A500 Mini review

Our A500 Mini review reveals a retro console that crams a big gaming legacy into a small, beautifully designed package.

A photo of the A500 Mini for review, held over a wooden table
(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

The A500 Mini, or the Amiga 500 Mini to give it its longer name, is a fantastic little model console that is the best way to reintroduce the world of Amiga gaming to old and new fans alike. The console is elegantly modelled from the 90's computer and this extends to the mouse and gamepad. The games themselves veer from excellent to odd curiosities, which sums up Amiga gaming perfectly. Hardcore fans may find they need more emulation options and the import games feature is patchy, but the A500 Mini is an excellent way to experience the Amiga in 2022.

For

  • A detailed recreation of the iconic Amiga 500 computer
  • Import and play your own games
  • Excellent UI and hassle-free setup

Against

  • A mixed list of classic games
  • Not all imported games work

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This A500 Mini review, or the Amiga 500 Mini, to give this retro console it's long-form name, takes us back to late 80s and 90s for a hit retro game perfection. What sets the A500 Mini apart from other plug-and-play retro mini consoles is the option to download and install games. It's also not a 'console' but a home computer, which means the games are slightly more in-depth than the arcade games found on Sega and Nintendo retro consoles.

To get an idea of what these kinds of miniaturised retro game consoles can offer, then take a look at our guide to the best retro game consoles. If you're looking to take your love or retro games further, then read our advice for how to break into pixel art. Some of the best retro games can also be played on Nintendo Switch, take a look at our buyers guide to the best deals for Nintendo Switch.

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The Verdict
8

out of 10

The A500 Mini

The A500 Mini, or the Amiga 500 Mini to give it its longer name, is a fantastic little model console that is the best way to reintroduce the world of Amiga gaming to old and new fans alike. The console is elegantly modelled from the 90's computer and this extends to the mouse and gamepad. The games themselves veer from excellent to odd curiosities, which sums up Amiga gaming perfectly. Hardcore fans may find they need more emulation options and the import games feature is patchy, but the A500 Mini is an excellent way to experience the Amiga in 2022.

Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.