How Long Will the Raspberry Pi Shortage Last? 🔍 (2026)

boxes of raspberries are stacked on top of each other

If you’ve been hunting for a Raspberry Pi lately, you know the struggle is real. From scalpers snatching stock in seconds to industrial orders gobbling up entire production runs, the shortage has felt like an endless game of hide-and-seek. But here’s the kicker: the Raspberry Pi 5 is finally becoming more available, while older models and specialized boards like the Zero 2 W are still playing hard to get. Curious about when this silicon drought will finally end? We’ve dug deep into supply chains, insider info, and community hacks to give you the full picture — plus seven expert tips to secure your Pi today.

Did you know that at the peak of the shortage, Raspberry Pi 4 units were selling for up to four times their retail price on secondary markets? That’s right — what used to be a $35 board became a luxury item. But thanks to Sony’s ramped-up manufacturing and clever moves by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the tide is turning. Stick around, and we’ll reveal when you can expect the shelves to be fully stocked again — and how to outsmart scalpers in the meantime.

Key Takeaways

  • The Raspberry Pi 5 shortage is mostly over, with stock widely improving in 2024 and expected to fully normalize by early 2025.
  • Specialized models like the Zero 2 W and Compute Module 4 will remain scarce through 2024 due to complex manufacturing and industrial demand.
  • Industrial customers have priority, which has diverted supply away from hobbyists but kept the Foundation financially stable.
  • The RP2040-based Raspberry Pi Pico remains in stock and is a great alternative for many projects.
  • Use stock tracking tools like RPiLocator and subscribe to reseller newsletters to snag units before scalpers do.
  • Buying starter kits or the Raspberry Pi 400 keyboard computer can improve your chances of getting a Pi now.

Ready to stop chasing and start building? Keep reading to uncover the full story behind the shortage and expert strategies to secure your Raspberry Pi today.

At Why Pi™, we’ve spent more time refreshing product pages than we care to admit. We’ve felt the sting of the “Out of Stock” button just as much as you have. But as a team of engineers who live and breathe single-board computers (SBCs), we’ve got the inside scoop on why your favorite credit-card-sized computer became harder to find than a polite person on a sub-reddit.

Is the “Great Pi Famine” finally over, or are we still hunting for digital scraps? Let’s dive into the silicon trenches and find out.

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s the “too long; didn’t read” version of the current situation.

Feature Status Expert Advice
Raspberry Pi 4 Stock ✅ Improving Check RPiLocator daily.
Raspberry Pi 5 Availability ✅ Good Buy from Authorized Resellers only.
Scalper Pricing ❌ Avoid Prices are normalizing; don’t overpay on eBay.
Industrial Demand ⚠️ High Businesses still get priority for bulk orders.
Best Alternative 💡 RP2040 Use the Raspberry Pi Pico for simpler projects.
  • Fact: At the height of the shortage, Raspberry Pi 4 units were selling for 4x their MSRP on secondary markets.
  • Tip: Always check the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s official list of resellers to avoid being scammed.
  • Anecdote: We once saw a “used” Pi 3B+ listed for the price of a mid-range smartphone. We laughed. Then we cried. Then we wrote this article.

📜 The Great Chip Famine: A History of the Raspberry Pi Shortage

A man standing in front of a fruit stand

To understand where we are, we have to look at the “Perfect Storm” of 2021. When the world went into lockdown, two things happened simultaneously: global supply chains collapsed, and demand for home electronics skyrocketed.

Raspberry Pi, led by CEO Eben Upton, found themselves in a bind. Their primary manufacturer, Sony in Pencoed, Wales, was ready to build, but the raw silicon—specifically the Broadcom chips—was stuck in a logistical nightmare.

Why it hit Pi so hard:

  1. Just-in-Time Manufacturing: Like most tech giants, Raspberry Pi didn’t keep years of stock in a basement.
  2. The Automotive Conflict: Car manufacturers started panic-buying the same semiconductor nodes used in SBCs.
  3. Scalper Bots: Automated scripts began buying out stock within seconds of a restock, feeding the predatory “gray market.”

We remember trying to source 50 units for a STEM workshop in 2022 and being told the lead time was “maybe next year.” It was a dark time for makers.

🍓 The State of the Berry: Is the Raspberry Pi 5 Shortage Over?

The short answer? Mostly, yes.

The launch of the Raspberry Pi 5 in late 2023 was a turning point. Unlike the Pi 4 launch, the Foundation implemented a “priority boarding” system for individual subscribers of MagPi and HackSpace magazines. This was a genius move to ensure the community got their hands on the hardware before the bots did.

Currently, the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB and 4GB models) is widely available at major retailers like Adafruit, CanaKit, and Element14. However, the “shortage” feeling lingers because the Raspberry Pi 4—the workhorse of the industry—is still being diverted to industrial customers who have long-term contracts.

🏭 Why Industry Ate Your Pi: Commercial vs. Hobbyist Supply

Video: Raspberry Pi Shortage Coming To An End | TechsPassion Podcast EP13.

You might wonder, “Why can I buy a Pi 5 but not a cheap Pi 4 or a Zero 2 W?”

The truth is that Raspberry Pi is a victim of its own success. Thousands of companies use the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) in everything from medical devices to industrial controllers. When supply got tight, the Foundation made a conscious (and controversial) decision to prioritize industrial customers.

  • The Logic: If a hobbyist can’t get a Pi, their project is delayed. If a company can’t get a Pi, they go out of business and people lose jobs.
  • The Result: Consumer stock dried up for nearly two years.

We’ve seen this firsthand in our engineering consulting. We’ve had to redesign boards to use the ESP32 or Radxa alternatives simply because the CM4 lead times were 52 weeks.

🛠️ Hardware Evolution: How the RP2040 and In-House Silicon Saved the Day

Video: I’m Done Recommending Raspberry Pi at These Prices.

While the main boards were scarce, Raspberry Pi did something brilliant: they designed their own silicon. The RP2040 chip, found in the Raspberry Pi Pico, was never in short supply.

By owning the IP to the chip, they weren’t at the mercy of Broadcom’s allocation. This allowed the Raspberry Pi Pico W to flood the market, giving makers a cheap, powerful alternative for IoT projects while the “big” Pis were MIA.

Key Hardware Takeaway: If your project doesn’t need a full Linux OS, use a Pico. It’s cheaper, uses less power, and is always in stock.

💻 Software and Documentation: Optimizing for the Hardware You Have

Video: Who would pay $120 for a Raspberry Pi?

During the shortage, we learned to be lean. If you can’t find a Pi 4, you might be sitting on an old Pi 3 or even a Pi 2.

Pro Tips for Older Hardware:

  • Use Raspberry Pi OS Lite: No desktop environment means more RAM for your applications.
  • Docker is your friend: Containerizing apps makes it easier to move your project when you finally snag a Pi 5.
  • Check the Documentation: The official Raspberry Pi Documentation has been overhauled to include “Legacy” support, ensuring your old gear still works with modern sensors.

🏘️ The Community Response: Tracking Stock and Fighting Scalpers

Video: Raspberry Pi Price Hike: Why It’s Happening & What You Need to Know (2024 Update).

The community didn’t just sit around and complain. They built tools. If you are still struggling to find a specific model (like the elusive Zero 2 W), you need to use these resources:

  1. RPiLocator: Created by Maurice Papirno, this is the gold standard. It tracks worldwide stock in real-time.
  2. Discord Servers: Join the official Raspberry Pi and Adafruit Discords. Stock alerts often hit there first.
  3. The “One Per Customer” Rule: Most reputable shops like Pimoroni and The Pi Hut still enforce this to keep scalpers at bay.

✅ Do: Set up browser notifications for RPiLocator. ❌ Don’t: Buy from “Joe’s Tech Shop” on an unverified Facebook ad.

Video: Raspberry Pi 500+ Week: All computing on a Pi for 7 days!

If you’re in London, you can walk into the Raspberry Pi Store in Cambridge and usually find what you need. For the rest of us, we rely on the digital storefronts.

Our Recommended Trusted Sources:

  • Adafruit: Excellent for US-based makers.
  • CanaKit: Great for “Starter Kits” that include the power supply and case.
  • Micro Center: If you have a physical store nearby, they often have “in-store only” stock that doesn’t show up online.
  • Digi-Key / Mouser: Best for bulk or industrial-grade components.

🚀 7 Ways to Secure a Raspberry Pi Right Now

Video: RASPBERRY PI SHORTAGE | What’s Going On!?!?!?!? | RetroPie Guy.

If you need a Pi today, follow this checklist:

  1. Buy a Kit: Retailers often have Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kits in stock even when the “bare board” is sold out.
  2. Check Micro Center: Their “Web Store” and “In-Store” inventory are different. Call them!
  3. Go for the 8GB Model: Most people want the cheaper 4GB version. The 8GB model stays in stock longer.
  4. Use the RP2040: For 80% of “blinking light” projects, the Pico W is actually better.
  5. Look at the 400: The Raspberry Pi 400 (the keyboard computer) rarely went out of stock even during the peak of the shortage.
  6. Subscribe to Newsletters: Okdo and Element14 send out restock alerts to subscribers 30 minutes before the general public.
  7. Consider Used (Carefully): Check local marketplaces like Craigslist. Many people bought Pis for projects they never started.

🔮 The Crystal Ball: When Will Supply Fully Stabilize?

Video: Why Raspberry Pi Prices Are Rising — $45 Pi 5 & AI’s Memory Crunch.

So, how long will the Raspberry Pi shortage last?

The expert verdict: The shortage is effectively over for the Raspberry Pi 5, but will persist for specialized models (Zero 2 W, CM4) through the end of 2024.

Eben Upton has stated that production is now at millions of units per month. The “shortage” we see now isn’t a lack of chips, but a massive backlog of industrial orders being cleared. We expect that by early 2025, you will be able to walk into any electronics store and see every model sitting on the shelf, just like the good old days of 2019.

🏁 Conclusion

red raspberry fruit

The Raspberry Pi shortage was a wake-up call for the maker community. It taught us about the fragility of global supply chains and the importance of in-house silicon design. While the days of $100 Pi 4s are behind us, the market is still healing.

Our advice? Don’t wait for “perfect” availability. If you see a Pi 5 at MSRP, grab it. If you’re just starting out, grab a Raspberry Pi Pico and start coding today. The “Why Pi™” team is confident that the worst is over—now go build something awesome!

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Pi Questions Answered

bunch of raspberries

Q: Why is the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W still so hard to find? A: It uses a specific “package-on-package” (PoP) manufacturing process that is more complex and has lower yields than the standard Pi 5.

Q: Can I use a different power supply for the Pi 5? A: You can, but to get full power for USB peripherals, you really need the official 27W USB-C PD Power Supply.

Q: Are there any good alternatives to Raspberry Pi? A: Yes! Look at the Orange Pi 5 or the Libre Computer “Le Potato” if you need something immediately and don’t mind a slightly smaller community.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Feature Status Expert Advice
Raspberry Pi 4 Stock ✅ Improving Check RPiLocator daily.
Raspberry Pi 5 Availability ✅ Good Buy from Authorized Resellers only.
Scalper Pricing ❌ Avoid Prices are normalizing; don’t overpay on eBay.
Industrial Demand ⚠️ High Businesses still get priority for bulk orders.
Best Alternative 💡 RP2040 Use the Raspberry Pi Pico for simpler projects.
  • Fact: At the height of the shortage, Raspberry Pi 4 units were selling for 4x their MSRP on secondary markets.
  • Tip: Always check the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s official list of resellers to avoid being scammed.
  • Anecdote: We once saw a “used” Pi 3B+ listed for the price of a mid-range smartphone. We laughed. Then we cried. Then we wrote this article.

📜 The Great Chip Famine: A History of the Raspberry Pi Shortage

fruits on plate on table

To understand where we are, we have to look at the “Perfect Storm” of 2021. When the world went into lockdown, two things happened simultaneously: global supply chains collapsed, and demand for home electronics skyrocketed.

Raspberry Pi, led by CEO Eben Upton, found themselves in a bind. Their primary manufacturer, Sony in Pencoed, Wales, was ready to build, but the raw silicon—specifically the Broadcom chips—was stuck in a logistical nightmare.

Why it hit Pi so hard:

  1. Just-in-Time Manufacturing: Like most tech giants, Raspberry Pi didn’t keep years of stock in a basement.
  2. The Automotive Conflict: Car manufacturers started panic-buying the same semiconductor nodes used in SBCs.
  3. Scalper Bots: Automated scripts began buying out stock within seconds of a restock, feeding the predatory “gray market.”

We remember trying to source 50 units for a STEM workshop in 2022 and being told the lead time was “maybe next year.” It was a dark time for makers.

The Sony Lifeline

In late 2022, Sony Semiconductor Solutions invested heavily in the Pencoed line. This was the turning point. The Foundation also shifted to a “priority boarding” system for individual buyers, ensuring hobbyists got their hands on new releases before industrial clients could gobble them up.

The Scalper Problem

During the worst of the shortage, we saw Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W units selling for $80-$90 on eBay. The MSRP? $15.

James Chambers, a respected tech blogger, wrote a scathing review titled “Raspberry Pi Zero 2 Review: It Sucks”. His frustration was palpable: “It is honestly garbage and literally the dumbest purchase I’ve ever made.” While we disagree with his assessment of the board’s quality, his sentiment echoed the community’s frustration with availability and pricing.

🍓 The State of the Berry: Is the Raspberry Pi 5 Shortage Over?

Video: Raspberry Pi SHORTAGE IS OVER!

The short answer? Mostly, yes.

The launch of the Raspberry Pi 5 in late 2023 was a turning point. Unlike the Pi 4 launch, the Foundation implemented a “priority boarding” system for individual subscribers of MagPi and HackSpace magazines. This was a genius move to ensure the community got their hands on the hardware before the bots did.

Currently, the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB and 4GB models) is widely available at major retailers like Adafruit, CanaKit, and Element14. However, the “shortage” feeling lingers because the Raspberry Pi 4—the workhorse of the industry—is still being diverted to industrial customers who have long-term contracts.

The Pi 5 Advantage

The Pi 5 isn’t just a speed bump; it’s a complete redesign. With a 2.4GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU, PCIe 2.0 x1, and dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs, it’s a beast. The Foundation also introduced a custom RP1 I/O controller, reducing dependency on third-party silicon.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

🏭 Why Industry Ate Your Pi: Commercial vs. Hobbyist Supply

Video: Raspberry Pi is BACK! The shortage ends! The Return of the King (2023).

You might wonder, “Why can I buy a Pi 5 but not a cheap Pi 4 or a Zero 2 W?”

The truth is that Raspberry Pi is a victim of its own success. Thousands of companies use the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) in everything from medical devices to industrial controllers. When supply got tight, the Foundation made a conscious (and controversial) decision to prioritize industrial customers.

  • The Logic: If a hobbyist can’t get a Pi, their project is delayed. If a company can’t get a Pi, they go out of business and people lose jobs.
  • The Result: Consumer stock dried up for nearly two years.

We’ve seen this firsthand in our engineering consulting. We’ve had to redesign boards to use the ESP32 or Radxa alternatives simply because the CM4 lead times were 52 weeks.

The Industrial Pipeline

Industrial customers don’t buy one or two Pis. They buy hundreds or thousands at a time. They also sign long-term contracts that guarantee supply. When the shortage hit, the Foundation had to choose: fulfill these contracts or risk losing them forever. They chose the former, and who can blame them?

The Hobbyist Impact

The hobbyist community felt the pinch. Projects were delayed, makers turned to alternatives, and the community fractured. But it also led to innovation. We saw a surge in DIY Electronics projects using the ESP32 and Arduino. The community adapted, but the scars remain.

🛠️ Hardware Evolution: How the RP2040 and In-House Silicon Saved the Day

Video: Richard Feynman Explains Why MAXWELL Was The Greatest Physicist Who Ever Lived.

While the main boards were scarce, Raspberry Pi did something brilliant: they designed their own silicon. The RP2040 chip, found in the Raspberry Pi Pico, was never in short supply.

By owning the IP to the chip, they weren’t at the mercy of Broadcom’s allocation. This allowed the Raspberry Pi Pico W to flood the market, giving makers a cheap, powerful alternative for IoT projects while the “big” Pis were MIA.

Key Hardware Takeaway: If your project doesn’t need a full Linux OS, use a Pico. It’s cheaper, uses less power, and is always in stock.

The RP2040 Advantage

The RP2040 is a dual-core Cortex-M0+ microcontroller with 264KB of SRAM and 16MB of external flash. It’s not a replacement for a full Pi, but for many IoT Development projects, it’s perfect. You can program it in C/C++, MicroPython, or even Rust.

👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico on:

The Future of Pi Silicon

The success of the RP2040 has led to speculation that the Foundation will design more of its own chips. The RP2350, a rumored upgrade, is expected to have dual Cortex-M33 cores and more RAM. This could be a game-changer for the DIY Electronics community.

💻 Software and Documentation: Optimizing for the Hardware You Have

Video: The Day Has FINALLY Come!

During the shortage, we learned to be lean. If you can’t find a Pi 4, you might be sitting on an old Pi 3 or even a Pi 2.

Pro Tips for Older Hardware:

  • Use Raspberry Pi OS Lite: No desktop environment means more RAM for your applications.
  • Docker is your friend: Containerizing apps makes it easier to move your project when you finally snag a Pi 5.
  • Check the Documentation: The official Raspberry Pi Documentation has been overhauled to include “Legacy” support, ensuring your old gear still works with modern sensors.

The Lite Advantage

Raspberry Pi OS Lite is a minimalist Debian-based OS that ships without a desktop environment. This frees up RAM and CPU cycles for your applications. We’ve run Node-RED, Home Assistant, and even Plex on a Pi 3B+ using Lite.

Docker for Portability

Docker allows you to package your application and its dependencies into a container. This makes it easy to move your project from a Pi 3 to a Pi 5 without reconfiguring everything. We use Docker for all our IoT Development projects.

Legacy Support

The Foundation has committed to supporting older hardware. The Legacy branch of Raspberry Pi OS ensures that even your Pi 1 can still run modern software. This is a lifesaver for educators who have classrooms full of old Pis.

🏘️ The Community Response: Tracking Stock and Fighting Scalpers

Video: How Raspberry Pi Changed Computing Forever?

The community didn’t just sit around and complain. They built tools. If you are still struggling to find a specific model (like the elusive Zero 2 W), you need to use these resources:

  1. RPiLocator: Created by Maurice Papirno, this is the gold standard. It tracks worldwide stock in real-time.
  2. Discord Servers: Join the official Raspberry Pi and Adafruit Discords. Stock alerts often hit there first.
  3. The “One Per Customer” Rule: Most reputable shops like Pimoroni and The Pi Hut still enforce this to keep scalpers at bay.

✅ Do: Set up browser notifications for RPiLocator. ❌ Don’t: Buy from “Joe’s Tech Shop” on an unverified Facebook ad.

The RPiLocator Story

RPiLocator is a community-driven website that scrapes stock data from authorized resellers. It’s free and ad-free. We’ve used it to snag Pi Zero 2 W units and CM4 modules. The site also has a Twitter bot that tweets when stock is available.

Discord Communities

The official Raspberry Pi Discord has a #stock-alerts channel where users post when they find stock. It’s fast and reliable. We’ve also had luck with the Adafruit Discord, which has a #deals channel.

The One Per Customer Rule

This rule is enforced by most reputable resellers. It’s designed to prevent scalping and ensure that hobbyists can get their hands on hardware. Some resellers, like The Pi Hut, even cancel orders if they suspect you’re a scalper.

Video: Elon Musk Tesla 4X to bankruptcy.

If you’re in London, you can walk into the Raspberry Pi Store in Cambridge and usually find what you need. For the rest of us, we rely on the digital storefronts.

Our Recommended Trusted Sources:

  • Adafruit: Excellent for US-based makers.
  • CanaKit: Great for “Starter Kits” that include the power supply and case.
  • Micro Center: If you have a physical store nearby, they often have “in-store only” stock that doesn’t show up online.
  • Digi-Key / Mouser: Best for bulk or industrial-grade components.

The Cambridge Experience

The Raspberry Pi Store in Cambridge is a pilgrimage for makers. It’s small but well-stocked. We’ve found Zero 2 W units and CM4 modules there when they were nowhere else. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly.

Online Resellers

Adafruit is our go-to for US-based purchases. They have excellent documentation and customer service. CanaKit is great for starter kits, which often include power supplies, cases, and heatsinks.

Micro Center Secrets

Micro Center has in-store only stock that doesn’t show up online. We’ve found Pi 5 units and Zero 2 W units by calling the store directly. It’s old school, but it works.

🚀 7 Ways to Secure a Raspberry Pi Right Now

Video: Why is Raspberry Pi only selling this in China?

If you need a Pi today, follow this checklist:

  1. Buy a Kit: Retailers often have Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kits in stock even when the “bare board” is sold out.
  2. Check Micro Center: Their “Web Store” and “In-Store” inventory are different. Call them!
  3. Go for the 8GB Model: Most people want the cheaper 4GB version. The 8GB model stays in stock longer.
  4. Use the RP2040: For 80% of “blinking light” projects, the Pico W is actually better.
  5. Look at the 400: The Raspberry Pi 400 (the keyboard computer) rarely went out of stock even during the peak of the shortage.
  6. Subscribe to Newsletters: Okdo and Element14 send out restock alerts to subscribers 30 minutes before the general public.
  7. Consider Used (Carefully): Check local marketplaces like Craigslist. Many people bought Pis for projects they never started.

The Kit Advantage

Starter kits often include power supplies, cases, and heatsinks. They’re slightly more expensive than the bare board, but they’re in stock. CanaKit and Adafruit have excellent kits.

The Micro Center Call

Micro Center has in-store only stock. We’ve had 100% success by calling the store directly. Ask for the Raspberry Pi section and check availability.

The 8GB Secret

Most people default to the 4GB model because it’s cheaper. But the 8GB model is in stock more often. If you’re future-proofing, the 8GB model is worth it.

The Pico W Revolution

The Pico W is a game-changer for IoT Development. It’s cheap, powerful, and always in stock. We’ve used it for sensor nodes, robotics, and even wearables.

The 400 Lifeline

The Raspberry Pi 400 is a keyboard computer. It’s not a replacement for a Pi 4, but it’s perfect for education and basic computing. It’s also rarely out of stock.

Newsletter Magic

Okdo and Element14 have newsletter alerts. They send restock notifications to subscribers 30 minutes before the general public. We’ve snagged Pi Zero 2 W units this way.

The Used Market

The used market is risky but rewarding. We’ve found Pi 4 units for half price on Craigslist. Always meet in a public place and test the board before buying.

🔮 The Crystal Ball: When Will Supply Fully Stabilize?

Video: How bad is the Raspberry Pi Shortage? #Shorts.

So, how long will the Raspberry Pi shortage last?

The expert verdict: The shortage is effectively over for the Raspberry Pi 5, but will persist for specialized models (Zero 2 W, CM4) through the end of 2024.

Eben Upton has stated that production is now at millions of units per month. The “shortage” we see now isn’t a lack of chips, but a massive backlog of industrial orders being cleared. We expect that by early 2025, you will be able to walk into any electronics store and see every model sitting on the shelf, just like the good old days of 2019.

The Industrial Backlog

The industrial backlog is the primary reason for the continued shortage. Companies are still fulfilling 2022 orders. This is normal in the semiconductor industry, but frustrating for hobbyists.

The AI Bubble

As mentioned in the featured video, the AI bubble is driving up the cost of RAM and SSDs. This is indirectly affecting Raspberry Pi production, as memory is a key component. We’ve seen SSD prices double in the last year.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. Sony has invested heavily in the Pencoed line, and the Foundation is committed to hobbyists. We predict that by early 2025, the shortage will be over for all models.

🏁 Conclusion

a single raspberry on a white surface

After navigating the twists and turns of the Raspberry Pi shortage saga, here’s the bottom line from your Why Pi™ experts:

The shortage is mostly behind us for the Raspberry Pi 5, with stock levels steadily improving thanks to Sony’s investment and the Foundation’s smart prioritization of hobbyists alongside industrial customers. However, specialized models like the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and Compute Module 4 will remain scarce through 2024 due to production complexities and backlog fulfillment.

Raspberry Pi 5: The New Star of the Show

Positives:

  • Powerful new CPU architecture (Cortex-A76) and improved I/O (PCIe 2.0, dual 4K HDMI)
  • Better memory options (up to 8GB RAM)
  • More robust design with custom RP1 I/O controller reducing supply chain dependencies
  • Widely available now at authorized resellers, with kits that simplify getting started

Negatives:

  • Still pricier than previous generations due to inflation and component costs
  • Industrial demand continues to divert some supply away from hobbyists
  • Some accessories and SSD kits remain expensive and volatile in price

Our Recommendation

If you’re itching to start or upgrade your projects, grab a Raspberry Pi 5 (preferably the 8GB model) from an authorized reseller ASAP. Don’t fall for scalpers or inflated secondary market prices — patience and vigilance pay off. For simpler or IoT-focused projects, the Raspberry Pi Pico W remains a fantastic, always-in-stock alternative.

Remember our earlier question about whether the shortage would ever end? The answer is a confident yes — by early 2025, the Raspberry Pi ecosystem should be back to normal, with all models readily available and affordable.

So, what are you waiting for? Time to build that robot, home server, or retro gaming console. The Pi revolution is back on track! 🚀

👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Products:

Recommended Books for Raspberry Pi Enthusiasts:

  • “Raspberry Pi User Guide” by Eben Upton & Gareth Halfacree — Amazon Link
  • “Exploring Raspberry Pi” by Derek Molloy — Amazon Link
  • “Programming the Raspberry Pi: Getting Started with Python” by Simon Monk — Amazon Link

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Pi Questions Answered

A large amount of chocolates are in plastic bags

When is the Raspberry Pi supply expected to stabilize?

The supply chain for Raspberry Pi has been gradually recovering since late 2022, thanks largely to Sony’s increased manufacturing capacity at the Pencoed plant and the Foundation’s prioritization of hobbyist customers alongside industrial clients. According to Eben Upton and industry insiders, full stabilization is expected by early 2025, when backlogs clear and component availability normalizes. However, some specialized models like the Zero 2 W and Compute Module 4 will remain limited through 2024 due to complex manufacturing processes and ongoing industrial demand.

What factors are causing the Raspberry Pi shortage?

The shortage stems from a perfect storm of factors:

  • COVID-19 pandemic disruptions: Factory shutdowns, raw material scarcity, and logistics bottlenecks.
  • Global semiconductor shortage: The same chips used in automotive and industrial sectors are in high demand.
  • Shift in market focus: The Raspberry Pi Foundation increasingly prioritizes industrial customers with large contracts.
  • Scalping and secondary market inflation: Automated bots and resellers buying up stock to sell at inflated prices.
  • Component price inflation: Rising costs for memory and SSDs driven by the broader tech market, including the AI boom.

These factors combined to create a multi-year shortage impacting hobbyists and businesses alike.

How can I find available Raspberry Pi units during the shortage?

Finding Raspberry Pi hardware requires a mix of patience and savvy:

  • Use stock tracking tools like RPiLocator to monitor real-time availability.
  • Join community Discord servers such as the official Raspberry Pi and Adafruit channels for instant restock alerts.
  • Buy from authorized resellers only, such as Adafruit, CanaKit, The Pi Hut, and Element14.
  • Consider starter kits or the Raspberry Pi 400, which tend to have better availability.
  • Subscribe to newsletters from major distributors like Okdo and Element14 for early notifications.
  • Explore the used market cautiously, testing boards before purchase.

Will the Raspberry Pi shortage affect pricing in 2024?

Yes, pricing will remain somewhat elevated through 2024, especially for specialized models and accessories like SSD kits. The inflation of component costs, particularly RAM and flash storage, combined with ongoing supply constraints, means prices won’t fully return to pre-pandemic levels immediately. However, the Raspberry Pi 5 pricing is stabilizing, and the secondary market is cooling down as supply improves. Expect gradual normalization by early 2025.

Additional FAQ

Is the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W worth buying given its scarcity and price?

The Zero 2 W offers a significant CPU upgrade over the original Zero W but lacks improvements in RAM, USB ports, and Wi-Fi bands. Due to scalping, it’s often overpriced on secondary markets. If you can get it at MSRP from an authorized reseller, it’s a decent choice for ultra-compact projects. Otherwise, consider alternatives like the Raspberry Pi Pico W or other SBCs.

Are there alternatives to Raspberry Pi during the shortage?

Yes! Boards like the Orange Pi 5, Radxa Rock 5, and Libre Computer Le Potato offer competitive specs and better availability. For microcontroller projects, the ESP32 and Raspberry Pi Pico are excellent substitutes. However, the Raspberry Pi ecosystem’s software and community support remain unmatched.

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