The next mini Atari is a ‘70s computer you’ve probably never heard of, and I’m hyped
Jan. 11, 2024An unexpected retro revival
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Retro Games Ltd, the minds behind play and play systems like the C64 Mini, just announced a brand new Atari revival project. This time, the company is making a dinky version of the Atari 400, a computer that most of you probably haven’t heard of or even remember. However, I’m here to tell you that’s not remotely a bad thing, as it means you’ll be able to enjoy one of my favorite microcomputers without any of the usual antiquated retro gaming faff.
Just in case you’re not in the know, microcomputers were what roamed the land before the dawn of thebest gaming PCoptions. Machines like the Atari 400 and Commodore 64 served as the first home computers that could run programs using BASIC, including a ton of games that came on cassettes, floppy disks, and cartridges. Just like classic consoles, each system used a slightly different hardware approach when it came to visuals and sound, but for me personally, the early Atari stuff hits home completely differently.
Naturally, I’d need to get my hands on it to see whether it succeeds in that endeavour, but it does look exactly like the original controller. That actually might be down to the fact that this project is in collaboration with PLAION, the team behind theAtari 2600+, but I’ll do a side by side comparison when I can.
Unlike the Atari 2600+, this new system is designed to run games using ROMs, which is a bit of a bummer given that I have more than a few Atari 400 carts lying around. Still, the idea of revisiting this classic library in HD is extremely appealing, and it could help introduce new players to what I’d describe as a relatively obscure library.
Now, there’s a few reasons I’m pretty hyped about the THE400, and it’s partially down to the fact I don’t own this specific, original model. The version I do have is the Atari 600XL, a successor that runs the same games but gives less retro space age vibes and more of an executive office getup. The other reason I’m excited is that this new system can also sneakily run Atari 5200 games. Why does that matter? Well, I live in the UK, and the company’s second console was only released in the US.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
Looking for something you can take on the go? Check out thebest gaming handheldfor portable retro options.
I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
Intel just announced new graphics cards starting at $219, and I’m rooting for these budget Battlemages
Cyber Monday PC deals can save you up to $600 today - but I don’t think stock will last much longer
