Promising to stick MS-DOS games in your pocket, the Pocket 386 is an imported classic PC handheld that has sold out on AliExpress.
Last year we brought you news of the Weecee, a mini PC designed to run MS-DOS and Windows 95 games. Well, the Pocket 386 (a smaller version, Hand386, is also available) goes one better – it plays MS-DOS games and you can take it anywhere!
This gadget is built to operate software that is three decades old, making it unsuitable for contemporary games or PC applications. However, it offers the opportunity to indulge in classic games and use outdated software without utilizing emulation software like DOSBox.
What is the Pocket 386?
Equipped with an M6117D processor, an M1217 chipset, an 8MB system memory, and a 1GB CompactFlash card for storage, this gadget functions. Further, the system features a 740 x 480 pixel screen with 256-color support, a Yamaha YMF262-M OPL3 sound card, and a 2,500 mAh battery.
Here’;’s a look at it in action:
The gadget’s connectivity options include a VGA output, a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type-A port, and even a PS/2 mouse and keyboard connector.
Measuring at 150 x 130 x 16mm (or roughly 5.9″ x 5.1″ x 0.6″), it is nearly the size of two ordinary smartphones positioned side-to-side. However, it may be too wide to fit in a pocket comfortably, but it is significantly more portable than a desktop or laptop from the early 1990s with comparable specs.
But, if the listings page on AliExpress state that the Pocket 386 is sold out, what can you do if you have a sudden urge to play classic MS-DOS games without DOSBox?
Well, the best option is to dig out an old PC. If you don’t have one knocking around, you might be able to find something suitable in a charity shop. 1990s laptops on eBay are also a good option. Failing that, a Raspberry Pi running a bare metal emulator like Faux86 should do the trick.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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.
We collect the most important retro gaming news and articles and send them to you weekly, absolutely free.
