Was wondering if I did something wrong with the 5200 files, next time I boot it up I'll tend to this. Otherwise everything else I migrated over to the USB drive worked like a charm - and thanks to you mentioning that file reading limit per page I split the folders up with roughly 200 ish max for each of the folders created, there is pretty much zero lag when you browse the folders it surprised me. Unrelated but I did take the opportunity to update the firmware on the C64 and A500 mini's I had too as they were both old versions, all patched now ^_^
The Atari 8-bits are still my favorite home computer. I have a 400 and 800XL as well 3 5200's in my collection of retro home computers and video games. They just seemed so awesome when they came out. Hopefully, my mini pre-order will show up this weekend.
Similar story to you. After selling my 400, and then 800XL Ended up with an XE from eBay. Saturday morning, if Amazon delivers it'll be like Xmas '82 all over again!
I was one of those who was not going to get this due to Star Raiders not being included. I have my old Star Raiders cartridge but alas my Atari 800 is no more. I would love some hints as to where I could find the Rom file for that game or if you could make a video for Dummies on how to find the file on the internet or what you need to get it from the ROM cartridge to a USB stick.
@@roccopassarette5060 Sounds like a second reqeust for an expansion video. BTW, there's a link in the video description to a full set of disk images on the Internet Archive in case you want to start exploring.
Search for star raided atari rom Copy it (8kb) to a memory stick Plug into 400 mini Select and load it Pull out memory stick Add external keyboard Enjoy I just did ... sure I can play this on Pi, Windows etc. But I just wanted a simple console that I could load in seconds.
Thanks so much John for taking time out to give us such an extensive and excellent review. My 400 mini is coming later this week. Of course Ill know more how I feel about it when I get it, but based on what I saw here, Ill probably continue using original 5200, XEGS and 130 XE as my go to 8 bit and keep the mini just to add to collection or as an 8 bit backup..
Great review of The400 Mini. Thank you for going in-depth into the functionality as well as loading multi-disk games. I'm looking forward to getting mine & to start messing around with it. 👍👍
Catchy tune, indeed! I love all of the "mini" tunes. The C64 Mini tune was my favorite, but this earworm is taking over. Looking forward to my 400 Mini arriving soon!
Great video, Jon. Thank you so much for the detailed walkthrough which looks easy but would have set you back some serious time to prepare and shoot. I never had anything from the Atari line in the 80s (too costly) but I got a whopper of a present - Apple II in 1984. I mention this because many of my beloved games are also on the 400 Mini. That’s why I’ve purchased a mini and eagerly awaiting its arrival in the next few days.
I'm another longtime Atari 8-bit fan, got a 48K Atari 800 in 1982 when I was in high school (was a joint Chrstmas or birthday gift with my 1-year younger brother), and this mini 400 is really cool. I was thinking through the video, "Does it have Atari Basic?", and sure enough, it does! Made me real happy, as learning BASIC was my principal activity with my 800. Well, that and once I got a disk drive (a 1050), the typical "nerd" games of Infocom text adventures, SSI wargames, the classic early EA releases, and Flight Simulator II. I had little interest in the typical 8-bit arcade games, aside from Star Raiders (the only other game cart I had from those pre-Tramiel days was Eastern Front). I think I actually resented Atari for trotting out yet more releases of the same tired arcade games that I left behind with the VCS/2600.
I’m going to get me a job and get me this computa look at these games. I’ve never known about this old Atari computer in general. Think I might get into it. And I want to make a game too. Awesome review. Love, GenZYungman
I gave my brother my Atari 800 (two superdrive modified drives, tons of carts and software, and controllers) when he was lamenting not having a computer in the early 80's. He didn't tell me that he threw it away. I've wanted to get a replacement for years. I even own a copy of the Star Raiders cart in box with manuals. I'm so happy to have watched your video which convinced me that the 400 Mini will pretty much satisfy all my nostalgia needs. Thanks so much!
I think your videos consistently get better and better. This was a helpful review of the 400 Mini. I got my 400 in either 1979 or 1980 before they shipped with 8KB RAM, I paid for that upgrade because mine shipped with 4KB. To be honest, access to Atari Basic might be big selling point. I wasted hours programming basic on my old 400 although there was an addictive soccer game on the original that would be amazing to play again. Your video got me reconsidering my decision, I was going to pass on the 400 Mini; not anymore.
Jon, *THANK YOU* so much for this outstanding rundown of the Atari 400 Mini. You have saved me invaluable time setting mine up when it arrives here in Sweden (hopefully today - Thursday). I’ve been a subscriber for a couple of years now, but after this detailed vid I had to become a channel member as well.
How very kind of you, Grasshopper! I'm always happy to hear that one of my videos has helped someone out. I appreciate you watching! You'll have to let me know how your experience with THE400 Mini goes! 😁
Good evening Jon ! I’m watching this video over and over again , I grew up with the C64, I now discover what a great system the 400 is. Thanks for the content and wish you the best !!
Awesome video! Thank you for taking all the time and effort. I am super impressed with all the features that they put in this. Your video helps this a lot!
Thanks so much! Your Atari videos have been very comprehensive and incredibly helpful. I am loving the 400 mini, it’s clear they’ve really put a lot of thought into it.👍
Fantastic review! I didn’t grow up with 400/800, but the 2600 and got the XEGS as a teenager, so this wasn’t on my radar. But your review is so thorough and your enthusiasm have me wanting one!
Ok, you sold me, I ordered mine. My first computer was an Atari 800 and I was holding out for news of a mini 800 but the section on programming hit the "sitting in the glow of a TV pecking at 2 am pecking at the keyboard with an open copy of the latest Antic" nostalgia button. Good times. Great review and thanks for all you do.
...and then getting the corrections in the next issue of Antic, explaining why I could never get the damn thing to run! 😁 I hope you enjoy it - thanks for the kind words.
As many here the 400 was my first computer and I've wished for a modern solution for as long as I can remember, got mine in today looking forward to it but glad John is getting it all figured out beforehand!
Retrogames has a full C64 with working keyboard. They should make a full sized 800+ with working keyboard, and all the hardware emulation as in this video. I thjnk they should add ports for both 400/800 cartridges and 5200 cartridges (yes, TWO cartridge ports. It would make it a little larger, however you would add usability for those who are atill holding onto these cartridges (And I would start collecting them too!)
That 400 Mini absolutely kicks ass... In my early teens, I used to have a fully upgraded Atari 400 and I spent hours and hours on that thing... I have got to get one of these... :)
Things they need to improve upon: Fullscreen mode (no Bezels). On the fly 50/60Hz switching. Saving Basic Programs to the USB-Stick. Automatic system detection via suffix (.a52) must be the 5200 system, right?
Really excited to revisit the Atari 8-bit range, I had an Atari 800 for years and it is my all time favourite home computer. My Atari 400mini is likely to be delivered tomorrow. I live in Australia so the distribution has been well organised!
Love your videos! Great to see a guy who also like Atari. I am a younger viewer, )14 yo) and I love your content, but can you do like kinda a let’s play like you did with adventure, and donkey Kong? Or do pc-man for the 2600 because I loved that port because of the fast mode on there! Also classic game room is back broadcasting from 2085.
@@GenXGrownUp John, I think it might be a good Idea to redo basic fun’s number 14 pac-man. Check on the ghosts movement, they all seem to act random, also the power pellets by stage 5, they don’t flicker white, they turn white for a frame before turning into the bad colors.the game actually runs at half the speed, and pac-man doesn’t round corners. But the ghosts do?!? I know you haven’t done one of those in a while. I love how you take your time to give to your audience! Great things come slow, and soon you’ll be at 50 thousand subs here soon! Have you played Atari today?
Best review by far and I believe I've practically seen them all. Definitely the most comprehensive. The USB stick chapter really helped show me how the system works with rom files. Definitely sold me on buying one. That Joystick is pretty awesome. Hopefully works on a PC/MAC.
Great video Jon. The authoritative word on everything Atari as always. I'm looking forward to taking delivery of my 400 Mini this weekend hopefully :-) Keep up the awesome work!
I got an Atari 800 XL when the power supply on the C64 I got for Christmas blew out. The store didn't have a replacement so I "settled" on the Atari. I had so much fun programming that thing from magazines with my dorky little tape recorder. I later got an XE with a proper disk drive.
Hello Jon. I like what you do with this channel. It's a great escape from all of the craziness in the world. I'm not a hard core ethusiast but I do think it's all very interesting as I do most things from the 80's. This 400 mini stuff is all exploratory for me as I couldn't afford most of this stuff when I was a kid. It's great that it exist now. I'm still getting use the Atari Game Sation Pro and what it has to offer thanks to this channel. This 400 Mini looks like loads of fun as well. Thanks for another great video.
lol I thought I was the only one to remember 'Bristles' too. A friend had an Atari 800 back in the day (thanks to Ebay I have one now) but I did have a 130XE later so could play those games I remembered fondly. But the music and the revealing words after each level take me right back to those happy times!
Thank you so much, Jon, for such an indept review of the 400 mini, I'm expecting mine any day now and can't wait to get stuck in and re-explore all those classics I played as a kid, I can almost smell the nostalgia from back in the day, I'm sure they will update certain aspects of the machine, for me I'd love to have be able to include custom bezels for making it more in tune Atari experience and allow custom cover art for your own games you bring via the USB stick that would be the ultimate. So looking forward to what you do next and thanks for a great video
About 6 months ago I didn't have a single Atari system. In a few days this will be my 4th one. \o/ Great review, sir. Really looking forward to getting this.
John, this review makes an Atari 8 bit fan, like myself, proud. The next Atari to be released console? I would like the 1450XLD that was never released or simply an Atari 800 maxie, as you have brought up.
Because of this console I became a game developer, I worked on a lot of the Atari 2600 line a few 5200. Now I have just about every home console running on a phone it’s crazy.
Thank you for another great and conclusive video. I am so looking forward to playing (Bruce) Lee once again plus Jumpman Jr., Donkey Kong, and Zombies. As I am used to the PAL versions the toggle is a really nice option.
I cannot wait for mine to arrive (pre-ordered from Amazon UK)! I had an Atari 800 back in the early 80s; it was by far the best home computer at the time for me over the ZX Spectrum and C64; I loved that beast of a machine with games like Star Raiders, Rescue On Fractalus, and so many others, it was fantastic! I was working at a local family owned shop at the time, and very stupidly (in retrospect) traded it in for the new 800XL when it came out!! 😞 The XL was a great machine, and it came with the matching tape and disc drive, but it didn't have that 'feel' of the original - the original's brute force size and weight was so impressive! And now it's worth a bloody fortune on Ebay!! 😳 Oh well, my 400 mini arrives on Saturday I believe, so it's late (I don't know why), but I am so really looking forward to getting back to that system that I loved 40 years ago... 😊 👍
Looks good will look for one after your review, to me it's got the same issues as the A500 mini regarding the mapping, I do wish they fix that up, they need to do Atari ST Maxi and A500 Maxi, some PAL games will run slow compared NTSC games as well and might find some hidden gems as Euro and America got well different ports in a bad way
Thanks again Jon. I'm having a play right now with separate folders on the USB flash drive (due to file limit of 256). Also attempting to look at options for files that seemingly crash (perhaps me not knowing which games are for which system yet).
Amazing review, as I knew it would be from GenX Jon. I am looking forward to this mini. I grew up in a C64 house, with the exception of the Atari 2600, so I did not experience the Atari 8-bit line personally. I had a friend or two that had an 800, but well I don't have to tell you about the rivalry that existed between 8-bit brands back then, LOL. Now to find the game collections for download that seem to be disappearing these days with all the crackdowns on emulation sites. Should be fun.
it would be soooo cool if they have made it a little bigger and with a real cartridge reader (as for the atari 2600+), THAT would have been really amazing ! Great Video by the way !
This is answered A LOT of questions. Of course I'm going to try to run Diamond v 3 and 3rd party basic and newer homebrews that look gorgeous like time pilot.
31:35 If you booted into an .ATR disk image that has DOS.SYS and DUP.SYS, then booted into BASIC would save/load work on that disk image? Also would Boot disks that load an ATARI BASIC program loaded from AUTORUN.SYS work too? Sorry if im asking too many questions, i've been an Atari 800XL user since 1984.
All great questions. Unfortunately, my Atari expertise has faded over the years so we'll have to wait for smarter people to divine all the cool tricks.
@@GenXGrownUp well you could just try it. Boot up a .ATR image with DOS, with BASIC enabled, and see if it works like that, since it does work in PC emulators.
I contacted Amazon about my 400 mini that was defective, well you talk about service I told them last night about replacement unit and. This morning I got a message from Amazon that my replacement has been shipped and will be here to tomorrow!
Great video! My unit arrived as I was watching yesterday. Not sure if anyone has mentioned this below - I found that I could import and export files from the "BASIC" .atr file using the Disk Expolrer tool in the Altirra emulator. Was able to add a .BAS program, see it listed in the DOS directory and run it. Thanks again for a great video.
30:24 The is one issue with this info screen. The XL and XE computers used the "Sally" 6502C version of the CPU, only the 400 and 800 had a standard 6502. This is extremely minor since the games you are playing won't care... but as an Atari pureists.
Atari has buried their foot on the accelerator this year. So much happening with them. I also understand that more downloadable content is coming up for Atari50! 🎉🎉🎉😊 I can't wait to see the 400 Mini modded with more games in your next video, or, maybe in this one?
Great review for The400 Mini. Thank you for going in-depth into the different features & multi-disk functionality. Can't wait to get mine & start messing around with it. 👍👍
BattleZone and Missile Command make it worth the admission price for me. I look forward to trying out my original Trak Ball with my USB adapter with Missile Command. M.U.L.E. and Necromancer, and of course, Star Raiders, were my very favorites back in the day, along with Ball Blazer and Eastern Front 1941. The non-functional keyboard is frustrating to me. That's the best part of the Atari 400 I finally got back last week. My favorite Atari controller is still the original CX40 joystick. This new update is innovative but it just puts a lampshade on the non-functioning Start, Select, Option, and System Reset keys. I'm looking forward to the clear HDMI display. The multi-disk option means I might get to play Omnitrend's Universe, a massive space trading game that comes on half a dozen floppies. BASIC is really nice, but you can't save to the USB stick?! Can I run my Assembler/Editor cartridge? Or MAC/65? Or Action! or Forth or Lisp? Dunion's Debugging Tool? I guess that's what I have my Atari 400 for. I mostly think of this as a stand-alone emulator, much like my Atari800MacX or your Altirra or RetroArch. Close, but still not quite there. Yes, that's worth knocking off the half-star for. I'm still looking forward to receiving The 400 Mini along with my new Atari VCS on Friday, but I'll still have to get a power supply from eBay for the 7800 (and a dozen carts) I rescued last weekend.
USB CX-40!! Now I can play H.E.R.O. on my PC emulator. I've never been able to play that game well without using the original Atari stick so I have to fire up one of my 2600s whenever I want to play that game (probably my favorite 2600 game).
I got my pre ordered 400 mini from Amazon just yesterday and of course I got a defective one. It will come on and you can start to play a game and it just shuts itself off! I tried several power units 5 V 1 amp and it did the same thing. I ‘m sending back to Amazon for replacement . I hope no one else has had a problem!
Good review buddy. I'm getting really tired of modern gaming and it's abundtely poor quality and high price. I'm going to gravitate back to retro gaming and I love these minis for consoles and computers. I have to say, I really like this one.. These computers like this and C64, etc were way ahead of my time so I obviously never owned any but I have to say, they have a ton of charm.
I had a 400 and an 800xl as a kid. The 400 had a 64k ram cram upgrade and a "real" keyboard upgrade. If this had a working keyboard, i would have ordered one.
The cable colors make this extra. That joystick is something, right? I kind of palm my joystick (ha ha) like you. Wonder how easy it would be to hit the buttons around the stick (primarily the West button). Is it manageable? Bro, expanding this thing is SO easy. Such an amazing feature for software dummies like me. LOL Not into basic but it will be interesting to see if a save option is found or created and to see if there is an influx of basic programmers. GREAT video, man.
The fact that you can add your own games and you dont have to bother with hackchi CE, is a godsend. I have all the atari 8 bit stuff and getting to add what i want is making me want to buy this system🙂
I’m surprised (Bruce) Lee was so playable for you on the CXStick. I find it to be almost unplayable because the character auto ducks or jump when you push left or right. Only if I play the game with a Xbox 360 controller or something like that does Lee control better… Weird… I’ll have to look into it more.
Hey, MJR. Your character will definitely jump more than you want him to (topping those ladders or trellises or whatever they are), but THECXSTICK feels very precise and I didn't encounter too much accidental hopping or ducking. Another side effect of the ol' single-button controller we inherited from the VCS - a second button for jump would be very welcome for Bruce Lee! 🕹️ P.S. Thanks for stopping by. Since you visited does that make me "legit" now? 😉
Right. And you won't find a review showing games in full screen because it's not a display option. For games you add, you can adjust both the vertical and horizontal width, but it will always be bordered. It bugged me at first, but like letterboxed DVDs in the'90s, after a time I no longer noticed the border.
🚨 R E V I E W U P D A T E S 🚨
• I was mistaken - Atari 5200 ROM images should have the .bin extension - NOT .a52
Was wondering if I did something wrong with the 5200 files, next time I boot it up I'll tend to this.
Otherwise everything else I migrated over to the USB drive worked like a charm - and thanks to you mentioning that file reading limit per page I split the folders up with roughly 200 ish max for each of the folders created, there is pretty much zero lag when you browse the folders it surprised me.
Unrelated but I did take the opportunity to update the firmware on the C64 and A500 mini's I had too as they were both old versions, all patched now ^_^
The Atari 8-bits are still my favorite home computer. I have a 400 and 800XL as well 3 5200's in my collection of retro home computers and video games. They just seemed so awesome when they came out. Hopefully, my mini pre-order will show up this weekend.
No wonder I can't buy one , you've got them all😂😂
Similar story to you. After selling my 400, and then 800XL Ended up with an XE from eBay. Saturday morning, if Amazon delivers it'll be like Xmas '82 all over again!
Jon, the quality and content of your videos is really outstanding. Thank you!
I appreciate that! Thank you for watching! 😁
Just got a message mine is ready for pickup at the post office 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Atari Party at Patrick's house tonight! 🥳
@@GenXGrownUp got home, unpacked and installed it, then I cooked dinner :)
Would love a "For Dummies" guide to getting other games on a stick-drive if possible, for those who aren't as techy. Great video!
Heh. I'm sure you're no dummy, but if there's enough demand I could certainly do that.
I was one of those who was not going to get this due to Star Raiders not being included. I have my old Star Raiders cartridge but alas my Atari 800 is no more. I would love some hints as to where I could find the Rom file for that game or if you could make a video for Dummies on how to find the file on the internet or what you need to get it from the ROM cartridge to a USB stick.
@@roccopassarette5060 Sounds like a second reqeust for an expansion video. BTW, there's a link in the video description to a full set of disk images on the Internet Archive in case you want to start exploring.
Search for star raided atari rom
Copy it (8kb) to a memory stick
Plug into 400 mini
Select and load it
Pull out memory stick
Add external keyboard
Enjoy
I just did ... sure I can play this on Pi, Windows etc. But I just wanted a simple console that I could load in seconds.
I would totally go for a "For Dummies" video!
This is the review I've wanted! Thank you!
Wow that 400 mini looks awesome! Great job on the massive review, Jon.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much John for taking time out to give us such an extensive and excellent review.
My 400 mini is coming later this week. Of course Ill know more how I feel about it when I get it, but based on what I saw here, Ill probably continue using original 5200, XEGS and 130 XE as my go to 8 bit and keep the mini just to add to collection or as an 8 bit backup..
Great review of The400 Mini. Thank you for going in-depth into the functionality as well as loading multi-disk games. I'm looking forward to getting mine & to start messing around with it. 👍👍
Catchy tune, indeed! I love all of the "mini" tunes. The C64 Mini tune was my favorite, but this earworm is taking over. Looking forward to my 400 Mini arriving soon!
Great video, Jon. Thank you so much for the detailed walkthrough which looks easy but would have set you back some serious time to prepare and shoot. I never had anything from the Atari line in the 80s (too costly) but I got a whopper of a present - Apple II in 1984. I mention this because many of my beloved games are also on the 400 Mini. That’s why I’ve purchased a mini and eagerly awaiting its arrival in the next few days.
I'm another longtime Atari 8-bit fan, got a 48K Atari 800 in 1982 when I was in high school (was a joint Chrstmas or birthday gift with my 1-year younger brother), and this mini 400 is really cool. I was thinking through the video, "Does it have Atari Basic?", and sure enough, it does! Made me real happy, as learning BASIC was my principal activity with my 800. Well, that and once I got a disk drive (a 1050), the typical "nerd" games of Infocom text adventures, SSI wargames, the classic early EA releases, and Flight Simulator II. I had little interest in the typical 8-bit arcade games, aside from Star Raiders (the only other game cart I had from those pre-Tramiel days was Eastern Front). I think I actually resented Atari for trotting out yet more releases of the same tired arcade games that I left behind with the VCS/2600.
Thanks for the great, in depth review Jon. I too am waiting patiently for an 800XL Max!
I’m going to get me a job and get me this computa look at these games. I’ve never known about this old Atari computer in general. Think I might get into it. And I want to make a game too. Awesome review.
Love, GenZYungman
Hope you enjoy it!
Oh man. Programming in BASIC is such a cool addition. 🤩
I gave my brother my Atari 800 (two superdrive modified drives, tons of carts and software, and controllers) when he was lamenting not having a computer in the early 80's. He didn't tell me that he threw it away. I've wanted to get a replacement for years. I even own a copy of the Star Raiders cart in box with manuals. I'm so happy to have watched your video which convinced me that the 400 Mini will pretty much satisfy all my nostalgia needs. Thanks so much!
I think your videos consistently get better and better. This was a helpful review of the 400 Mini. I got my 400 in either 1979 or 1980 before they shipped with 8KB RAM, I paid for that upgrade because mine shipped with 4KB. To be honest, access to Atari Basic might be big selling point. I wasted hours programming basic on my old 400 although there was an addictive soccer game on the original that would be amazing to play again. Your video got me reconsidering my decision, I was going to pass on the 400 Mini; not anymore.
Excellent review. I'm already looking forward to the future videos showing the system's modding with new firmware and games. :)
Jon, *THANK YOU* so much for this outstanding rundown of the Atari 400 Mini. You have saved me invaluable time setting mine up when it arrives here in Sweden (hopefully today - Thursday). I’ve been a subscriber for a couple of years now, but after this detailed vid I had to become a channel member as well.
How very kind of you, Grasshopper! I'm always happy to hear that one of my videos has helped someone out. I appreciate you watching! You'll have to let me know how your experience with THE400 Mini goes! 😁
Good evening Jon ! I’m watching this video over and over again , I grew up with the C64, I now discover what a great system the 400 is. Thanks for the content and wish you the best !!
Hi there, and thanks for watching. I'm very much enjoying my Mini! 😁
Awesome video! Thank you for taking all the time and effort. I am super impressed with all the features that they put in this. Your video helps this a lot!
Looks like a solid device overall, congrats on a huge review week! 🎉
Thanks so much! Your Atari videos have been very comprehensive and incredibly helpful. I am loving the 400 mini, it’s clear they’ve really put a lot of thought into it.👍
Glad to help! 😁
Fantastic review! I didn’t grow up with 400/800, but the 2600 and got the XEGS as a teenager, so this wasn’t on my radar. But your review is so thorough and your enthusiasm have me wanting one!
Ok, you sold me, I ordered mine.
My first computer was an Atari 800 and I was holding out for news of a mini 800 but the section on programming hit the "sitting in the glow of a TV pecking at 2 am pecking at the keyboard with an open copy of the latest Antic" nostalgia button. Good times.
Great review and thanks for all you do.
...and then getting the corrections in the next issue of Antic, explaining why I could never get the damn thing to run! 😁 I hope you enjoy it - thanks for the kind words.
As many here the 400 was my first computer and I've wished for a modern solution for as long as I can remember, got mine in today looking forward to it but glad John is getting it all figured out beforehand!
Brilliant review...the best I've watched...can't wait for the arrival of my 400 Mini...my 800XL was my favourite childhood home computer!
Retrogames has a full C64 with working keyboard. They should make a full sized 800+ with working keyboard, and all the hardware emulation as in this video. I thjnk they should add ports for both 400/800 cartridges and 5200 cartridges (yes, TWO cartridge ports. It would make it a little larger, however you would add usability for those who are atill holding onto these cartridges (And I would start collecting them too!)
Thanks Jon for this informative video, I'm waiting for mini to try this little beast out !
You're welcome. Thank you for watching! 😁
That 400 Mini absolutely kicks ass... In my early teens, I used to have a fully upgraded Atari 400 and I spent hours and hours on that thing... I have got to get one of these... :)
Things they need to improve upon:
Fullscreen mode (no Bezels).
On the fly 50/60Hz switching.
Saving Basic Programs to the USB-Stick.
Automatic system detection via suffix (.a52) must be the 5200 system, right?
Really excited to revisit the Atari 8-bit range, I had an Atari 800 for years and it is my all time favourite home computer. My Atari 400mini is likely to be delivered tomorrow. I live in Australia so the distribution has been well organised!
Love your enthusiasm, expertise, joy of all things Atari, honesty and your wonderful & entertaining videos. Best Wishes !!!
Thanks again jon for bringing more enjoyable content coverage on mini gaming platforms!
Love your videos! Great to see a guy who also like Atari. I am a younger viewer, )14 yo) and I love your content, but can you do like kinda a let’s play like you did with adventure, and donkey Kong? Or do pc-man for the 2600 because I loved that port because of the fast mode on there!
Also classic game room is back broadcasting from 2085.
Ms. Pac-Man sounds like a great pick. I'll put it on my idea list. Thanks!
@@GenXGrownUpNo problem.
@@GenXGrownUp John, I think it might be a good Idea to redo basic fun’s number 14 pac-man. Check on the ghosts movement, they all seem to act random, also the power pellets by stage 5, they don’t flicker white, they turn white for a frame before turning into the bad colors.the game actually runs at half the speed, and pac-man doesn’t round corners. But the ghosts do?!? I know you haven’t done one of those in a while. I love how you take your time to give to your audience! Great things come slow, and soon you’ll be at 50 thousand subs here soon! Have you played Atari today?
Best review by far and I believe I've practically seen them all. Definitely the most comprehensive. The USB stick chapter really helped show me how the system works with rom files. Definitely sold me on buying one. That Joystick is pretty awesome. Hopefully works on a PC/MAC.
Fantastic review as always!
Great video Jon. The authoritative word on everything Atari as always. I'm looking forward to taking delivery of my 400 Mini this weekend hopefully :-) Keep up the awesome work!
Great review - thank you. I've gone back and forth on whether this is for me or not, and really appreciate you sharing your experience with it.
Glad it was helpful!
This system looks amazing! I would love to see a C64 mini vid from you! ❤
The feature to add your own games is awesome. And thank God someone put a mapping controller option. Nice review my friend!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I got an Atari 800 XL when the power supply on the C64 I got for Christmas blew out. The store didn't have a replacement so I "settled" on the Atari. I had so much fun programming that thing from magazines with my dorky little tape recorder. I later got an XE with a proper disk drive.
I loved my 800, and later upgraded to the 800XL and then that same 130XE. Truly a great '80s computing platform.
Hello Jon. I like what you do with this channel. It's a great escape from all of the craziness in the world. I'm not a hard core ethusiast but I do think it's all very interesting as I do most things from the 80's. This 400 mini stuff is all exploratory for me as I couldn't afford most of this stuff when I was a kid. It's great that it exist now. I'm still getting use the Atari Game Sation Pro and what it has to offer thanks to this channel. This 400 Mini looks like loads of fun as well. Thanks for another great video.
Thanks for the kind words and for watching. I'm very thankful and humbled that you enjoy my work! 😁
lol I thought I was the only one to remember 'Bristles' too. A friend had an Atari 800 back in the day (thanks to Ebay I have one now) but I did have a 130XE later so could play those games I remembered fondly. But the music and the revealing words after each level take me right back to those happy times!
Thank you so much, Jon, for such an indept review of the 400 mini, I'm expecting mine any day now and can't wait to get stuck in and re-explore all those classics I played as a kid, I can almost smell the nostalgia from back in the day, I'm sure they will update certain aspects of the machine, for me I'd love to have be able to include custom bezels for making it more in tune Atari experience and allow custom cover art for your own games you bring via the USB stick that would be the ultimate.
So looking forward to what you do next and thanks for a great video
About 6 months ago I didn't have a single Atari system. In a few days this will be my 4th one. \o/ Great review, sir. Really looking forward to getting this.
It's a beautiful sickness! 😉
John, this review makes an Atari 8 bit fan, like myself, proud. The next Atari to be released console? I would like the 1450XLD that was never released or simply an Atari 800 maxie, as you have brought up.
Me too. They did this right.
So many memories.. can't wait. Great review!
Thanks for watching!
Because of this console I became a game developer, I worked on a lot of the Atari 2600 line a few 5200. Now I have just about every home console running on a phone it’s crazy.
That's great!
Wow....the controller is awesome. Amazingly thoughtful update while looking old.
I’m so excited for this…should be arriving Friday!
Thank you for another great and conclusive video. I am so looking forward to playing (Bruce) Lee once again plus Jumpman Jr., Donkey Kong, and Zombies. As I am used to the PAL versions the toggle is a really nice option.
I cannot wait for mine to arrive (pre-ordered from Amazon UK)! I had an Atari 800 back in the early 80s; it was by far the best home computer at the time for me over the ZX Spectrum and C64; I loved that beast of a machine with games like Star Raiders, Rescue On Fractalus, and so many others, it was fantastic! I was working at a local family owned shop at the time, and very stupidly (in retrospect) traded it in for the new 800XL when it came out!! 😞 The XL was a great machine, and it came with the matching tape and disc drive, but it didn't have that 'feel' of the original - the original's brute force size and weight was so impressive! And now it's worth a bloody fortune on Ebay!! 😳
Oh well, my 400 mini arrives on Saturday I believe, so it's late (I don't know why), but I am so really looking forward to getting back to that system that I loved 40 years ago... 😊 👍
Been looking forward to the review even though I bought it already and know I'm gonna love it!
Im glad to see the beige cables were not just for the fancy press kits
Agreed!
Looks good will look for one after your review, to me it's got the same issues as the A500 mini regarding the mapping, I do wish they fix that up, they need to do Atari ST Maxi and A500 Maxi, some PAL games will run slow compared NTSC games as well and might find some hidden gems as Euro and America got well different ports in a bad way
That looks terrific. I'm glad I pre-ordered, and I'm looking forward to getting mine...
Thanks for the great review!!
Look forward to getting mine from Amazon this week!
Thanks again Jon. I'm having a play right now with separate folders on the USB flash drive (due to file limit of 256). Also attempting to look at options for files that seemingly crash (perhaps me not knowing which games are for which system yet).
Amazing review, as I knew it would be from GenX Jon. I am looking forward to this mini. I grew up in a C64 house, with the exception of the Atari 2600, so I did not experience the Atari 8-bit line personally. I had a friend or two that had an 800, but well I don't have to tell you about the rivalry that existed between 8-bit brands back then, LOL. Now to find the game collections for download that seem to be disappearing these days with all the crackdowns on emulation sites. Should be fun.
This unit looks pretty awesome. I really wanna play Wavy Navy. That looks totally fun. It seems very clever. The altered Galaga theme is so cool.
it would be soooo cool if they have made it a little bigger and with a real cartridge reader (as for the atari 2600+), THAT would have been really amazing ! Great Video by the way !
This is answered A LOT of questions. Of course I'm going to try to run Diamond v 3 and 3rd party basic and newer homebrews that look gorgeous like time pilot.
I just ran the modern Scramble homebrew on the live stream and it was flawless!
Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
31:35 If you booted into an .ATR disk image that has DOS.SYS and DUP.SYS, then booted into BASIC would save/load work on that disk image?
Also would Boot disks that load an ATARI BASIC program loaded from AUTORUN.SYS work too?
Sorry if im asking too many questions, i've been an Atari 800XL user since 1984.
All great questions. Unfortunately, my Atari expertise has faded over the years so we'll have to wait for smarter people to divine all the cool tricks.
@@GenXGrownUp well you could just try it. Boot up a .ATR image with DOS, with BASIC enabled, and see if it works like that, since it does work in PC emulators.
My delivery date is supposedly Friday. Can't wait. I'll probably throw together my own little video about it.
Thank you for testing the sound in PAL-mode. Much appreciated! Luckily the sound in PAL-mode is fine! Now I am going to buy one ;-)
That was just for you! 😁
@@GenXGrownUpThe left and right bracket keys [ ] work fine with my USB keyboard. I will try to find the inverse key ;-)
I contacted Amazon about my 400 mini that was defective, well you talk about service I told them last night about replacement unit and. This morning I got a message from Amazon that my replacement has been shipped and will be here to tomorrow!
Woot! Glad to hear.
This emulator offers much more than I thought it would. Good video Jon:)
It does! They really spent the time to make it polished.
Great video! My unit arrived as I was watching yesterday. Not sure if anyone has mentioned this below - I found that I could import and export files from the "BASIC" .atr file using the Disk Expolrer tool in the Altirra emulator. Was able to add a .BAS program, see it listed in the DOS directory and run it. Thanks again for a great video.
Oooooh, I've never tried using that part of Altirra. Thanks for the tip!
thanks for the vid! i purchased the cx40 joystick. im curious to see how it works with stella on a PC. KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!!!
Hover Bover is said with a hard 'v'. It's a play on a slang British pronunciation of 'Bother' 'Bovver'. Great review, many thanks.
This is exciting! I'll be there!
30:24 The is one issue with this info screen. The XL and XE computers used the "Sally" 6502C version of the CPU, only the 400 and 800 had a standard 6502. This is extremely minor since the games you are playing won't care... but as an Atari pureists.
Atari has buried their foot on the accelerator this year. So much happening with them. I also understand that more downloadable content is coming up for Atari50! 🎉🎉🎉😊 I can't wait to see the 400 Mini modded with more games in your next video, or, maybe in this one?
No kidding - I'm so happy to have lived long enough to see Atari coming back to life!
Foot on the accelerator indeed. I just placed another order for more Atari stock shares $PONGF :)
Great review for The400 Mini. Thank you for going in-depth into the different features & multi-disk functionality. Can't wait to get mine & start messing around with it. 👍👍
thank you for a super detailed review :-)
BattleZone and Missile Command make it worth the admission price for me.
I look forward to trying out my original Trak Ball with my USB adapter with Missile Command.
M.U.L.E. and Necromancer, and of course, Star Raiders, were my very favorites back in the day, along with Ball Blazer and Eastern Front 1941.
The non-functional keyboard is frustrating to me. That's the best part of the Atari 400 I finally got back last week.
My favorite Atari controller is still the original CX40 joystick. This new update is innovative but it just puts a lampshade on the non-functioning Start, Select, Option, and System Reset keys.
I'm looking forward to the clear HDMI display.
The multi-disk option means I might get to play Omnitrend's Universe, a massive space trading game that comes on half a dozen floppies.
BASIC is really nice, but you can't save to the USB stick?!
Can I run my Assembler/Editor cartridge? Or MAC/65? Or Action! or Forth or Lisp? Dunion's Debugging Tool?
I guess that's what I have my Atari 400 for.
I mostly think of this as a stand-alone emulator, much like my Atari800MacX or your Altirra or RetroArch.
Close, but still not quite there. Yes, that's worth knocking off the half-star for.
I'm still looking forward to receiving The 400 Mini along with my new Atari VCS on Friday, but I'll still have to get a power supply from eBay for the 7800 (and a dozen carts) I rescued last weekend.
Great job on your review. Top notch. Conan - Nice choice!
Ooh! I've got one of those 8Bitdo controllers with the wireless dongle! If I can get my hands on one of these, I'll have to try it out. 🙂
Quick question....
Is it 4 save states per game? Or total on the system? Thanks!
Many thanks for your awesome showcasing! 🙂
My pleasure! Thank you for watching! 😁
They need to do this for the Trs-80 color computer 1-3 (maybe put model 1-3) and the Apple IIc.. Though I doubt that Apple would ever allow that.
Interesting. Since the TRS-80s had built-in monitors, they could instead go with the Tandy CoCo, and include TRS-80 support as well.
USB CX-40!! Now I can play H.E.R.O. on my PC emulator. I've never been able to play that game well without using the original Atari stick so I have to fire up one of my 2600s whenever I want to play that game (probably my favorite 2600 game).
I got my pre ordered 400 mini from Amazon just yesterday and of course I got a defective one. It will come on and you can start to play a game and it just shuts itself off! I tried several power units 5 V 1 amp and it did the same thing. I ‘m sending back to Amazon for replacement . I hope no one else has had a problem!
I'm sorry you had that experience. I hope your new unit arrives quickly for you!
I'm waiting very patiently, for the 65xe/130xe mini...finger crossed
Interesting choice to use "Read-Only Memory" cartridges to represent game saves, when the Atari 400 used both cassettes and floppy discs.
Nice review. It brings back so many memories of my 800 XL. Any news if any brick and mortar stores will be selling this?
Thanks for watching. I'm not privvy to distribution plans - you'd have to ask Retro Games.
0:04 Can we get a detailed video on setting up and organizing games on a flash drive?
Thanks for asking - I'll put it on the wishlist. It's so simple that I wondered if one would even be needed, but it sounds like maybe one is. 😁
I got the c64 maxi and am waiting to pick them all up when there are maxi versions available
Do you have a date on the Atari Maxi?
Good review buddy. I'm getting really tired of modern gaming and it's abundtely poor quality and high price. I'm going to gravitate back to retro gaming and I love these minis for consoles and computers. I have to say, I really like this one.. These computers like this and C64, etc were way ahead of my time so I obviously never owned any but I have to say, they have a ton of charm.
So is there a way to use a trackball????
I had a 400 and an 800xl as a kid. The 400 had a 64k ram cram upgrade and a "real" keyboard upgrade. If this had a working keyboard, i would have ordered one.
The cable colors make this extra. That joystick is something, right? I kind of palm my joystick (ha ha) like you. Wonder how easy it would be to hit the buttons around the stick (primarily the West button). Is it manageable? Bro, expanding this thing is SO easy. Such an amazing feature for software dummies like me. LOL Not into basic but it will be interesting to see if a save option is found or created and to see if there is an influx of basic programmers. GREAT video, man.
The fact that you can add your own games and you dont have to bother with hackchi CE, is a godsend.
I have all the atari 8 bit stuff and getting to add what i want is making me want to buy this system🙂
I’m surprised (Bruce) Lee was so playable for you on the CXStick. I find it to be almost unplayable because the character auto ducks or jump when you push left or right. Only if I play the game with a Xbox 360 controller or something like that does Lee control better… Weird… I’ll have to look into it more.
Hey, MJR. Your character will definitely jump more than you want him to (topping those ladders or trellises or whatever they are), but THECXSTICK feels very precise and I didn't encounter too much accidental hopping or ducking. Another side effect of the ol' single-button controller we inherited from the VCS - a second button for jump would be very welcome for Bruce Lee! 🕹️
P.S. Thanks for stopping by. Since you visited does that make me "legit" now? 😉
Mine is coming Friday. How about using the atari trackball?
FYI That Mario Bros was the 5200 version not XEGS
Yes. Several viewers have pointed that out.
Sorry I didn’t mean to be rude about it lol.
"FULL SCREEN ?" , does the unit run in full screen as I can not find one review showing games in full screen as this would be a downer
Right. And you won't find a review showing games in full screen because it's not a display option. For games you add, you can adjust both the vertical and horizontal width, but it will always be bordered. It bugged me at first, but like letterboxed DVDs in the'90s, after a time I no longer noticed the border.
@@GenXGrownUp Thanks for the quick reply. I know its a 4:3 aspect, but having a full screen 4:3 with black bars and 16:9 still would be good
@@MichaelYates Options are always nice to have.
The Color Coded cables are a nice touch...