Atari 400 Mini review: A timely reminder not all iconic computer design is by Apple

Between the recent launch of the Atari 2600+ last year and several upcoming remakes for some of the brand's most iconic games, Atari is in a bit of a golden spot currently. The latest evidence for this is none other than the Atari 400 Mini, a shrunken-down version of one of gamings most niche home computer systems that  launched in 1979, released with the intention to spotlight a slightly lesser-known time in Atari's 8-bit era.

And true, while the Atari 400 Mini forgoes the 2600+’s adoration for all things analogue in favour of a more traditional focus on emulation, it’s still a worthy entry into the retro mini console market space and in many ways is one of the best retro consoles release recently, despite technically being a retro computer.

Niche appeal aside, the Atari 400 Mini is an affectionately made and faithful way for modern players to enjoy familiar classic Atari games, as well as a chance to check out some deeper cuts you probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play otherwise.

Atari 400 Mini review: in the box

In addition to the main Atari 400 Mini unit itself, out of the box for £99.99 / $119.99 you also get a quick-start guide, HDMI cable, USB-C to USB-A cable (for power), as well as a sturdy recreation of the CX40 joystick – albeit with a big difference, as this controller features more buttons for modern gamers and console functions.

Such contents have become standard for Atari’s other miniaturised nostalgia plays seen recently. This means that again, though, you better ensure you have a mains plug attachment for that USB-A end of the power cable to plug into, otherwise turning this thing on is a no-go.

Of course, being sent a press kit, my version of the Atari 400 Mini came packaged quite differently to the one available to buy off the shelf. In this case the box opened up from the front with both the console unit and joystick controller sat next to each other in front of a brown, psychedelic carpet pattern indicative of what you’d see in the 70s. Both cables were located in a slide-out tray below, adding just a touch of the tactility you’d expect to see from a retro product like this.

Atari 400 Mini review: design and build

The Atari 400 Mini pays excellent tribute to the hardware its aping. Sure, the unit is significantly smaller and lighter than its contemporary counterpart, but Atari’s willingness to coat the chassis in the same nostalgic beige tone instantly gives it an authentically retro feel.

Better yet, a nice touch is the fact that both the HDMI and power cables are coated in this shade too, meaning the mini console never feels out of place to the era its paying tribute to – even when in use.

Size-wise, coming in at 2" x 6" x 5.25" means the Atari 400 Mini won’t fool you into think it’s the genuine article. That said, the replication of the original machine’s membrane keyboard is excellently done despite the fact that they merely serve aesthetic purposes.

The same can mostly be said for the console’s top-loading cartridge slot, which is faithfully replicated here in a closed position. Sadly, since the device is emulation only there’s no real need for it to open, and so Atari hasn’t seen fit to let it do so. Even still the design of the Atari 400 Mini is wonderfully accurate to the computer 70s and 80s veterans will remember.

Atari 400 Mini review: performance

Since this is emulation, the Atari 400 Mini performs just about as flawlessly as you’d expect. None of the 25 built-in games I tested showed any noticeable signs of lag, with each one fired up quickly (even when loaded from one of the four available save slots).

Hooking it up is as simple as plugging in the HDMI into your TV and power cable into a plug as per, at which point the replica CX40 joystick can be plugged into the front and then you’re up and running. The Atari 400 Mini accepts up to four joysticks at once via a standard USB-A connection at the front, ideal for multiplayer titles like Bezerk and Bristles.

The real star of the show is the modernised CX40 joystick, which now features a total of eight buttons as opposed to the usual one. How, you ask? Well, Atari has smartly included four around the main stick’s circular edge, two front-facing on the base, and another one found on the left-corner edge.

The Home and Options button on the front serve standard functions relating to backing in and out of games, saving, and rewinding, while the four circular buttons each have different uses depending on the selected game. I’ll admit, it’s a bit confusing keeping each button’s function in your head if you’re dipping in and out of the catalogue, but otherwise the added inputs are an appreciated touch.

Atari 400 Mini review: the games

It’s no secret that, when compared to a machine like the Atari 2600, titles native to the 400 and 800 home computer systems are less well known. This hasn’t stopped from filling out the Atari 400 Mini’s built-in library with such expected classics as Asteroids, Centipede and BattleZone.

There is time for more niche titles like Hover Bover, Yoomp! and The Seven Cities of Gold to shine too, which is nice and specific to this retro console mini. There’s a good eclectic mix found here, even if a large portion of titles featured fall into the category of finicking 2D platformers so popular at time on 8-bit hardware but also so, so hard today.

Most of the games have a good deal of challenge to them, but this is somewhat offset by your ability to rewind within each by up to 30 seconds by simply pushing the joystick left as you hold down the Home button. It's the kind of feature you find on new retro consoles like the Evercade EXP or retro game release for Nintendo Switch, like the IREM Colletion Vol.1.

The additional buttons on the CX40 also prove handy in this area too. Of course, while there are 25 titles to jump into right away, Atari continues its emulation approval ethos by letting you load up your own ROMs, done by simply plugging in a USB stick and ticking the correct compatibility settings relevant to each; it’s mini console emulation made easy.

Atari 400 Mini review: should I buy one?

Certainly, on the whole, the Atari 400 Mini is far tougher a purchase prospect than something like the Atari 2600+. That said, providing you know that the hardware in which this is based was always niche to begin with, it still acts as a faithful tribute to one of Atari’s deeper cut curios.

The game selection is good, the design of the unit is flawless, and there’s an inherent novelty to be had from a greatly expanded CX40 joystick that I hope the homebrew scene has a lot of fun with in future. Definitely one for the more veteran Atari fan, but an excellent mini comeback nevertheless.