Compare Atari 400 Mini vs Valve Steam Machine
In this technical comparison between the Atari 400 Mini and the Valve Steam Machine, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
Choosing between these two Home Consoles models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $119.99 / £99.99 and $749 USD (512 GB) / $899 USD (2 TB).
| Specifications |
Atari 400 Mini |
Valve Steam Machine |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | March 2024 | - |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | Allwinner H3 (Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7) | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 (6-core / 12-thread) up to 4.8 GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-400 MP2 | Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 (28 Compute Units) |
| GPU Power | Optimized for 8-bit emulation | Approx. 10.5 Teraflops (Comparable to an RTX 4060 / RX 7600) |
| RAM | 256 MB DDR3 | 16 GB DDR5 (System) + 8 GB GDDR6 (Dedicated VRAM) |
| Storage | 128 MB Flash (internal firmware); supports external USB drives for game loading | 512 GB or 2 TB NVMe SSD (User-upgradeable 2230/2280 slots) |
| Expandable | Yes, via USB flash drive (supports .ATR, .CAS, .CRT, and .EXE files) | High-speed microSD card slot; External USB storage |
| Disc Drive | None (Decorative cartridge slot) | None (Digital only) |
| Video Output | ||
| Resolution | 720p HD (via HDMI) | Native 4K (2160p); 8K support via DisplayPort |
| Max FPS | 60 FPS (Supports 50Hz/60Hz toggle) | Up to 240 FPS (via DisplayPort 1.4); 120 FPS (via HDMI 2.0) |
| HDR | No | HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support |
| VRR | No | AMD FreeSync Premium |
| Ray Tracing | No --- Display Features: CRT Filter, 4:3 or Pixel-Perfect aspect ratios, and decorative screen borders | Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing (RDNA 3) |
| Audio | ||
| Formats | Two-channel Stereo via HDMI | Multichannel Linear PCM, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Headphones | No direct jack (requires USB audio or HDMI pass-through) | 3.5mm jack on controller; USB-C and Bluetooth audio support |
| Connectivity | ||
| HDMI | 1x HDMI Out | 1x HDMI 2.0 (with CEC support) |
| USB | 5x USB-A ports (4 front, 1 rear) for controllers, keyboards, and storage | 2x USB-A 3.2 (Front), 2x USB-A 2.0 (Rear), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Rear) |
| Ethernet | No | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi | No | Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) |
| Bluetooth | No (Wired USB connectivity) | Bluetooth 5.3 (Dedicated antenna) |
| Services | ||
| Online Multiplayer | No | Free (Steam Networking) |
| Cloud Saves | No | Steam Cloud (Free) |
| Subscription | No | None required (Access to Steam Store, EA Play) |
| Remote Play | No | Steam Remote Play / Steam Link |
| Controller | ||
| Included | THECXSTICK (Modernized USB version of the CX40 joystick) | Standard in bundles (or sold separately) |
| Features | 8 total buttons (7 new function buttons integrated into the classic stick design) | Dual haptic trackpads, TMR Magnetic Sticks (no drift), 4 back buttons, Gyro, Capacitive touch sensors |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward | Emulates Atari 400, 800, XL, and XE series, plus the Atari 5200 console | Full Steam Library (via Proton/SteamOS); plays thousands of Windows games |
| VR Support | No | Full support for Valve Index and the new Steam Frame headset |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 6.0" x 5.25" x 2.0" (Half-scale of the original) | 6.1 x 6.4 x 6.0 inches (156 x 162 x 152 mm) — Compact cube design |
| Weight | 8.8 oz (Approx. 250g) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Color | 1970s Beige/Orange (Retro aesthetic) | Matte Black with customizable 17-LED RGB strip |
| Power | ||
| Consumption | Very Low; powered via USB-C (5V/1A required) | 300W Internal Power Supply (Max draw approx. 150-180W) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Console, THECXSTICK Joystick, HDMI Cable, USB-C Power Cable, 25 Built-in Games (including Berzerk, Millipede, M.U.L.E., and Star Raiders II) | Console, Steam Controller 2, Charging Puck, HDMI 2.0 cable, AC Power cord |
| Price | $119.99 / £99.99 | $749 USD (512 GB) / $899 USD (2 TB) |
| Full Details | 400 Mini - Full Specifications | Steam Machine - Full Specifications |