Will there be a full sized Amiga clone once THEA500 Mini has been released? Many certainly seem to think so, expecting the manufacturers to follow the same path as its Commodore 64-inspired range.
Responding to speculation about what was a quite innocuous comment, Retro Games Ltd has decided to expand on the possibilities for its Amiga range beyond THEA500 Mini.
Noting that they aren’t relying on a crowdfunder to raise funds for R&D, Retro Games Ltd state that “we have followed the process we have with THEC64 range, and started with a more mass-market “mini” device that will reach a larger audience and perhaps introduce a whole new generation to the much loved home computer.”
From this point, if THEA500 Mini is successful (currently riding high on the Amazon console charts) “then we will very definitely consider a full-sized release in one form or another.”
However, there is an important caveat. “…in very rough figures, THEC64 mini has sold approximately 80% of the total volume of global sales so far for that range as opposed to 20% of volume of sales for the full sized version.”
While the statement consludes that a ful sized Amiga (or “A500”) will be released when practical, it is worth noting that there is clearly a different audience for the mini and full sized devices. We suspect it is fair to suppose that those interested in mini retro consoles don’t have access to the original hardware, while those passionate about “full sized” devices want something that looks the part, and are more likely to already own an original device.
That statement in full:
“Regarding the question being asked about a full-sized machine. This is something we’ve considering for sure, as per in the press release, THEA500 mini is the first in the planned THEA500 range, but as you’re all aware, such a project is very expensive to develop let alone design and manufacture, not forgetting this is not being paid for in advance like a ‘Kickstarter’ project like some peer products, this is straight to retail. Thus we have followed the process we have with THEC64 range, and started with a more mass-market “mini” device that will reach a larger audience and perhaps introduce a whole new generation to the much loved home computer. If this is successful, and after the response we’ve had over the last few days we are sure it will be, then we will very definitely consider a full-sized release in one form or another. Though this will likely be some time away in the future, as in, after the release in 2022 of the mini of course. To answer the question further also its worth saying, in very rough figures, THEC64 mini has sold approximately 80% of the total volume of global sales so far for that range as opposed to 20% of volume of sales for the full sized version. So prior sales indicate the mini is the more popular option for most consumers, but we still do want to create full sized versions for that very sizable 20% of you as well! So basically yes is the answer, as soon as practical!”
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.