If a guy buys a new Amiga Mini, is it all just good enough to use out of the box? Thinking about giving one to the son-in-law for Christmas...

Last edited by Amiga4000 on 08-Dec-2022 at 02:22 AM.

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@Amiga4000

It's a lot to read, but most reactions here would be in the latter part of this thread:
THEA500 Mini is coming!

You can also just search google videos using the tools limiter of say...a month and get more current summations.

Overall I'd say yes, but I'm sure purchasers here on AW will chime in with their own opinions.

#6

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@Amiga4000

No, but only because you need a standard USB-A slot phone charger type AC power brick (not included says it needs to be 1A rated but I would check that it's 2A ideally as explained below). Also, you need an additional THE GAMEPAD or THEC64 Joystick to play 2-player games. Other than that it is plug in and play with a HDMI TV and the built in 25 games are very easy to get going!

If you want extra games then you will need a USB 2.0 (3.0 recommended for better speeds copying files on PC/Mac end) memory stick and to copy the required files onto it from an internet enabled computer (guide in the manual) and the WHDLoad games files (easily found).

Updating the firmware is recommended as it allows you to easily use multi-disk ADFs. The firmware update corrects compatibility with THEC64 Joystick too.

IF YOU DO ATTEMPT THIS READ THIS CAREFULLY:
1) Make sure your power supply is 2A rated minimum!
2) Unplug everything but the Gamepad and the memory stick the update file is on from the rear USB slots.
3) Make sure the memory stick is plugged directly into a USB slot on the back (NO HUBS)!

Otherwise power issues and possible bricking are an issue.

Other than these niggles the machine is great and easy to use!

Last edited by BigD on 08-Dec-2022 at 06:01 PM.
Last edited by BigD on 08-Dec-2022 at 05:59 PM.

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@number6
Thanks for the link however, I've read so much much word salad that I stopped reading about the mini...

@BigD

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know! Very precise and to the point!

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@Amiga4000

Instead of the power brick, an alternative is to get a cable to connect it to a USB port either on a powered USB hub or on a PC. Make sure the USB port you use is of the "charging" type.

Best regards,

Niels

@Amiga4000

In regards to power requirements, they're very light.
I just have mine powered by plugging it into a usb port on my tv and it works fine.

@fishy_fis

Yeah, the power requirements ARE light and 1A WILL suffice 99% of the time BUT with the memory stick connected to a hub it is unreliable and can corrupt it. It's not worth the risk of having an underpowered USB slot during the firmware update for definite! Any 4-player action seems 'on the edge' with a 1A supply!

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@BigD

I have a usb hub, 2 joypads, 2 mouses, keyboard, and a usb case with a sata harddrive inside connected to mine with zero issues.

@fishy_fis

I assume it's a powered hub. I am simply commenting on the limitations of the in built USB slots on a 1A supply. The problem persists. Well done for circumventing it.

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I believe that you can also use PS4 controllers with the A500 mini and possibly XBox ones too (although not sure if PS3 or PS5 controllers work). So if you have any to spare saves you having to purchase the extra pad/joystick.

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