Today, there's no shortage of ways for retro gaming enthusiasts to satisfy their nostalgia fix, including PC emulators, mobile gaming apps, and plug-and-play consoles for TVs, but the Pocket 386, a mini computer portable handheld, it stands out by using original hardware for an authentic retro feel.
The device, which comes from China (of course), comes from the makers of the similar retro laptop, the Book 8086 (which runs Dos and Windows 3.0), and reflects its specifications but in a new form factor. It features a 40 MHz 386 SX chip, 8 MB of DRAM, a replaceable VGA card, and a design reminiscent of computers from the early 90s.
The Pocket 386’s 7-inch IPS LCD screen switches between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios to suit different preferences, balancing modern and vintage viewing styles. Its design lacks a trackpad; instead, arrow keys and dedicated function keys serve as mouse controls, adding to its retro charm.
Play the classics
Connectivity options such as PS/2 and VGA ports allow you to connect peripherals such as trackball mice and CRT monitors, enhancing the nostalgic experience. It comes pre-installed with Windows 3.11, with an option to upgrade to Windows 95, allowing for a wider range of software.
The Pocket 386 is currently offered at a reduced price of $187 (down from the original $300) and is available in black and clear versions. It can be purchased from the DZT store on AliExpress. RetroTV1 Tech has even tested some retro games on it, including Doom, Wolfenstein 3-D, and Commander Keen4, and you can see it in action in the video below.
Beyond retro gaming, the Pocket 386 is potentially versatile enough for a variety of computing tasks. It could be used for older business applications that require a legacy operating system, for programming, word processing, or as a portable device to run classic software utilities, although you may need to do a little work to get the titles running.
