Gaming PC handhelds are trending in 2023, but we’ve discovered a somewhat niche device made to bring gaming fun to PC DOS/Windows retro gamers.Newer, primarily aimed at DOS and early Windows games hand 386 Playing ancient PC games on the go meets many criteria. Spec highlights for this Nintendo 2DS form factor device include a “True 386 Processor Core” running at 40 MHz, 8 GB of RAM, 1 GB of storage, a built-in screen, keyboard and battery.
According to the AliExpress product page, the Hand 386 has many appealing qualities, but this list also raises a lot of questions. The product appears to be new, but at the time of this writing there are no customer reviews to provide third-party information. However, his Tyrian 2000 performance by Epic MegaGames looks pretty smooth in the video embedded below.Tyrian 2000 is available for free Via GOG.com (opens in new tab)However, versions compatible with Windows 7 and later and MacOS X are provided.
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Hand 386 key specification |
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processor |
Intel 386SX 40MHz CPU |
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chipset |
M6117D SoC Platform / M1217 Chipset |
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Graphics |
Chip F65535 VGA graphics (up to 640 x 480 with 256 colors) |
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RAM/storage |
8GB RAM, 1GB CF card connected to IDE adapter |
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sound |
Yamaha YMF262-M OPL3 Sound Card |
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port |
PS/2 mouse and keyboard, 8-bit ISA extension, VGA output, 3.5mm audio, USB, DC input (5V, 2A) |
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size |
150 x 130 x 16 mm (5.9 x 5.1 x 0.6 in) |
AliExpress doesn’t share screen dimensions, but using PhotoShop’s ruler tool and knowing the overall dimensions, we estimate the screen to be 5 inches diagonal. Also, assume you have a screen with a resolution of 640 x 480. Checking the video demo, the screen seems to be sufficient.
We recommend installing an operating system such as MS-DOS 6.22 or 7.1 and choosing between Windows versions v3.1 through Windows 95. But remember that Windows 95’s reign was largely the era of the much more powerful Intel. Pentium CPU. Game screenshots shared on the list suggest Hand 386 is adept at games with classic titles such as: Keen Commander, Planet X3 and the original Doom.
The Hand 386 is listed for $195 on AliExpress with an estimated delivery date (if ordered today) of June 7th.
Book 8088, Compact Retro Notebook
If the Hand 386 is too modern for your retro gaming (or computing) tastes, we also found: Book 8088 Note. This portable comes in a more traditional clamshell laptop form factor and is powered by an Intel 8088 CPU with room for an optional his 8087 FPU.
Like the Hand 386, the Book 8088 offers pretty good specs that are reminiscent of its era. Key specs include 640KB of RAM (should be enough for everyone?), 512MB of CF card IDE storage, CGA graphics, and optional Yamaha audio. This portable is only recommended for running DOS, Windows versions up to 3.0, and games/apps of that era.
The Book 8088 also sells for about $195 with an estimated delivery date of June 7th.
