The Pocket8086 is a handheld retro computer built around classic 8086, 8088, NEC V20, or NEC V30 processors, giving it the performance and behavior of an 8086-class retro computer while still offering the convenience of a compact handheld form factor. Designed for vintage-computing enthusiasts, DOS gamers, and makers, it delivers a handheld retro computing experience suitable for DOS 6.22 as well as Windows 3.0/3.1, effectively packing an XT-class machine into a portable device.
The device integrates a 4.77–10 MHz CPU, 768 KB RAM, a replaceable TVGA9000i-based VGA card with 512 KB VRAM, OPL3 (YMF262) audio, a built-in mouse, PS/2 support, VGA output, CH375B-based USB mass-storage (U-disk) support, and a 512 MB CF card for IDE-mode storage. It features an IPS LCD with 4:3 and 16:9 modes (640×480 / 800×480), and includes OSD/SOSD menus for display tuning and system status. A 4,000 mAh lithium battery, open hardware documentation, and expansion options (8-bit ISA, parallel port) make it suitable for retro game development, DOS productivity, hardware tinkering, microcomputer education, and general PC-XT exploration in a portable form.
Pocket8086 specifications:
- CPU – Supports Intel 8086 / 8088 processors; NEC V20/V30 compatible
- Chipset – Intel 8284 clock generator, 8259 PIC, 8254 timer, 8237 DMA controller
- Memory – 768 KB RAM (640 KB base + 128 KB UMB)
- Storage – Supports up to 2 GB FAT16 CF cards
- Display and Video output
- IBuilt-in LCD, 16:9 aspect ratio; switchable to 4:3 via Fn+F4
- VGA output port with expansion module, keyboard toggle (Fn+1)
- Replaceable VGA card with TVGA9000i and 512 KB VRAM
- Audio
- 3OPL3-compatible sound card
- Stereo speakers
- 3.5mm audio out jack
- USB – USB DOS-readable storage via CH375B controller (supports U-disk in DOS/Windows)
- User Input
- Ultra-compact netbook-style keyboard with TURBO key; Fn-based display controls
- PS/2 port (mouse/keyboard, emulation unreliable)
- Expansion
- 8-bit ISA expansion bus
- Serial header
- Parallel header
- BIOS – IBM PC-XT 05/08/86 version (slightly modified; MASM-built; source code available)
- Misc
- Jumper-selectable CPU type
- On-screen function menus
- Open-source circuit diagrams and BIOS
- Built-in CF recovery workflow
- Power
- +12V input from DC barrel jack
- Modern Li-ion pack
- Dimensions – 209.55 x 109.54 x 31.75 mm
- Build – Translucent plastic body (multiple color options)
Pocket8086 ships with MS-DOS 6.22 preinstalled on its CF card and supports Windows 3.0/3.1 when it’s running with an NEC V20/V30 CPU, while still remaining fully compatible with classic DOS software and XT-era applications. It includes built-in support for the CH375B USB mass-storage driver, VGA output via a TVGA9000i card, and OPL3 audio for games and demos, along with a modified IBM PC-XT 05/08/86 BIOS that retains compatibility with legacy DOS utilities, boot loaders, and hardware-level extensions. The CF-based storage can be restored through Ghost image recovery, and the system supports standard DOS mouse drivers, PS/2 keyboard and mouse protocols, and typical DOS/Windows file-system workflows without altering their technical behavior. You’ll find resources like schematics, source code, and a user manual on the 8086cpu.com website.
The company also provides the ISA8-Exp-01, an 8-bit ISA expansion board that converts the Pocket8086/Pocket386 internal ISA header into a standard ISA slot, allowing users to plug in classic ISA cards such as sound cards, network adapters, storage controllers, and other legacy modules for expanded retro-PC functionality.
The Pocket8086 is designed by 8086YES! in China, who also designed the OneChipBook-12, a Cyclone EP1C12Q FPGA development platform with a built-in display and mechanical keyboard. Other x86 retro computers include the TinyLlama x86 retro computer board, which also runs DOS games on a DM&P Vortex86EX 32-bit x86 processor, and the Mainboard Terminal, a retro-style computer with a round display powered by the mainboard found in the Framework modular laptop, which runs Linux.
The Pocket8086, a handheld retro, is available on AliExpress for $166.73. The SA8-Exp-01 ISA bus expansion card is also sold separately on AliExpress $17.94. If you are looking for something a little more powerful, there’s also a 386SX version sold on AliExpress for $225and Amazon for $269.99.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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