is so hypnotically awesome! 21:51

[@waynerowlinson6177]

Thank you. I loved the video. I grew up on video games, starting with a Coleco Telstar have had most of the consoles, but never owned an Atari computer. I've ran emulators to play some of the games, but simply cannot wait for this to come out. I haven't managed to get my hands on a full size The 64 or The Vic-20 yet either, but one good thing about the Atari 400 mini is that I won't be excited about a full size one of those 😀

[@SoulPoetryandOtherWorks]

What a great prototype. That Atari 400's min keyboard is about the same size as a real ZX81 keyboard. Goodness me, I hope they don't bring out a mini version of that machine. It would be minuscule, I might be tempted to grab a 400 mini just so I can relive Chocky season one's Space Invaders scene. A fantastic Retro pre-view Perifractic, and it is great to see Ladyfractic and Babyfractic (Lol) looking so well.

[@RobinDale50]

It itself would be the size of an SD card.

[@TheSulross]

seems to be a faithful repo - has faux keyboard just like the original

[@Kordanor]

Loved the Dog disguised as Baby Fractic :D Looks like a well done emulator in a cool package, but at the end of the day, it's still emulation.Would have been cool if you also showed some comparisons to the real machine, as you do own one of those. Like what is the delay (which I think was an issue with the initial C64 mini which had been improved later on). Maybe something to add in your video of the finished product. On the other hand, from owning a real 2600 I know that even with an Composite mod, the graphics look a bit glitchy (every second line being like a pixel or so off), so ofc emulation can also have advantages over the real thing. Also as a Content Creator myself (although much smaller) I am wondering: When you use different shots in the same scene, like "No pun intended - there is always a pun intended" do you film these together with multiple cams, or is it the same cam and you doctor it together? Also when playing on the device, is that live narration via your Rode Go 2 (btw, I bought that magnet after your answer some while ago, thanks again!), or do you narrate it afterwards? Do you also use the Rode Go 2 for off-cam narration to keep the Acoustics similar? Thank you! Btw: I also keep suggesting you as Interview Partner for the Retrokompott (German Podcast and Museum), would love that! ;)

[@KennethSorling]

Peri, do you do the retro computer convents, like VCF? Your personal arcade booth would absolutely slay in one of those.

[@RetroFormatPublications]

Fantastic, I love that you forgot to refuse the delivery :-)

[@fragalot]

my first computer was an 800XL (still own it), I'd still be bias like you. LOL

[@rustymixer2886]

25:00 everything needs rewind !

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

The 400 was epic. I don’t care what anyone says. And they included Miner 2049’er. Awesome!

[@wmtrader]

The Yoomp! soundtrack reminds me of Nina Hagen's "New York, New York".

[@rocb7580]

It was my first computer as well. I pre-ordered it in January. I can't wait for it to arrive.😊

[@epremeaux]

RE Miner 2049er it was officially released on a LOT of platforms at the time (1982) including the C64. I played it constantly as a kid on my 64.

[@merman1974]

Peri has to push harder on his old joystick because it's gone soft with age... Great video. Although I do have to point out the recent C64 game was Miner 2019er, which was an officially approved *prequel* to Miner 2049er.

[@RichardInTheLakes]

Love your channel, thank you for all the wonderful content.

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹

[@RetroTuna]

The Atari 400 was my first computer as well and yeah the keyboard was terrible but just got used to it, then i had the 800xl a much nicer keyboard i loved that computer. well nice to see it up and running.

[@brianv2871]

This might be the only mini they've made where people don't say "I wish it had the real keyboard" 😀

[@thanoschristopoulos4890]

First of all congrats for a beautiful first by your channel. Great work. Can it play invitation to programming from cassete files with audio at the same time? or conversational german, french, spanish also with audio? can you check if it can happen?

[@MicheleRizzardi]

AMAZING! 🔥😃

[@markmuir7338]

Complaints to BBC watchdog: this is another nostalgic nugget that deserves to be relived. You should set up a PO Box for random strangers to send in flaming diatribes hand-written in block caps in green ink on the back of a cereal box. The preferred outlet for trolls before there were KZbin comments 😂

[@RetroRecipes]

Fax me via the fax number in the description!

[@markmuir7338]

@@RetroRecipesYou’d better load the fax machine with sections of cereal boxes, to be fully authentic.

[@victorslab]

Okey, that opener with you and Lady Fractic as children was amazing. What technique did you use to achieve this?

[@RetroRecipes]

Thanks! That's a Snapchat filter and some green screen.

[@Harmik2]

Will definitely have to pick one of these up, always loved the original 400/800 and the Atari 8Bits in general.

[@ks-bg5uk]

Great review! Thank you!

[@fragalot]

This reminds me of the re-release of the 800XL with modern stuff in it. Looks exactly like an 800XL, it's not miniaturized. Called the "RM 800XL" has a cartridge port, and modern connectivity with USB ports, HDMI and so on.

[@electricadventures]

This definitely looks to be their best mini-system yet. Plus it is of course an Atari 8-bit so it is of course wonderful ;) Ever since I saw the first print ad for the Atari 400, and then played Star Raiders and Pacman it became one of my most loved and wanted systems. Can't wait to rediscover the system and play some classic games. I have most of the Atari 8-bit machines, but this will be an extremely well-received addition to the line.

[@rustymixer2886]

14:43 original dreamcast front end

[@The_Temple]

Even cuter than the Amiga version

[@mirkobuchmann3935]

Hi, I pre-ordered it months ago via the company I work for, and I hope it will arrive on time like The A500 Mini.... in the past...

[@fred_derf]

What people who weren't around at the time may not understand, is how ground breaking the sound was, in addition to the graphics.

[@Defrezus]

The Atari 400 was my first computer as well. I soldered in a 48 k memory expansion board but still had the crummy keyboard. Fun fact: Star Raiders II was originally The Last Starfighter before it was released. Didn't finish watching the video yet buR rescue on Fractalus was originally Behind Jaggi Lines.

[@pweddy1]

6:20 An unboxing related injury!

[@projectzip]

My first computer was the 800XL spent hours playing Pole Position.

[@michaelmcpeters8098]

The TOP Door could've opened and been a USB port..And a mock cart to hide the USB stick. 🙂

[@bobbus_74]

Great video Christian. I think I'll be picking one of these up upon release. Looks like another well made bit of kit.

[@RetroSouls-ChipTunes]

Thanks for this upload, I envy you having the Iconic 400 proto so early. This is a dream come true as being a Atarian fanboi with the 400 being my first as well, loved it back in the days and playing Star raiders was my first game as well as buying Antic Magazines and typing out those games in basic. There are so many great games made for the system as well as some new ones. I just recently played Prince of Persia and what a game that is, I hope it will work on the mini and I think it will. Could you tell what emulation the system is using as prince of Persion runs on 128k 130XE system . P.S , Have you Played Atari today 😍👌

[@cedley1969]

I had an original 400 in the UK, it was amazing to use but software support was limited in rural Scotland. The graphics were streets ahead of anything else in its price bracket.