THEA500 Mini has been announced via Retro Games Ltd. and distributed by Koch Media

[number6]

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More info from the company

#6

[BippyM]

The mouse looks great

[clebin]

Originally Posted by BippyM

The mouse looks great

I'd definitely buy one of those if they're sold separately. But only if it's better quality than the C64 joysticks - mine fell apart almost immediately.

Besides build-quality on the peripherals, the other thing I'd hope for in the A500 is better support for USB controllers. TheC64 is very picky about what is or isn't supported, where you'd expect to be able to plug in any old HID controller.

There's also a requirement to have a certain number of buttons to use the menus, which rules out a lot of retro-style USB joysticks. They could've added additional buttons to the main unit, and for the Maxi, easily mapped those functions to keyboard shortcuts. That feels like a missed opportunity.

I like the main unit and the front-end, but the combination of those things is why my C64 Maxi has, sadly, spent most of its life in the attic.

[stainy]

Originally Posted by BippyM

The mouse looks great

I asked.. they confirmed on twitter that the mouse cable will be the same colour as the mouse.

[chip]

What emulator is used ?

[sparhawk]

Originally Posted by Arne

I think they should've used the A1000 case as then it makes sense to connect an external KB (USB I assume), and the A1000 case is also a simpler & cheaper shape to mould and pad-print, and probably not bad looking miniaturized. Disk slit the size of an SD card. Functional front LEDs via SMD LEDS and maybe simple light pipes... Could probably be single board as the A1000 is quite flat.

I would buy an A1000 anytime. Never liked the A500, just like I never liked the C64II or the C128 which look the same. I always preferred the C64 and the C128D and later the A1000.


An A1000 Maxi would be really nice, though.


I guess this will definitely not happen, as this is probably tailored for the people who used to play on A500 which are sure more then A1000 buyers.

[LongLifeA1200]

Originally Posted by rothers

You could 3D print your own one of these.

They never look as good as injected molding.

Originally Posted by chip

What emulator is used ?

UAE, of course. With a front-end they "borrowed", no doubt.

Originally Posted by stevelord

Will contributors to UAE get anything from this? No, of course not.

It makes me glad that everyone that benefits from using WinUAE over the years (or other Amiga emulators based on the work and development of WinUAE) have at least once in their life time made a donation to show their appreciation.

Originally Posted by sneckburger

... it could reduce the demand & value of original hardware.

Originally Posted by LoadWB

Did not happen with the THEC64 Mini/Maxi, and I seriously doubt it this will happen with the THEA500.

I predict, for the USB Amiga Tank Mouse and CD32 GamePad, alone, The Mini A500 will be quickly out of stock.

[gimbal]

Originally Posted by sparhawk

I would buy an A1000 anytime. Never liked the A500, just like I never liked the C64II or the C128 which look the same. I always preferred the C64 and the C128D and later the A1000.


An A1000 Maxi would be really nice, though.


I guess this will definitely not happen, as this is probably tailored for the people who used to play on A500 which are sure more then A1000 buyers.

It's just a name and a shell, it will also ship with AGA-based games after all so it's really an "AMixedBag".

[sparhawk]

Originally Posted by gimbal

It's just a name and a shell, it will also ship with AGA-based games after all so it's really an "AMixedBag".

I know. But it's the visual and the feeling associated with it.


OTOH the mini might still be interesting because of the mouse and the controller. Haven't thought of this before until I read the comment from LongLifeA1200.

[Amiga600]

I have tried contacting them actually about The A500 Mini, But the Contact Form does not Submit

If anyone can help me contact them, I would be grateful, I have a really good idea for them, and they need to know about it sooner rather than later, so they can get the details ready for launch..

[Gordon]

Originally Posted by Amiga600

I have tried contacting them actually about The A500 Mini, But the Contact Form does not Submit

If anyone can help me contact them, I would be grateful, I have a really good idea for them, and they need to know about it sooner rather than later, so they can get the details ready for launch..

They won't do it, its too expensive for them to produce.

[Amiga600]

Amazon are still listing it - https://www.amazon.co.uk/The-A500-Mi.../dp/B09BW8N7JZ

If it was not going ahead, You would think they would pull down all sites asking for preorders, rather than leaving it up, then having to pull out at the last minute?

[RichL]

Where did you get the impression it was not going ahead?

[Amiga600]

LOL? The user above you perhaps?

[Gordon]

I am saying they won't go ahead with your idea. I didn't mean the product as a whole

[Jobbo]

Just noticed The A500 Mini is available for pre-order on both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Says it'll be available 31st March 2022.

Ordered mine!!

[RichL]

It’s been available to order on Amazon UK since 10th August. But good luck.

[eXeler0]

Ordered one today (Sweden) , says release date is 2022.01.01 buuuut that might just be a placeholder..

[number6]

@thread

Production begins:

[ Show youtube player ]

#6

[kriz]

I am really looking forward to this, will buy at launch, hopefully locally in a electronic store like in the 90s