The Atari 400 returns to retail with the just-released 400 Mini

An iconic computer from the late 70s, Atari’s “400” is back and loaded with 25 games ( and maybe a couple of secrets).

Happy Easter

The original Atari 400 was released in 1979, and was a pretty darn innovative piece of equipment. Sure it could play video games, but it was also a home computer that allowed users to do more with it. And while we all know that Atari pretty decisively made the flip to being almost exclusively about gaming in the 80s, the company’s early PC’s are still fondly remembered.

If you are among the lot that does have some warm and fuzzy memories about the 400, or you just dig retro stuff, then you’re going to want to see what PLAION and Retro Games Ltd. just dropped. The 400 Mini is an exact recreation of this early desktop, bust clocks in at 50% of the original size.

The companies involved with getting this retro-remake to market say that they wanted to treat the 400 with “respect, care, and attention”, and it certainly looks as though they’ve done just that.

“We’ve had a lot of fun over the last three months telling our fans all about The 400 Mini and what it has to offer,” said Paul Andrews, Managing Director at Retro Games Ltd. “If you’ve been following the story, you’ll know all about the 25 pre-installed games, the HDMI and USB compatibility, and the fact that we love retro and want to preserve the history of video games. Our 400 Mini replica has been lovingly crafted to emulate the 1979 design classic, and will look great on any desk, offering the opportunity of a ‘super breakout’ from the daily grind. And if they look hard enough, retro gamers will be rewarded with an egg-stra special treat.”

Paul Andrews, Managing Director at Retro Games Ltd

About that last remark, there are apparently some secrets floating around in this mini-console. It does sound like those might be some additional games too, with the press release saying “”it is quite possible that there may be more to this mini system than the previously advertised 25 games. Given Easter is upon us, perhaps Atari fans will be able to add another couple of Easter Eggs to their chocolate haul.” On top of that too, PLAION says that players will be able to add their own games to the machine as well, by way of side-loading via a USB stick. All of that should be music to the ears of long time fans.

Again the 400 Mini is out right now on Amazon, with a price tag of $119.99 USD. If you’re thinking of grabbing one for your own collection, you might want to do it sooner than later too. PLAION adds that there will be “limited stock” on these little guys.