Key Takeaways
1. Retro Games Ltd. has launched several miniature versions of classic computer systems, including the C64 Mini and A500 Mini, but the A500 Mini’s gameplay is limited without a real keyboard.
2. The A500 Maxi, a full-sized version of the A500 Mini, has been delayed due to ongoing legal issues between Hyperion Entertainment and Amiga parties.
3. Retro Games Ltd. initially aimed to release the A500 Maxi in the first quarter of 2025 but will not meet that timeline due to the legal troubles.
4. Support from partners Amiga and Cloanto is ongoing, but the release of the A500 Maxi will be postponed until legal matters are resolved.
5. The company is also developing a new model called the A1200, which may replace or be sold alongside the A500, with more details expected to be shared soon.
Retro Games Ltd. has launched a number of miniature versions of famous computer systems, including the C64 Mini, Vic20 Mini, C64 Maxi, Atari 400 Mini, and the A500, which is a mini version of the Amiga 500. However, the gameplay experience with the A500 was somewhat limited due to the absence of a real keyboard. This led the company to plan for an A500 Maxi, akin to the C64 Maxi and ZX Spectrum. This new model was expected to come out last year, but fans are still waiting with no updates.
Delay Due to Legal Issues
On their Facebook page, the company shared that the launch of the A500 Maxi is being pushed back because of ongoing legal troubles. The post states:
“It has always been our goal to launch a full-sized version of THE A500 mini in the first quarter of 2025. Unfortunately, despite our team and partners working hard, we won’t be able to meet that timeline.”
Sadly, the legal disagreements between Hyperion Entertainment and the Amiga parties are hindering the manufacturing process. Many in the “Amiga scene” may remember that Hyperion began legal actions against Amiga parties back in 2018, and in 2019, they attempted to block the release of THE A500 Mini, despite that being a “Hyperion Prohibited Action” per their 2009 Settlement Agreement.
Support from Friends
Our colleagues at Amiga and Cloanto, who have been with us during the development of THEC64, THEVIC20, and THE A500 mini, are working hard to resolve the situation quickly. Nonetheless, our manufacturing and retail partners have decided to delay the release of our full-sized machine until the legal matters are fully sorted out. We understand that these delays are disappointing and frustrating, but sadly, the situation is out of our hands.
Despite these setbacks, Retro Games has reassured fans that they are still developing a full-size successor to the A500. Interestingly, it seems this will not be an Amiga 500 but rather an Amiga 1200 model, which will be named the A1200. It remains unclear whether the A500 will be replaced by this new model or if both will be sold simultaneously. Retro Games Ltd. plans to share more information regarding features, software, and the release date soon. Thus, Amiga fans can still look forward to a genuine replica that allows them to enjoy their beloved classics on modern displays.
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