Retro console test: The400 Mini emulates Atari's 8-bit family
Page 3: Emulation with many features
After pressing the power button, it takes 11 seconds to reach the main menu. When starting for the first time, you are first asked to select the menu language and whether you want to use 60 Hertz (NTSC) or 50 Hertz (PAL). The output is 720p, which is more than sufficient for a retro console that displays 8-bit pixel graphics.
If you are familiar with the user interface of previous retro consoles – such as the TheA500 Mini – the The400 Mini has no surprises for you: You choose the game you want to play from the various game poster icons. In addition to a screenshot, a little more information is displayed for each game, such as the plot and gameplay. Further information such as the number of possible games can be found below the short description. "1P" stands for one player, "2P" for two players, and "2P+" if more than two players can play the selected game.
The games can also be sorted according to various criteria such as name or year of publication by pressing the ring button on the right. The ring button on the left can be used to assign up to four favorite stars. If you press the joystick upwards, a game aid appears: the joystick assignment is displayed. Pressing down takes you to the saves: up to four saves can be saved per game.
Press the menu button to access the options. Two screen modes can be set in the display options to bring the formerly almost square picture into the 16:9 era: The 4:3 format and "Pixel perfect" are available for selection. The 4:3 format scales the game screen to the standard format of the time. Pixel perfect, on the other hand, widens the game screen slightly, but avoids scaling artefacts. The format leaves a lot of space on modern 16:9 screens. These can be embellished in the frame settings with twelve different backgrounds, from a 3D playing field reminiscent of the movie Tron to hexagonal honeycombs.
In the options, you can also set the volume, the menu language or shut down the system. If the The400 Mini is switched off for a longer period of time, it is advisable to disconnect it completely from the mains, as the USB outputs still carry power even when switched off.
