Hand 386 Delivers A "True 386 Processor" in a Handheld

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Nintendo 2DS form factor device runs at 40 MHz, includes 8MB RAM, and has 1GB CF card storage.

Retro PC gaming portable
(Image credit: AliExpress)

Gaming PC handhelds are on trend in 2023, but we have just spotted a somewhat niche device tailored to deliver gaming delights to PC DOS / Windows retro gamers. Primarily targeting DOS and early Windows games, the new Hand 386 ticks a lot of boxes for ancient PC gaming on the go. Highlights among the specs of this Nintendo 2DS form factor device include a "true 386 processor core" running at 40 MHz, 8GB of RAM, 1GB of storage, and a built-in screen, keyboard, and battery.

(Image credit: AliExpress)

The Hand 386 has a lot of attractive qualities, according to the product pages on AliExpress, but the listing also raises lots of questions. This product seems to be new, and at the time of writing, there are no customer reviews to provide third part insight. However, its performance in Tyrian 2000 by Epic MegaGames looks pretty slick in the video embedded below. Tyrian 2000 can be grabbed for free via GOG.com, but it offers a Windows 7 or newer and MacOS X compatible version.

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Hand 386 key specifications

Processor

Intel 386 SX 40 MHz CPU

Chipset

M6117D SoC platform / M1217 chipset

Graphics

Chips F65535 VGA graphics for up to 640 x 480 at 256 colors

RAM / Storage

8MB RAM, 1GB CF card connected to IDE adaptor

Sound

Yamaha YMF262-M OPL3 sound card

Ports

PS/2 mouse and keyboard, 8-bit ISA extension, VGA out, 3.5mm audio, USB, DC input (5V, 2A)

Dimensions

150 x 130 x 16 mm (5.9 x 5.1 x 0.6-inches)

AliExpress doesn't share screen dimensions, but from using ruler tools in PhotoShop and knowing overall dimensions, we estimate the screen at five inches, diagonally. We would also assume it is a 640 x 480 resolution screen. From checking the video demo, the screen seems to be adequate.

It is suggested that users install operating systems such as MS-DOS 6.22 or 7.1, and pick between Windows versions spanning v3.1 to Windows 95. Remember, though, the reign of Windows 95 was chiefly during the era of the much more powerful Intel Pentium CPU. Gaming screenshots shared in the listing hint that the Hand 386 would be adept at gaming in classic titles like Commander Keen, Planet X3 and the original Doom.

(Image credit: AliExpress)

The Hand 386 is listed at $195 on AliExpress, and it says that the estimated delivery (if ordered today) would be June 7.

Book 8088, Compact Retro Notebook

If the Hand 386 is too modern for your retro gaming (or computing) tastes, we also spotted the Book 8088 notebook. This portable is offered up in the more traditional clamshell laptop form factor, and is powered by an Intel 8088 CPU, with room for the optional 8087 FPU.

(Image credit: AliExpress)

Like the Hand 386, the Book 8088 offers pretty good specs for the era to which it harkens back. Key specifications include 640KB of RAM (ought to be enough for anyone?), 512MB of CF-card IDE storage, CGA graphics, and optional Yamaha audio. This portable is only recommended for running DOS, versions of Windows up to 3.0, and games / apps from that era.

The Book 8088 also retails for about $195, with an estimated delivery of June 7.

Mark Tyson
Mark Tyson
News Editor

Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

28 Comments Comment from the forums
  • evdjj3j
    Some of the dumbest products I've seen in a while. Why not at least a 486DX? That 386SuX is going to be good for Wolfenstein but forget Doom at any reasonable quality. I also just noticed that the 8088 comes with CGA, wtf it should have at least EGA if not VGA.
    Reply
  • ChrisLaarman
    Amdlova said:
    Mark "device has 8gb ram " its right?
    He said "8 MB RAM". :)
    Reply
  • ChrisLaarman
    evdjj3j said:
    Some of the dumbest products I've seen in a while. Why not at least a 486DX? That 386SuX is going to be good for Wolfenstein but forget Doom at any reasonable quality. I also just noticed that the 8088 comes with CGA, wtf it should have at least EGA if not VGA.
    From my then experience with MIDI sequencing, the clock signal of a 486DX may prove unworkable.
    Reply
  • Amdlova
    ChrisLaarman said:
    On the specs have mismatch information have changed the information
    Reply
  • evdjj3j
    ChrisLaarman said:
    From my then experience with MIDI sequencing, the clock signal of a 486DX may prove unworkable.
    What do you mean? There are plenty of 486s faster than 40Mhz that can handle MIDI.
    Reply
  • ChrisLaarman
    evdjj3j said:
    What do you mean? There are plenty of 486s faster than 40Mhz that can handle MIDI.
    Let me put it this way: I have Dynaware's sequencer (and more) DynaDuet (1988, DOS, VGA, mouse). I couldn't run it on my later hardware (as I remember it: starting with my 33MHz 486DX), but a later emulator (DOSBox, I think) made it possible again to access my 1990 songs. (DynaDuet pre-dates Standard MIDI Files.) - At some time I found out, that a difference in clock signal was the culprit.)
    Reply
  • Sluggotg
    ChrisLaarman said:
    Let me put it this way: I have Dynaware's sequencer (and more) DynaDuet (1988, DOS, VGA, mouse). I couldn't run it on my later hardware (as I remember it: starting with my 33MHz 486DX), but a later emulator (DOSBox, I think) made it possible again to access my 1990 songs. (DynaDuet pre-dates Standard MIDI Files.) - At some time I found out, that a difference in clock signal was the culprit.)
    I don't believe this product is Aimed at people who want to do MIDI Sequencing from 1988. It is clearly designed for DOS/Windows gaming. I like the idea but a 386 is too weak. Also, I may have missed it but does it have an HDMI output. Can it use USB Keyboards and Mice? Also I am not a fan of AliExpress.
    Reply
  • ChrisLaarman
    Sluggotg said:
    I don't believe this product is Aimed at people who want to do MIDI Sequencing from 1988. It is clearly designed for DOS/Windows gaming. I like the idea but a 386 is too weak. Also, I may have missed it but does it have an HDMI output. Can it use USB Keyboards and Mice? Also I am not a fan of AliExpress.
    Nor do I, now that I have a working emulator. I mentioned the sequencing only to explain why a 486DX might /not/ be a better choice than a 386SX.

    USB didn't come to the PC until Windows 98. I had a system custom-built back then, and the vendor was very enthusiastic. HDMI came even later. My 2007 notebook (with TV in, and a remote control) features it.

    Me, I happen to be a returning customer at AliExpress. However, the fun keeps decreasing. (Note that I'm in the EU, which may well shape my experiences and views.)
    Reply
  • Ahhhh.... I love these trips down memory lane.

    VsE0BwQ3l8UView: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsE0BwQ3l8U

    I never used the 386 though... or the 286... or 486. In those days I was using the Commodore Amiga 500... I didn't get my first Windows machine till the Pentium 75 in 1997.
    Reply
  • evdjj3j
    ChrisLaarman said:
    Let me put it this way: I have Dynaware's sequencer (and more) DynaDuet (1988, DOS, VGA, mouse). I couldn't run it on my later hardware (as I remember it: starting with my 33MHz 486DX), but a later emulator (DOSBox, I think) made it possible again to access my 1990 songs. (DynaDuet pre-dates Standard MIDI Files.) - At some time I found out, that a difference in clock signal was the culprit.)
    So you'e talking about a non standard MIDI device, correct?
    Reply