🚨 U P D A T E S 🚨 • VCS Classic Controller is NOT required to unlock these games. Ensure any analog controller is connected to THE400 Mini BEFORE you turn it on, and these two bonus games will unlock. Without the spinner of the Classic Controller you won't have the benefit of the spinner/paddle, but you can still play the games. • Bonus games will not stay activated, but must be triggered again with the above method each time you power on your system.
You are correct. I just noticed the two bonus games after I plugged in a $10 no-name generic controller and they play fine (but without paddle support, of course).
I wonder once you’ve unlocked the 2 games, do they remain unlocked or do you have to plug in the said controller back in every time to unlock them again? I don’t have that controller but it may be worth buying it to get them and with future firmware updates perhaps it will allow the paddle to control the games that didn’t work.
That's a fantastic question and I wish I'd thought of it! 😁 I just tested, and can verify that after a restart, those games are gone until you unlock again with the Classic Controller.
Ha! THAT'S what I get for having my 400Mini AND new Atari VCS Go To bundle delivered on the Same Day! My old paddle controllers skip around too much and I can't find a way to get them to work smoothly again. And those things are Really Hard to find replacements for. The Super Breakout cartridge I got for my Atari 800 has been sitting here unused because I can't find a decent controller to use with it. I made fun of that swiveling stick on the CX joystick for the Atari VCS, but now it may be my lifesaver! Great find! Thanks!! Now I suppose I'll have to find a female USB to DB9 plug adapter somewhere… HEY! I just found "CX30+" paddle controllers (DB9) on Amazon, but only for pre-order. They don't release until May 24th! Is there a new Atari game machine releasing on May 24th?!
So from a rom stand point do we know where are these bonus games are being stored? Are the roms hidden within the mini console itself or are they hidden within the controller and the mini console is just reading the roms off of the controller (sort of like how the mini console picks up added games placed on a USB stick)?
Just to let everyone know: You can plug in almost any USB Controller (except the bundled CX40) into the system and unlock the games. I did it with a cheap Logitec USB controller. So if you don't have a VCS controller, don't worry, try one you already have.
Hi Jon, just an update that you can unlock the two paddle games by plugging in pretty much any controller with analogue sticks. I tried it with my Nintendo Switch Hori Controller and it worked a treat :-) Keep up the awesome work!
I'm hearing that and I think a pinned comment is in order. Can you help me verify that it must be plugged in when you power it on vs. plugging it in after the fact? That was my experience with the Classic Controller, and while I had lots of controllers plugged in during my production, the games never unlocked for me - guessing it must be present at boot.
@@GenXGrownUp I've just nipped upstairs to the Game Nook(TM) and yes you are correct. The games only unlock if you boot up The400 Mini with the analogue controller plugged in and you'll get an acknowledgement sound that the games have been unlocked. Hope this helps :-)
Would've been great. River Raid is owned by Activision, so no agreement there. I wonder who holds the rights to that awesome Synapse library, though. 🤔
Hi there. It seems that classic controller is not for sale any more, just a wireless version at $69... Do you think it would unlock those extra games? Thanks
The Classic Controller is wireless - I just plugged it in. Before you buy, I'm starting to get word that lots of controllers will unlock the two games - not just the Classic. Maybe have it plugged in at power-up, though. I'm still testing.
@@GenXGrownUp on it ! Wish they'd sell an adapter. If there is one thing I hate, it's when games are added to an emulator that need a special controller to enjoy.
It's definitely wireless. I just plugged it in with a USB-A-to-Mini-USB cable. It's this controller: amz.run/92Mr Out of stock some places, but Atari.com shows it available.
I haven't tested but it very well may. I'd be careful with anything that draws power from the unit, though, so a powered USB hub might be in order if a wireless dongle is brought into the mix.
My Classic controller doesn’t seem to work. I unlocked the games, but the games are still expecting directional inputs and don’t seem to read the paddle from the classic controller. What am I doing wrong here?
@@GenXGrownUp Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. The spinner doesn’t work or move in Super Breakout. The curser just sits there waiting for input from the CXstick.
The 400 Mini currently only works with USB based controllers. Atari 7800 controllers won't work without an adapter. As others here have mentioned, the 400 Mini only includes emulation for the Atari 8 but computer line and 5200 console as they are similar architectures. Technically 7800 games could work through emulation as well, but the stock firmware does not include that ability. Given that Atari already sells the 2600+ with 7800 support I doubt the 400 Mini would also get that feature.
Did the games go away when you removed the VCS stick? Edit: In the comments below GenX Grown Up confirmed that the games do go away when you unplug the controller.
You're being very secretive. What kind of controller? You need a VCS? Isn't that like 45 years old? I am confused here. Are we talking a controller with a D-sub 9 connector? Did the paddle ever work with other games?
@@GenXGrownUp Ah, thank you. It can't be bought where I live. I had FOMO for a mo. But guess I was MO'ing. Was the paddle function ever working on The400 Mini apart from the hidden game?
🚨 U P D A T E S 🚨
• VCS Classic Controller is NOT required to unlock these games. Ensure any analog controller is connected to THE400 Mini BEFORE you turn it on, and these two bonus games will unlock. Without the spinner of the Classic Controller you won't have the benefit of the spinner/paddle, but you can still play the games.
• Bonus games will not stay activated, but must be triggered again with the above method each time you power on your system.
You are correct. I just noticed the two bonus games after I plugged in a $10 no-name generic controller and they play fine (but without paddle support, of course).
Castle Crisis author here. I knew it was going to be hidden somehow, but I had no idea how long I'd have to wait for someone to reveal it.
Not long lol
Hey, awesome to have you pop in - wonderful work on CC, my friend! 😁
@bryede This looks identical to the arcade version of Warlords… So did you author that? The 4 player cocktail is one of my grail arcade games. 😎
I wonder why they didn't just use "Warlords" since Atari owns the trademark, rather than create a nearly identical game with a different name.
@@JustWasted3HoursHere When Bryan created this homebrew, he did clearly not have the licence. So he chose the same path as Landon Dyer ("Myriapede").
EASTER EGGS!!!!!!! 😎
...and its not even Easter yet!!😁 😂
Awesome! With this being the case I wonder if the 400 mini supports the VCS modern controller and if there are any secret goodies waiting?
Really cool. My 400 is on the way!
I got my pre-order back on and will get it on Friday! Oh man I am so happy now!
Thanks for the video update Jon 👍
Cool rewind feature my fav feature
I wonder once you’ve unlocked the 2 games, do they remain unlocked or do you have to plug in the said controller back in every time to unlock them again? I don’t have that controller but it may be worth buying it to get them and with future firmware updates perhaps it will allow the paddle to control the games that didn’t work.
That's a fantastic question and I wish I'd thought of it! 😁
I just tested, and can verify that after a restart, those games are gone until you unlock again with the Classic Controller.
@@GenXGrownUp thank you for clarification John 👍 excellent channel with fantastic content- cheers
So it's a way of Atari selling some of their hardware on the 400 Mini.@@simonking5863
Very cool! One more reason I am actually glad I have my Atari VCS !
Hidden games you say?! 😮 Can not wait till my 400 Mini arrives!!
Ha! THAT'S what I get for having my 400Mini AND new Atari VCS Go To bundle delivered on the Same Day!
My old paddle controllers skip around too much and I can't find a way to get them to work smoothly again. And those things are Really Hard to find replacements for.
The Super Breakout cartridge I got for my Atari 800 has been sitting here unused because I can't find a decent controller to use with it.
I made fun of that swiveling stick on the CX joystick for the Atari VCS, but now it may be my lifesaver!
Great find! Thanks!!
Now I suppose I'll have to find a female USB to DB9 plug adapter somewhere…
HEY! I just found "CX30+" paddle controllers (DB9) on Amazon, but only for pre-order. They don't release until May 24th! Is there a new Atari game machine releasing on May 24th?!
I had an issue with slight stiction with that control, that is it wants to stick when turning very slowly but once moving it is free.
AWESOME !!!! I have 2 VCS classic controllers and my 400 mini will be here tomorrow !!!!
Nice!!
What about using track ball controllers with games like Missle Command and Crystal Castles?
I tried a mouse (which is effectively an upside down trackball) but it didn't seem to be recognized.
So from a rom stand point do we know where are these bonus games are being stored? Are the roms hidden within the mini console itself or are they hidden within the controller and the mini console is just reading the roms off of the controller (sort of like how the mini console picks up added games placed on a USB stick)?
If I had to guess, the bonus games are in the Mini and unlocked when it detects a particuar hardware idenitifer.
Now I need that controller!! XD thanks for the tip!!
Just to let everyone know: You can plug in almost any USB Controller (except the bundled CX40) into the system and unlock the games. I did it with a cheap Logitec USB controller. So if you don't have a VCS controller, don't worry, try one you already have.
Oh, is that right? Wow! I found that it had to be connected at the time I powered it on - same for you with other controllers?
@@GenXGrownUp I believe so. I discovered it when attempting to play Robotron With Dual Sticks and noticed they unlocked.
Awesome!!🎉🎉🎉
Amazing. My 400mini arrived in the post 5 minutes ago. Now I just need to buy a VCS to get the VCS joystick and unlock 2 extra games! Tempting.
Atari sells that controller by itself. Not trying to talk you out of a VCS, I love mine.
Have you tried attaching 4 controllers? That could trigger something.
Ooooh, good idea. No, I haven't.
Well done. I wish I had this paddle. I will try to unlock it by other methods ;D
Thanks. 😁 Other controllers will unlock them, but you just won't have that spinner. See my pinned comment. 👀
Hi Jon, just an update that you can unlock the two paddle games by plugging in pretty much any controller with analogue sticks. I tried it with my Nintendo Switch Hori Controller and it worked a treat :-) Keep up the awesome work!
I'm hearing that and I think a pinned comment is in order. Can you help me verify that it must be plugged in when you power it on vs. plugging it in after the fact? That was my experience with the Classic Controller, and while I had lots of controllers plugged in during my production, the games never unlocked for me - guessing it must be present at boot.
@@GenXGrownUp I'll check that for you after I've had my tea/dinner :-)
@@GenXGrownUp I've just nipped upstairs to the Game Nook(TM) and yes you are correct. The games only unlock if you boot up The400 Mini with the analogue controller plugged in and you'll get an acknowledgement sound that the games have been unlocked. Hope this helps :-)
Good find. I'll have to try my GSP controller when my 400 mini comes in.
I had my GSP controller in-use during the review (right toward the end) and no unlocks. However, I also didn't boot it with it plugged in. Who knows?!
Atari is just killing it these days.👍
This was an unexpected surprise. It is kind of funny that this was discovered just from the early review units that were sent out.
I heard about it from John Hancock. Not sure if he discovered it or was tipped off.
I wonder if a 5200 controller will work with an appropriate USB adapter
I'd like to know that, too.
They should have hidden River Raid and Blue Max.
Would've been great. River Raid is owned by Activision, so no agreement there. I wonder who holds the rights to that awesome Synapse library, though. 🤔
... war on Kommadore ... got the amiga 500 mini ... wont get a c64 mini ... so when are the ST's mini coming out
🤷♂️ Dunno. Have you heard something?
@@GenXGrownUpnope i am nobody ... you would hear before me ...
@@NotMuchHereWhile we’re BOTH waiting for the ST Mini, check out HATARI. ST/TT/Falcon emulator that’s super easy to setup. Runs on Windows and Mac.
Hi there. It seems that classic controller is not for sale any more, just a wireless version at $69...
Do you think it would unlock those extra games? Thanks
The Classic Controller is wireless - I just plugged it in. Before you buy, I'm starting to get word that lots of controllers will unlock the two games - not just the Classic. Maybe have it plugged in at power-up, though. I'm still testing.
Looks like the arcade Warlords
It sure does!
What about the Atari modern controller? I assume you tried that already?
Sadly, I don't own one to try it out. It was so much like an Xbox controller that I never picked one up. 🥲
@@GenXGrownUp Ok.. ill give it a shot when my 400 mini comes!
Can you connect a keyboard for games such as Autoduel or the ultima series whilst still using a joystick?
Of course. See my comprehensive review that covers that and LOTS more. ua-cam.com/video/Lfi_vsbxceE/v-deo.html
Nice bonus but pity the VCS800 and controllers aren't available outside USA.
Sorry to hear that
On the plus side, Castle Crisis looks great 👍
This is great!
Can I load ROMs too?
Thanks a lot!
Yes, you can.😁
@GenXGrownUp Awesome!
Thanks a lot!
Whaaaaaaaaat? Nice !
Can you use a regular paddle for these two games?? I bought some for the 2600+... wondering if those would work ?
The 2600+ paddles are 9-pin, not USB, so you'd first need an adapter/translator to even plug them in to test.
@@GenXGrownUp on it ! Wish they'd sell an adapter. If there is one thing I hate, it's when games are added to an emulator that need a special controller to enjoy.
I thought the Atari VCS joystick was wireless? What model is this and where could I get it? Great find!
It's definitely wireless. I just plugged it in with a USB-A-to-Mini-USB cable. It's this controller: amz.run/92Mr
Out of stock some places, but Atari.com shows it available.
@@GenXGrownUp Thanks! I had no idea you could also plug them in.
@@jblackpost Oh, sure. No problem. They have to be plugged hardwire into the VCS any time there's a firmware update for them.
@@GenXGrownUp Ah! I should have guessed. Thanks!
How about adding a GSP controller with a USB to USB-C cable? Would that paddle work?
Sadly, no. I've tried that.
nice !
have you tried 5200 roms ?
even those "paddle" games ?
Hey, BB. Yep, I showed 5200 games in my review. 😁
@@GenXGrownUp The paddle games on the 5200 don't work with the VCS controller?
@@peterrichards1989 What paddle games are there on the 5200? I didn't think it ever had paddle controls.
@@GenXGrownUp I have a paddle controller on mine, it works with Kaboom, Tempest and Pole Position
@@peterrichards1989 An Atari 5200 paddle controller? Educate me.
Is Nautilus going to be available for this?
You can play it right now. Just toss it on the USB stick and fire it up! 😁
Does the gamestation pro joystick unlock these 2 games? It has the paddle control also.
No, it doesn't.
@@GenXGrownUp thanks for checking
Also Atari game station pro controller required to the400 mini
❓
ordered one and an extra cx usb stick ...
Will a bluetooth usb dongle work on the mini so the user can connect a wireless keyboard?
I haven't tested but it very well may. I'd be careful with anything that draws power from the unit, though, so a powered USB hub might be in order if a wireless dongle is brought into the mix.
My Classic controller doesn’t seem to work. I unlocked the games, but the games are still expecting directional inputs and don’t seem to read the paddle from the classic controller. What am I doing wrong here?
Only the two unlocked games seem to observe the Classic spinner.
@@GenXGrownUp Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. The spinner doesn’t work or move in Super Breakout. The curser just sits there waiting for input from the CXstick.
@@derekdash2179 Sounds like it's not physically connected using a power-and-data cable.
💜
curious now ... what about the game station pro ... yes the usb is wrong but ...?? i have one of those ..
I had that plugged in toward the end of my review, but didn't hear or see anything new unlocked.
@@GenXGrownUpah ... running around like a chicken ... did not get there yet ... lucky youtooobe keeps track
Ive tried to find a vcs classic controller thats usb. No luck
It's the Classic released with the VCS.
Try the GameStation pro paddle controller
Great idea. I tried it, but no luck.
What about the modern controller?
Don't have one, but I'm eager to hear if it does something!
oh poo ... now I have to order a VCS .... or get a usb stick ... so when is the VCS going on sale again (black friday or before?)
Hahah!
If I connect a 7800 Proline, wonder if 7800 games appear??
🤔 I'm thinking only games in the 8-bit computer family, but I'd happily be proven wrong!
Maybe plug in a Sega Saturn controller and see what happens
The 400 Mini currently only works with USB based controllers. Atari 7800 controllers won't work without an adapter. As others here have mentioned, the 400 Mini only includes emulation for the Atari 8 but computer line and 5200 console as they are similar architectures. Technically 7800 games could work through emulation as well, but the stock firmware does not include that ability. Given that Atari already sells the 2600+ with 7800 support I doubt the 400 Mini would also get that feature.
Atari 2600 games are available inside the device
I don't think so.
Did the games go away when you removed the VCS stick?
Edit: In the comments below GenX Grown Up confirmed that the games do go away when you unplug the controller.
You found it before I could get to you. 😁
If you plug an Xbox Box controller in it unlocks Halo. Honest.
Can confirm, but this won't unlock until April 1st. 😜
You're being very secretive. What kind of controller? You need a VCS? Isn't that like 45 years old? I am confused here. Are we talking a controller with a D-sub 9 connector? Did the paddle ever work with other games?
No, you're misunderstanding. The modern VCS controller as you can see me using in the video.
@@GenXGrownUp Ah, thank you. It can't be bought where I live. I had FOMO for a mo. But guess I was MO'ing. Was the paddle function ever working on The400 Mini apart from the hidden game?