🎮 Can Raspberry Pi Pico Run Games? The Ultimate 2026 Guide

Yes, the Raspberry Pi Pico can absolutely run games, including the legendary Doom, provided you accept its 8-bit limitations and embrace the DIY spirit. You might be wondering, “Can Raspberry Pi Pico run games?” with the same skepticism we all felt when we first heard the rumor, but the answer is a resounding yes—it just requires a different approach than your standard console.

While a Raspberry Pi 4 chugs through modern emulators, the Pico is a microcontroller that boots instantly and runs on a single coin cell for hours. We recently watched a colleague squeeze the original Doom onto a $4 board, proving that raw power isn’t everything; optimization is king.

The Pico doesn’t have a graphics card or an operating system, so it can’t play Call of Duty or stream Netflix. Instead, it shines as a retro gaming powerhouse for NES, Gameboy, and custom-built arcade classics. It’s the perfect project for tinkers who want to build their own handheld from scratch rather than buying a pre-made box.

Key Takeaways

  • Instant Boot & Efficiency: Unlike full computers, the Pico starts games in milliseconds and offers 6+ hours of battery life on a single charge.
  • Retro Powerhouse: It excels at emulating 8-bit classics (NES, Gameboy) and even runs optimized versions of Doom and Quake via the RP2040 chip.
  • DIY vs. Ready-Made: You can build a custom handheld for under $40 or buy the Pimoroni Picosystem for a plug-and-play color experience.
  • Code-First Gaming: Most games require flashing a .uf2 file or writing your own MicroPython/C++ code, making it a fantastic learning tool.

👉 Shop the Best Pico Gaming Kits:

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive headfirst into the code and circuitry, let’s hit the pause button and drop some hard truths about what the Raspberry Pi Pico can and cannot do. If you’re expecting to play Call of Duty or stream 4K video, you’re about to be disappointed. But if you’re ready to hack, code, and relive the golden age of 8-bit nostalgia, you’ve come to the right place.

Here is the lowdown from our engineering team at Why Pi™:

Feature The Reality Check
CPU Power Dual-core 13MHz (RP2040). Fast for a microcontroller, but not a computer.
RAM A measly 264KB. That’s less than 0.3% of what a modern smartphone has.
Storage 2MB of flash memory on the standard board. Enough for Doom if you squeeze it tight, but not for a library of modern games.
Graphics Zero built-in graphics. You must wire up a screen (OLED, LCD, or VGA) yourself.
Best For NES, Gameboy, and early 90s era games. Doom is the exception, not the rule.
Boot Time Instant. No Linux loading screens here. You press a button, and bam, you’re playing.

Did you know? The Pico can run the original PC version of Doom! It took a massive amount of code optimization to fit the game into that tiny 2MB flash, but it works. 🤯

If you want to see this magic in action, check out the video below where we unbox and test the Pico System. It’s a tiny, gaming, dev. handheld that proves size doesn’t matter when it comes to code.

Note: While the video showcases the Pimoroni Picosystem, the underlying RP2040 chip is the same as the standard Raspberry Pi Pico. The difference lies in the pre-built hardware and API.

📜 From Microcontroller to Game Console: The Pico’s Unexpected Rise


Video: Multiplayer DOOM on a $4 Raspberry Pi Pico!








When the Raspberry Pi Foundation first dropped the RP2040 chip in 2021, the world thought it was just another microcontroller for blinking LEDs and reading temperature sensors. We at Why Pi™ were busy building weather stations and smart home hubs. But then, the community did what it does best: they broke the rules.

The journey from a $4 development board to a retro gaming powerhouse wasn’t planned. It was born out of curiosity. Engineers started asking, “What if we pushed the RP2040 to its absolute limit?”

“If you program a game that’s similar to the resource requirements of a game from the 1980s, the Raspberry Pi Pico will probably breeze through it.” — PiCockpit Team

The story of the Pico’s gaming evolution is a tale of optimization. Unlike the Raspberry Pi Zero or Pi 4, which are full-blown computers running Linux, the Pico is a microcontroller. It doesn’t have an operating system. It doesn’t have a file system (unless you add one). It just runs code. This lack of overhead means instant boot times and superior battery life, making it the perfect candidate for a portable, handheld gaming rig.

We’ve seen enthusiasts turn the Pico into a Gameboy clone, a NES emulator, and even a Doom machine. It’s a testament to the power of the RP2040 architecture and the creativity of the open-source community.

For a deeper dive into the history of the RP2040 chip, check out our article on the Raspberry Pi Pico.

🧠 How Powerful is the RP2040 Chip for Gaming?


Video: I made a Raspberry Pi Pico Powered Game Boy! | The Pico Boy.








Let’s get technical for a moment. To understand why the Pico can run Doom but struggles with Quake 3, we need to look under the hood.

The RP2040 is a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at up to 13MHz. While that sounds slow compared to a modern smartphone (which runs at 2GHz+), it’s a beast for a microcontroller.

The Specs That Matter

  • CPU: Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ @ 13MHz.
  • RAM: 264KB on-chip SRAM.
  • Storage: 2MB QSPI Flash (standard Pico).
  • I/O: Flexible PIO (Programmable I/O) allows for custom hardware control.

The PIO is the secret sauce. It allows you to offload timing-critical tasks (like driving a display or reading a controller) from the CPU, freeing up the processor to focus on game logic.

The Bottleneck: Memory

The biggest hurdle is RAM. With only 264KB, you can’t load large textures or complex physics engines. Every byte counts. This is why Doom on the Pico looks different than on a PC; the textures are compressed, and the geometry is simplified.

“Doom might seem like a frivolous application, but it demonstrates just how powerful RP2040 can be in the hands of an experienced user.” — Raspberry Pi Foundation

Comparison: Pico vs. The Classics

Feature Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) Nintendo Gameboy (1989) Gameboy Color (198)
CPU Speed 13 MHz 4.19 MHz 8 MHz
RAM 264 KB 8 KB 32 KB + 16 KB VRAM
Storage 2 MB (Flash) Cartridge (4KB – 8MB) Cartridge (4KB – 8MB)
Graphics Custom (via PIO) 160×14 (4 shades) 160×14 (Color)
Power ~10mA (active) ~10mA ~150mA

As you can see, the Pico is significantly more powerful than the original Gameboy, but it has less RAM than the Gameboy Color. This makes it a perfect candidate for 8-bit emulation, but a challenge for 16-bit or 32-bit games.

🎮 Why Choose the Pico Over a Raspberry Pi Zero or Pi 4 for Retro Gaming?


Video: Smallest Gaming Setup – Raspberry Pi 5 Gaming Setup (Steam & Java Minecraft).








You might be wondering, “Why not just use a Raspberry Pi Zero? It runs RetroPie and plays everything!”

Great question. And the answer depends on what you value: convenience or efficiency.

The Case for the Pico

  1. Instant Boot: No Linux boot sequence. You press a button, and the game starts in milliseconds.
  2. Battery Life: A single LiPo battery can last 6+ hours on a Pico setup, compared to 1-2 hours on a Pi Zero.
  3. Size: The Pico is tiny. You can build a handheld that fits in your pocket, whereas a Pi Zero requires a larger case and more power management.
  4. Cost: The Pico is $4. A Pi Zero is $15+, plus you need a microSD card, power supply, and case.

The Case for the Pi Zero/4

  1. Emulation Power: The Pi Zero can emulate PS1, N64, and Dreamcast games. The Pico cannot.
  2. Ease of Use: Install RetroPie on a Pi, plug in a controller, and you’re done. On a Pico, you need to write code or flash specific firmware.
  3. Display Quality: The Pi can drive high-resolution HDMI displays. The Pico is limited to small SPI/I2C screens or VGA.

Verdict: If you want a portable, long-lasting, DIY project that plays 8-bit classics, go with the Pico. If you want a plug-and-play console that plays everything from the 80s to the 90s, stick with the Pi Zero.

🕹️ What Games Can the Raspberry Pi Pico Actually Run?


Video: Use A Raspberry Pi Pico as a HID.







Now for the fun part. What can you actually play? The answer is: a lot, if you know where to look.

1. NES Emulator: Bringing 8-Bit Classics to Life

The NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) is the sweet spot for the Pico. Developers like ropgar have created emulators that run at a solid 60 frames per second (fps) with perfect audio and video.

  • Performance: Flawless 60fps.
  • Audio: No glitches; APU and PU emulation are spot on.
  • Storage: You can fit multiple games (like Pacman, Arkanoids, Galaga) in the remaining flash space.
  • Controls: Supports PS/2 keyboards and original NES controllers.

Note: While the code exists, there is no official public tutorial for building this from scratch, so you’ll need to hunt down the source code on forums.

2. Gameboy Emulator: The Ultimate Handheld Revival

Running Gameboy games on the Pico is a bit of a mixed bag. There are two main contenders:

  • OxidGB (Rust): A modern take using the Rust programming language. It runs at about 10 FPS. It’s playable but not smooth. It’s more of a proof-of-concept than a daily driver.
  • RP2040_GB (Peanut-GB based): This is the heavy hitter. It can run at >70 fps (without audio) and up to 120 fps with frame skipping. However, it’s not perfect. Gameboy Color games often throw errors, and the emulation isn’t 10% accurate.

3. RP2040_GB: A Deep Dive into the Best GB Emulator

If you’re serious about Gameboy emulation on the Pico, RP2040_GB is your best bet. It’s based on the Peanut-GB emulator but optimized for the RP2040’s dual-core architecture.

  • Pros: High frame rates, supports most Gameboy (DMG) games.
  • Cons: No Gameboy Color support, audio can be chopy, requires frame skipping for smoothness.

4. Mega Games Compilation: Packing a Library onto One Chip

Developer Roger BĂĽhler created a “Mega Games Compilation” that packs 16 different mini-games onto a single Pico.

  • Games Included: Tiny Gilbert, Tiny Trick, Tiny Invaders, Tiny Pinball, Tiny Pacman, Tiny Bomber, Tiny Bike, Tiny Bert, Tiny Arkanoid, Tiny Tris, Tiny Plaque, Tiny DDug, Tiny Missile, Tiny Lander, Tiny Morpion, Tiny Pipe.
  • Hardware: Requires an SSD1309 128x64px SPI OLED, a piezo buzer, and 5 buttons.
  • Why it’s cool: It’s a self-contained arcade machine. No external power, no complex wiring.

5. Pico-Tamachibi: Your Very Own Digital Pet

Remember the Tamagotchi craze of the 90s? You can recreate it on the Pico. The Pico-Tamachibi is a simple, addictive game where you feed, play with, and care for a digital pet.

  • Hardware: OLED display, buttons, and a buzer.
  • Code: Simple C++ or MicroPython.
  • Fun Factor: High. It’s a great project for beginners.

6. Doom on Pico: Answering the “Will It Doom?” Question

Yes, it can run Doom. And not just a simplified version. It runs the original PC WAD files.

  • Developer: Graham Sanderson.
  • Features: 320×20 resolution, stereo sound, OPL2 music, save/load, and even four-player network multiplayer over I2C.
  • The Challenge: It required “liposuction” of the code to fit into 2MB of storage and 264KB of RAM.
  • Performance: Playable, but with some frame drops. It’s a technical marvel, not a console-quality experience.

7. Rust Gameboy Emulator: The OxidGB Pico Port

As mentioned earlier, the OxidGB project is a fascinating experiment in using Rust for embedded gaming. While it’s not the smoothest experience, it shows the potential of modern languages in the embedded space.

🛠️ Build Your Own Gaming Machine: Hardware Showdown


Video: Raspberry Pi Pico Keyboard and Gamepad HID with an NES Controller!








So, you want to build a handheld. Do you buy a kit or go DIY? Let’s break it down.

1. Ready-Made Kit vs. DIY Raspberry Pi Pico Gaming Hardware

Feature Ready-Made Kit (e.g., Pimoroni Picosystem) DIY System
Cost ~$70 ~$40 – $60 (depending on parts)
Assembly Plug and play. No soldering required. Requires soldering, wiring, and 3D printing.
Display High-quality 1.54″ IPS LCD (240×240). Usually 0.96″ OLED (128×64) or similar.
Battery Built-in 525mAh LiPo (6+ hours). External LiPo + charging circuit.
Ease of Use High. Pre-loaded games, easy API. Low. Requires hardware initialization code.
Learning Curve Low. Focus on game logic. High. Focus on hardware + software.

2. Pimoroni Picosystem: The All-in-One Arcade Solution

The Pimoroni Picosystem is the gold standard for Pico gaming. It comes with a beautiful color screen, a D-pad, buttons, and a rechargeable battery.

  • Specs: RP2040, 16MB QSPI flash (huge for a Pico!), 1.54″ IPS LCD.
  • Pre-loaded Games: Super Square Bros., Dots, Rocks and Diamonds, Geometry, Rainbow Ascent, Super Blit Kart.
  • Development: Uses a specialized C++ or MicroPython API that handles all the hardware details. You just write the game logic.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

3. DIY System: Creating the Hardware from Scratch

If you love the smell of soldering iron smoke, the DIY route is for you. You’ll need:

  • Raspberry Pi Pico H ($5)
  • 0.96″ OLED Display ($15)
  • Breadboard ($15)
  • Buttons and Piezo Buzzer
  • LiPo Battery and Charger Module

Pros: You learn everything about GPIO, I2C, and SPI.
Cons: It takes time, and you might burn a component or two.

4. Pico-Tamachibi: Building a Tamagotchi Clone

This is a great beginner project. You’ll need a small OLED, a few buttons, and a buzer. The code is simple, and the result is adorable.

🎨 What Does Gaming on the Picosystem Look Like?


Video: This Pico Powered Game Boy Color Is Simply Too GOOD | PicoPal.








The Pimoroni Picosystem changes the game (pun intended). With its 1.54″ color screen, you can create games that look like they belong in the 90s.

1. Graphics Modes: Pushing the RP2040 to Its Limits

The Picosystem supports multiple graphics modes, including 1-bit, 4-bit, and 8-bit color. The API handles the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on sprites and animations.

2. Creating the Pong-like Game: Picosystem vs. DIY System

Creating a simple Pong game on the Picosystem is a breeze. The API provides functions like draw() and intersects() for collision detection. On a DIY system, you have to write the code to read the buttons, update the screen, and handle the ball physics from scratch.

3. Code for Pimoroni Picosystem Pong-like Game

Here’s a snippet of what the code looks like in MicroPython:

import picosystem

# Initialize the display
display = picosystem.Display()

# Game loop
while True:
 # Read inputs
 left = display.button(picosystem.BUTTON_A)
 right = display.button(picosystem.BUTTON_B)

 # Update paddle positions
 if left:
 paddle_x -= 5
 if right:
 paddle_x += 5

 # Draw the game
 display.clear(0)
 display.draw(picosystem.WHITE, paddle_x, 10, 10, 20)
 display.draw(picosystem.WHITE, ball_x, ball_y, 5, 5)

 # Update the screen
 display.update()

💻 Program Your Own Games: Is It Easy?


Video: Top 10 Raspberry Pi Pico Projects.







If you’ve never coded before, the idea of programming a game might seem daunting. But with the Pico, it’s more accessible than you think.

1. First Difference: Hardware Code and Pin Management

On a DIY system, you have to manage every pin. You need to define which GPIO pin is connected to the D-pad, which one is the buzer, and how to initialize the display. This is where the RP2040’s PIO shines, but it requires a deep understanding of the hardware.

2. Second Difference: Picosystem’s API Magic

The Pimoroni Picosystem abstracts all of this away. You don’t need to worry about pin numbers or SPI initialization. The API handles it all. You just write the game logic.

Is it easy?

  • With Picosystem: Yes. If you know basic Python or C++, you can make a game in an afternoon.
  • With DIY: No. You need to learn about hardware, electronics, and low-level programming.

🚀 Got a Game to Recommend?


Video: 4K Gaming… on Raspberry Pi!








We’re always looking for new games to test on our Pico rigs. If you’ve found a hidden gem or created your own, let us know!

  • Comment below with your favorite Pico game.
  • Share your code on GitHub.
  • Post a video of your gameplay.

📢 Community Updates & News


Video: RetroGaming on Raspberry Pi Pico 🕹️ Code classic games in MicroPython!








The world of Raspberry Pi is always moving. Here are some recent updates that might interest you:

How PiCockpit Solved a Swissbit Compatibility Challenge

PiCockpit recently tackled a tricky compatibility issue with Swissbit memory cards, ensuring that users can reliably store their games and data.

We Are Deprecating Our Sensor Apps

PiCockpit is phasing out some of its older sensor apps to focus on more robust gaming and development tools.

A New PiCockpit User Interface is Coming!

Get ready for a fresh look. The new UI will make it easier to manage your Pico projects and games.

Get 1 Day of Free Software Consultation When You Buy a Raspberry Pi Packaging Unit!

If you’re buying a Raspberry Pi packaging unit, you can get a free day of software consultation. It’s a great way to get started with your projects.

Is Raspberry Pi Used in Industry?

Absolutely. From manufacturing to IoT, the Raspberry Pi is everywhere. Check out our Electronics Industry News for more details.

Meet at Embedded World in Nuremberg (April 9-1)

The Raspberry Pi team will be at Embedded World in Nuremberg. Come say hi and see the latest demos.

Get a FREE Raspberry Pi 5 for Easter

Yes, you read that right. Keep an eye on the official Raspberry Pi blog for this exciting giveaway.

Announcing PiCockpit’s File Editor App

A new file editor app is coming to PiCockpit, making it easier to edit your code on the go.

Announcing PiCockpit’s Terminal App

The new Terminal app will give you direct access to your Pico’s command line.

Announcing PiCockpit’s Script Scheduler App

Automate your Pico projects with the new Script Scheduler app.

💬 Leave a Comment


Video: Build your OWN retro game console with a Raspberry Pi!








Have you built a Pico gaming machine? What games are you playing? Share your stories and code in the comments below!

🏁 Conclusion

a computer screen with a video game on it

So, can the Raspberry Pi Pico run games? Absolutely. But it’s not a magic box that plays everything. It’s a powerful microcontroller that, with the right code and hardware, can bring the golden age of 8-bit gaming back to life.

If you’re a beginner, start with the Pimoroni Picosystem. It’s easy to use, looks great, and comes with pre-loaded games. If you’re a tinker, build a DIY system and learn everything about hardware and software.

The Pico is a testament to the power of the open-source community. It proves that you don’t need a supercomputer to have fun. You just need a little creativity and a lot of code.

Our Recommendation:

  • For Beginners: Get the Pimoroni Picosystem.
  • For Learners: Build a DIY system with an OLED display.
  • For Retro Fans: Try the RP2040_GB emulator for Gameboy classics.

The journey from a blinking LED to a Doom machine is a long one, but it’s worth every step. Happy coding!

FAQ

A person holding a nintendo wii game controller

Yes! While there aren’t many AAA titles, the community has created a variety of mini-games and compilations. The Mega Games Compilation by Roger BĂĽhler is a popular choice, featuring 16 different games like Tiny Pacman and Tiny Arkanoid. Additionally, the Pimoroni Picosystem comes with pre-loaded games like Super Square Bros. and Dots.

What are the system requirements for running games on Raspberry Pi Pico?

The Raspberry Pi Pico itself requires very little: a 264KB RAM and 2MB flash storage. However, to run games, you’ll need external hardware like a display (OLED, LCD, or VGA), buttons or a controller, and a power source (LiPo battery or USB).

Read more about “Raspberry Pi Pico (2026): 12 Must-Know Tips & Projects 🚀”

Can Raspberry Pi Pico run Minecraft?

No. Minecraft is too complex for the Pico’s limited RAM and processing power. The Pico is designed for 8-bit and early 90s era games, not modern 3D titles.

What is the best emulator for Raspberry Pi Pico?

For Gameboy games, the RP2040_GB (Peanut-GB based) is the best option, offering over 70 fps. For NES games, the ropgar emulator is highly recommended, running at a solid 60 fps.

Read more about “🤖 What is a Raspberry Pi Pico? 15 Key Features Revealed (2026)”

How do I install games on Raspberry Pi Pico?

Installing games on the Pico is simple. Connect the Pico to your computer via USB-C while holding the BOOTSEL button. The Pico will appear as a flash drive. Drag and drop the game file (usually a .uf2 file) onto the drive, and the game will start automatically.

Read more about “🤯 What is the Difference Between Raspberry Pi Models? (2026)”

Can Raspberry Pi Pico run retro games?

Yes. The Pico is excellent for running retro games from the 8-bit era (NES, Gameboy) and some early 16-bit games. It can even run Doom with some optimization.

Read more about “🤖 25+ Amazing Things You Can Do with a Raspberry Pi (2026)”

What types of games can Raspberry Pi Pico run?

The Pico can run 2D platformers, puzzle games, arcade classics, and even 3D shooters like Doom (with limitations). It’s not suitable for modern 3D games or complex simulations.

Read more about “🤖 10+ Top Raspberry Pi DIY Uses for Protyping (2026)”

Can pico run gba?

Not really. While there are attempts to run Gameboy Advance games on the Pico, the performance is poor. The OxidGB emulator runs at about 10 FPS, which is not playable. The RP2040_GB is better but still struggles with GBA games.

Can Raspberry Pi Pico run video?

Not in the traditional sense. The Pico can display simple animations and sprites, but it cannot play full-motion video (FMV) like a DVD player. The limited RAM and processing power make it unsuitable for video playback.

Read more about “📡 Does Raspberry Pi Pico Have WiFi? The Truth Revealed (2026)”

What can pico emulate?

The Pico can emulate NES, Gameboy (DMG), and some Gameboy Color games. It can also run Doom and other early 90s PC games. It cannot emulate PS1, N64, or Dreamcast games.

Can I use Raspberry Pi for gaming?

Yes. The Raspberry Pi Zero and Pi 4 are excellent for gaming. They can run RetroPie and emulate a wide range of consoles, from the 8-bit era to the PS1 and N64. The Pico is a more specialized option for 8-bit gaming and DIY projects.

Read more about “🚀 The Ultimate Raspberry Pi Beginner Guide: 12 Models & Projects (2026)”

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