Introducing The400! No, not a sci-fi series, but a modern mini recreation of the Atari 8-bit series.
This Mini, like others in the series, is a compact emulation of a classic computer. In this case the whole series of Atari's 8-bit computers, the 400, 800, XL, and XE machines, plus the 5200 and XE consoles.
Out of the box it comes preloaded with 25 classic games, not including hidden easter eggs and games you load yourself via USB.
The design faithfully replicates the appearance of the original Atari 400, but with a non-functional sticker in place of the membrane keyboard.
You can plug in USB controllers and joysticks, and even comes with TheCXStick, a great update for the classic CX40 design but with additional buttons for modern functions.
Inside there is a single board computer, running an AllWinner processor, 256MB of RAM and 128MB of internal storage
There is however no USB charger, but who doesn't have one of those these days?
Since I got my The400 for my birthday I haven't had a chance to play all the games included on the Atari 400 Mini, so over Christmas I wanted to fully put it through its paces.
Here's a rundown of the highs (and lows) of the preloaded games:
Airball: This isometric puzzle game has great visuals but suffers from tricky controls. The controller makes it tough to navigate accurately, and the gameplay can feel frustrating. Definitely one that needs patience.
Asteroids: Sadly, this version doesn’t hold up well. It’s sluggish and feels like a missed opportunity compared to other renditions. Hardcore fans of the game might still find some joy, but for me, it didn’t click.
Battlezone: A true classic. The vector-style graphics hold up well, and it’s still enjoyable despite its simplicity. A nice throwback to the early days of 3D gaming.
Berserk: My fave - A tough, twitchy shooter. It’s a big challenge, but it’s fun if you enjoy retro difficulty levels.
Crystal Castles: Another isometric title with fun gameplay but slightly clunky controls. A better joystick might work better than the included one.
Centipede and Millipede: These arcade staples still offer solid, quick-fun gameplay. They’re both similar, but Millipede adds a bit more complexity.
Hover Bother: This oddball game from Jeff Minter is oddly addictive despite its quirky premise. Cutting grass while avoiding a neighbor is surprisingly fun, if a bit strange.
Minor 2049er: One of the better games on the device. It’s like a more detailed version of "Jumpman," with satisfying platforming and a decent challenge. My only gripe is restarting entire levels after a mistake.
Missile Command: A timeless classic. Protecting bases from incoming missiles never gets old, and this version is solid.
Seven Cities of Gold and M.U.L.E.: These are strategy-heavy titles that need more time to fully appreciate. They have depth but might feel slow or daunting at first.
Star Raiders II: A standout for its ambition and “Star Wars”-inspired space battles. It’s one of the better games in terms of scope and presentation.
Wavy Navy: A creative twist on the "Galaxian" formula. You’re in a boat instead of a spaceship, shooting down planes. Surprisingly addictive and fun.
Yoomp!: This indie title is a newer addition and one of the most polished on the Mini. It’s challenging but rewarding, and the visuals are striking.
Basketball: Easily the weakest game here. It’s outdated, boring, and could’ve been left off the list without much complaint.
Overall, the Atari 400 Mini offers a dose of nostalgia and a great target for retro programming.
While some games haven’t aged well, others are still a blast to play. The real fun, though, is in adding your own games.
