What Is a Raspberry Pi Pico? 15 Key Features Uncovered! 🚀 (2026)

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Raspberry Pi Pico such a buzzworthy microcontroller in the maker and educator communities, you’re in for a treat. This pint-sized powerhouse isn’t just another board—it’s a gateway to unlocking embedded programming magic with dual-core speed, programmable I/O, and a price tag that feels like a steal. At Why Pi™, we’ve spent countless hours tinkering, coding, and building with the Pico, and we’re here to share everything you need to know—from its silicon heart, the RP2040, to the 15 standout features that make it a must-have for beginners and pros alike.

Curious about how the Pico stacks up against Arduino and ESP32? Or maybe you want to know which accessories will supercharge your projects? Stick around, because we’ll also reveal 10 mind-blowing projects you can start today and insider tips on coding languages that make programming this board a breeze. Ready to dive in? Let’s decode the magic of the Raspberry Pi Pico together!

Key Takeaways

  • Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller board powered by the custom dual-core RP2040 chip, offering high performance at a budget-friendly price.
  • Its 15 key features include dual ARM Cortex-M0+ cores, Programmable I/O (PIO), 26 GPIO pins, and drag-and-drop programming, making it versatile for countless projects.
  • Unlike traditional Raspberry Pi computers, the Pico runs bare-metal code, not an OS, enabling instant boot and real-time control.
  • The Pico excels in flexibility, ease of use, and community support, bridging the gap between beginner-friendly and professional-grade microcontrollers.
  • For wireless projects, the Raspberry Pi Pico W adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, expanding IoT possibilities.

Ready to get your hands on a Pico and start building?
👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico boards and accessories:

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the silicon weeds, here’s the “too long; didn’t read” version for those of you itching to start soldering.

  • It’s NOT a Linux Computer: Unlike the Raspberry Pi 4, the Pico is a microcontroller. It doesn’t run an OS; it runs a single loop of code very, very efficiently.
  • Dual-Core Power: It features a dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processor. Yes, two brains for the price of a fancy latte! ☕️
  • The PIO Secret Sauce: The Programmable I/O (PIO) is the Pico’s superpower. It allows you to “create” new hardware interfaces (like extra UARTs or VGA outputs) using code.
  • Breadboard Friendly: It’s designed with “castellated holes,” meaning you can solder it directly to a PCB or pop it into a breadboard.
  • Low Power King: It can run on batteries for ages, making it perfect for remote sensors or wearable tech. 🔋
  • Drag-and-Drop Programming: To load code, you just hold the BOOTSEL button, plug it into your PC, and drag a file onto it like it’s a USB thumb drive.
Feature Specification
Processor Dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ @ 133MHz
RAM 264KB on-chip SRAM
Flash Memory 2MB off-chip (expandable up to 16MB)
GPIO Pins 26 multi-function digital pins
Analog Inputs 3 x 12-bit ADC channels
Operating Voltage 1.8V to 5.5V DC

📜 The Evolution of Pi: From Tiny Computers to the Mighty Microcontroller

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico 2 | Everything You Need To Know.

We’ve all been there. You want to build a simple weather station or a blinking LED strip, but using a Raspberry Pi 5 feels like using a Ferrari to drive to the mailbox. It’s overkill! For years, the Raspberry Pi Foundation dominated the Single Board Computer (SBC) market, but the world of microcontrollers was ruled by Arduino and ESP32.

In early 2021, the team at Pi decided they wanted a piece of the “low-level” pie. They didn’t just want to use someone else’s chip; they wanted to design their own. This led to the birth of the RP2040, the first silicon designed in-house by Raspberry Pi.

The Pico was the vessel for this new brain. It represented a shift from “educational computer” to “industrial-grade component.” We remember the day it launched—it felt like the DIY electronics world collectively gasped. Finally, we had the legendary Pi documentation and community support in a package that cost less than a sandwich. 🥪

🍓 What is a Raspberry Pi Pico? The Pint-Sized Powerhouse Explained

Video: 10 Things You Need to Know about Raspberry Pi Pico.

So, what exactly is this thing? Imagine a stick of gum that can control a robot, monitor your houseplants, or even emulate a GameBoy. That’s the Raspberry Pi Pico.

At its core, the Pico is a microcontroller development board. While a standard Raspberry Pi is a general-purpose computer (you plug in a monitor, keyboard, and mouse), the Pico is meant to be embedded into a specific project. You write code on your main computer, “flash” it to the Pico, and the Pico executes that code the moment it gets power.

Why do we love it?

  1. Reliability: No SD card corruption because there’s no OS to crash. ✅
  2. Speed: It boots instantly. ⚡️
  3. Versatility: It bridges the gap between “too simple” and “too complex.”

Whether you are a seasoned engineer at NASA or a student building their first “Hello World” circuit, the Pico is designed to be approachable yet infinitely deep.

🧠 Meet the RP2040: The Silicon Brain Behind the Beauty

Video: R-Pi Pico 2: 10 Things You Must Know Before Buy!

The star of the show isn’t the green PCB; it’s the tiny black square in the middle: the RP2040. This is the first “Raspberry Silicon,” and it is a masterpiece of engineering.

The RP2040 was designed with three goals: high performance, flexible I/O, and low cost.

  • Dual-Core Arm Cortex-M0+: Most microcontrollers in this class are single-core. Having two cores means you can dedicate one to “thinking” (processing data) and the other to “doing” (controlling motors or screens) without any lag.
  • Large RAM: With 264KB of SRAM, it has significantly more “short-term memory” than the Arduino Uno, which only has a measly 2KB. This allows it to handle more complex tasks and larger libraries.

🔢 Decoding the Name: What Does “2040” Actually Mean?

Video: Every Raspberry Pi Explained in 5 minutes.

Have you ever wondered why it’s called the RP2040 and not the “PiChip 1.0”? The engineers at Raspberry Pi actually used a clever naming convention that tells you exactly what’s inside the chip.

  • 2: The number of processor cores (Dual-core).
  • 0: The type of processor (In this case, the M0+).
  • 4: The amount of RAM (This uses a log scale; 4 represents 264KB).
  • 0: The amount of internal non-volatile storage (The RP2040 has 0 internal flash; it uses an external chip instead).

It’s like a secret code for nerds! Now you can impress your friends at the next maker faire with your “deep” knowledge of silicon nomenclature. 🤓

🛠️ 15 Key Features of the Raspberry Pi Pico You Need to Know

Video: Know your Microcontroller (Raspberry Pi Pico).

If you’re comparing this to other boards, these are the 15 features that make the Pico a “must-have” in your toolbox:

  1. Dual-Core Processor: 133MHz of pure speed.
  2. 264KB On-chip SRAM: Plenty of room for MicroPython scripts.
  3. 2MB On-board Flash: Store your code and data files with ease.
  4. Programmable I/O (PIO): The “killer feature” that lets you emulate hardware protocols.
  5. 26 GPIO Pins: Plenty of “legs” to connect sensors and actuators.
  6. 3 Analog Inputs: 12-bit ADC for reading sensors like light or temperature.
  7. 2 × UART, 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C: Standard communication protocols for talking to other chips.
  8. 16 × PWM Channels: Perfect for controlling servos or dimming LEDs.
  9. USB 1.1 Host/Device Support: It can act as a keyboard, mouse, or MIDI controller.
  10. Temperature Sensor: There’s a built-in sensor right on the chip! 🌡️
  11. Accelerated Floating-Point Libraries: Makes math-heavy tasks (like DSP) faster.
  12. Wide Input Voltage: Runs on anything from 1.8V to 5.5V.
  13. Castellated Modules: Allows for direct soldering to carrier boards.
  14. Low-Power Sleep Modes: Ideal for battery-powered IoT devices.
  15. Drag-and-Drop Programming: No special “programmer” hardware required.

🔌 Pinout Power: Navigating the GPIO Landscape

Video: Pico Course for Beginners | Coding, Electronics and Microcontrollers.

The Pico has 40 pins in total, but 26 of them are your “General Purpose Input/Output” (GPIO) pins.

Pro Tip: Always keep a pinout diagram handy! We recommend the official one from Raspberry Pi or the beautiful colored versions from Pimoroni.

  • Ground Pins: There are 8 ground pins scattered around to keep your circuits clean. ❌ Don’t mix these up with power pins!
  • 3.3V Output: The Pico operates at 3.3V logic. If you try to feed it 5V from an old Arduino sensor without a level shifter, you might see the “magic smoke.” 💨
  • Debug Pins: At the bottom, you’ll find the SWD (Serial Wire Debug) pins, which pros use to debug code in real-time.

💻 Coding Your Pico: MicroPython, C/C++, and CircuitPython

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico – Review and Getting Started.

One of the reasons we recommend the Pico to everyone is the software flexibility. You aren’t locked into one language.

  • MicroPython: This is the “gold standard” for beginners. It’s a version of Python 3 optimized for microcontrollers. You use an editor like Thonny IDE, write led.on(), and it just works. It’s incredibly satisfying.
  • C/C++ SDK: For the power users who want to squeeze every drop of performance out of those dual cores. This is what you use if you’re building professional products.
  • CircuitPython: Created by Adafruit, this is a fork of MicroPython that focuses on ease of use and massive library support for their hardware.

Which should you choose? If you’re new, start with MicroPython. If you’re a pro, dive into the C SDK.

⚔️ Pico vs. The World: How It Stacks Up Against Arduino and ESP32

Video: Choosing the right Raspberry Pi for you!

How does the Pico compare to the heavy hitters?

Feature Raspberry Pi Pico Arduino Nano Every ESP32 (DevKitV1)
Processor Dual-Core M0+ Single-Core ATMega4809 Dual-Core Xtensa LX6
Clock Speed 133 MHz 20 MHz 240 MHz
Wireless No (Pico W has it) No Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Ease of Use High (Python) High (C++) Medium
PIO Yes ✅ No ❌ No ❌

The Verdict: The Pico wins on flexibility and PIO. The ESP32 wins on connectivity (unless you get the Pico W). The Arduino wins on legacy support and 5V logic.

🛒 Essential Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Pico

Video: Top 10 Raspberry Pi Pico Projects.

You’ve got the board, now what? Here is the “Why Pi™” starter kit recommendation:

  1. Breadboard and Jumper Wires: Essential for prototyping without solder. Check out this kit on Amazon.
  2. Pimoroni Pico LiPo Shim: If you want to make your project portable, this tiny shim lets you add a LiPo battery.
  3. Waveshare 1.3inch LCD Hat: Because every project is better with a screen. Find it here.
  4. Micro-USB Cable: Make sure it’s a data cable, not just a charging cable! We’ve spent hours debugging only to realize the cable was the culprit. 🤦 ♂️

🚀 10 Mind-Blowing Projects to Start Today

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico: 10 Things You Might Not Know.

  1. Macro Pad: Turn your Pico into a custom keyboard for Photoshop or gaming.
  2. Retro Gaming Console: Use the PIO to output VGA signals and play NES games.
  3. Smart Plant Monitor: Use the ADC to measure soil moisture and send an alert.
  4. USB MIDI Controller: Build your own synthesizer or drum pad.
  5. Weather Station: Connect a BME280 sensor to track temp, humidity, and pressure.
  6. Motion-Sensing Alarm: Use a PIR sensor to guard your cookie jar. 🍪
  7. LED Cube: Control hundreds of LEDs using the PWM channels.
  8. Line-Following Robot: Use the dual cores to process sensor data and drive motors simultaneously.
  9. Home Assistant Integration: Use a Pico W to toggle smart lights.
  10. Digital Oscilloscope: Yes, the Pico is fast enough to act as a basic scope!

📖 Stay Inspired: Why You Should Read MagPi and HackSpace

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico – A Beginners Guide.

We can’t recommend the official literature enough. The MagPi is the official Raspberry Pi magazine, and HackSpace is dedicated to DIY electronics. They often include free Picos on the cover of their print editions!

Reading these magazines is like having a mentor sitting next to you, showing you the coolest new tricks. Plus, the community projects featured are a constant source of “I want to build that!” moments.

🏁 Conclusion

a white board with a bunch of wires attached to it

So, what is a Raspberry Pi Pico? It’s more than just a $4 chip. It’s a gateway to understanding how the world around us is programmed. It’s a tool that is simple enough for a child to blink an LED, yet powerful enough for an engineer to build a complex industrial controller.

Whether you’re drawn to its dual-core RP2040 brain, the magic of PIO, or the simplicity of MicroPython, the Pico is a triumph of accessible technology. We’ve used them in everything from birdhouse cameras to custom mechanical keyboards, and we’re still finding new ways to push them to their limits.

Now, the only question left is: What will you build first? 🛠️

❓ FAQ: Everything Else You’re Itching to Ask

Close-up of a pink circuit board with electronic components.

Q: Does the Pico have Wi-Fi? A: The standard Pico does not. However, the Raspberry Pi Pico W includes an onboard Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth!

Q: Can I run Linux on a Pico? A: No. Linux requires much more RAM and a different processor architecture. The Pico is for “bare metal” programming.

Q: Is the Pico better than an Arduino? A: “Better” is subjective! The Pico is faster, has more RAM, and is generally cheaper. However, Arduino has a larger ecosystem of “Shields” (add-on boards).

Q: How do I reset the Pico without unplugging it? A: You can add a physical reset button by connecting the RUN pin to a ground pin via a momentary switch. We do this on almost every project!

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

If you’re looking for the ultimate lowdown on the Raspberry Pi Pico, you’ve come to the right place. At Why Pi™, we live and breathe this silicon, and we’ve distilled the essentials for you:

  • It’s a Microcontroller, not an SBC: Unlike the Raspberry Pi 4 or 5, it doesn’t run a full OS like Linux. It runs code directly on the “bare metal.” ✅
  • The Brains: It features the RP2040 chip, the first silicon designed in-house by the Raspberry Pi team.
  • Power Sipper: It consumes tiny amounts of power, making it perfect for battery-operated DIY Electronics projects.
  • PIO is Magic: The Programmable I/O (PIO) allows you to “bit-bang” protocols that the chip doesn’t natively support.
  • Dual-Core: It packs two ARM Cortex-M0+ cores, allowing for true multitasking in your embedded projects.
  • No SD Card Needed: Your code is stored on the onboard 2MB QSPI Flash memory. ❌ No more corrupted SD cards!

📜 The Evolution of Pi: From Tiny Computers to the Mighty Microcontroller

Video: Top 5 Raspberry Pi DIY Projects of All Time.

To understand the Pico, we have to look back at where it all started. As noted in the featured video, the Raspberry Pi journey began as a prototype in 2006, eventually launching in 2012 to revolutionize the world of affordable computing. While the “big” Pi boards were credit-card-sized powerhouses capable of running desktops, there was a gap in the Electronics Industry News for something smaller, cheaper, and more “embedded.”

The Raspberry Pi Foundation realized that while people loved using a Pi 4 for a robot, it was often overkill—like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. They wanted a device that could compete with the likes of Arduino and ESP32. In early 2021, they shocked the world by releasing the Pico. It wasn’t just a new board; it was the debut of their own custom silicon, the RP2040. This move signaled a “new era for Raspberry Pi,” shifting from a consumer of chips to a designer of them.

🍓 What is a Raspberry Pi Pico? The Pint-Sized Powerhouse Explained

Video: Mastering Raspberry Pi Pico – Lesson 2: What is the Raspberry Pi Pico W? Features and Capabilities.

The Raspberry Pi Pico is a tiny, fast, and versatile board built using the RP2040 microcontroller chip. It is designed to be a “physical computing” bridge, allowing you to control hardware like LEDs, motors, and sensors with extreme precision.

Why Pi™ Expert Ratings

Category Rating (1-10) Why?
Design 9 Castellated holes make it great for both hobbyists and SMT production.
Functionality 9 Dual-core and PIO offer features rarely seen at this price point.
Ease of Use 10 Drag-and-drop programming is a game-changer for beginners.
Documentation 10 The best in the industry, period.
Community Support 10 Massive library of projects and forums.

Our Perspective: We’ve tested hundreds of boards in our Electronic Component Reviews, and the Pico stands out because it removes the “barrier to entry.” You don’t need a special programmer or a complex IDE setup to get started. You just need a USB cable and a dream. 🌟

🧠 Meet the RP2040: The Silicon Brain Behind the Beauty

Video: Raspberry Pi – All You Need To Know.

The heart of the Pico is the RP2040. This chip is a marvel of modern engineering. It’s a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor clocked at 133MHz. But why two cores?

In the world of microcontrollers, timing is everything. If you are trying to read a high-speed sensor while also updating an OLED screen, a single-core chip might “stutter.” With the RP2040, you can dedicate Core 0 to the heavy lifting and Core 1 to the user interface.

Key Specs of the RP2040:

  • SRAM: 264KB of multi-bank high-performance SRAM.
  • Flash: Supports up to 16MB of off-chip Flash via a dedicated QSPI bus.
  • DMA: Fully connected switch fabric, allowing the Direct Memory Access controller to move data without bothering the CPU. ✅

🔢 Decoding the Name: What Does “2040” Actually Mean?

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico.

If you think “2040” was just a random number chosen by a marketing department, think again! The Raspberry Pi engineers are far too methodical for that. The name is actually a technical breakdown of the chip’s architecture:

  1. 2: The number of cores (Dual-core).
  2. 0: The processor type (M0+).
  3. 4: The amount of RAM (using a log2(ram/16k) formula, 4 equals 264KB).
  4. 0: The amount of internal non-volatile storage (The RP2040 has 0 internal flash; it uses an external chip).

This naming convention allows future chips (like a hypothetical RP2452) to be easily identified by engineers. It’s this level of detail that makes us at Why Pi™ huge fans of their design philosophy.

🛠️ 15 Key Features of the Raspberry Pi Pico You Need to Know

Video: Raspberry Pi 5: Getting Started.

The Pico isn’t just a one-trick pony. It’s packed with features that make it a Swiss Army knife for makers. As The MagPi rightly states, “Pico offers a wealth of connectivity for external hardware.”

  1. Dual-Core ARM Cortex-M0+: Flexible clock running up to 133 MHz.
  2. 264KB On-chip SRAM: More than enough for complex MicroPython scripts.
  3. 2MB On-board QSPI Flash: Reliable storage for your code.
  4. 26 Multi-function GPIO Pins: Including 3 analog inputs.
  5. 2 × UART, 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C: Standard communication for days.
  6. 16 × PWM Channels: Control 16 servos or LEDs independently.
  7. USB 1.1 Host and Device: Can act as a keyboard or a MIDI controller.
  8. 8 × Programmable I/O (PIO) State Machines: Create your own hardware interfaces!
  9. Built-in Temperature Sensor: Great for basic environmental monitoring.
  10. Accelerated Integer and Floating-point Libraries: Fast math on-chip.
  11. Low-power Sleep and Dormant Modes: Save battery life. 🔋
  12. Drag-and-drop Programming: Using storage over USB (UF2).
  13. Accurate On-chip Clock: No need for an external crystal in most cases.
  14. Castellated Module: Solder it directly to your own PCB.
  15. Operating Voltage: 1.8V to 5.5V DC, making it very flexible for power sources.

🔌 Pinout Power: Navigating the GPIO Landscape

Video: 3 HACKING gadgets you have to TRY!!

Navigating the 40 pins of the Pico can be daunting for a newbie. Here is a step-by-step guide to understanding what goes where:

  1. Identify the USB Port: This is the “top” of the board.
  2. Locate the Ground Pins: There are 8 ground pins (GND). They have flat edges on the pinout diagram. Always connect your circuit’s ground here. ❌ Never skip the common ground!
  3. Find the Power Pins: Pin 40 (VBUS) is 5V from the USB. Pin 36 (3V3) is the regulated 3.3V output from the Pico.
  4. Analog vs. Digital: GPIO 26, 27, and 28 are your Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) pins. Use these for sensors like potentiometers or light sensors.
  5. The Debug Header: The three pins at the bottom are for Serial Wire Debug (SWD). Most beginners can ignore these, but they are vital for professional C++ debugging.

Check out the official pinout on the Raspberry Pi Website.

💻 Coding Your Pico: MicroPython, C/C++, and CircuitPython

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico & RP2040 Explained: Features, Applications & Why You Need It!

How do you actually talk to this thing? You have three main choices, and we have strong opinions on all of them!

1. MicroPython (The Beginner’s Best Friend)

MicroPython is a lean version of Python 3. It is incredibly easy to use. You plug the Pico in, open Thonny IDE, and start typing.

  • Pros: Instant feedback, easy syntax, massive community.
  • Cons: Slightly slower than C++.

2. C/C++ SDK (The Professional’s Choice)

If you need to squeeze every bit of performance out of the dual cores or use the PIO to its full extent, the C/C++ SDK is the way to go.

  • Pros: Maximum speed, full control over hardware.
  • Cons: Steeper learning curve, requires a build environment like CMake.

3. CircuitPython (The Adafruit Special)

A fork of MicroPython by Adafruit, designed to make learning even easier. It shows up as a USB drive named CIRCUITPY. You just save a code.py file to it, and it runs.

  • Pros: Huge library support for Adafruit sensors.
  • Cons: Uses more memory than standard MicroPython.

⚔️ Pico vs. The World: How It Stacks Up Against Arduino and ESP32

Video: PicoMiteVGA: Raspberry Pi Pico Boot-to-BASIC Microcomputer.

There is often a conflict in the forums: “Is the Pico an Arduino killer?” The answer is: It depends.

Feature Raspberry Pi Pico Arduino Uno R3 ESP32-WROOM
Logic Level 3.3V 5V 3.3V
Cores 2 1 2
Connectivity None (Pico W has Wi-Fi) None Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Price Extremely Low Moderate Low
Best For PIO & Python 5V Legacy Sensors IoT & Wireless

Conflict Resolution: Some sources claim the Pico is “better” because of its speed. However, the Arduino Uno is still king for 5V logic projects. If you are using old-school 5V sensors, the Arduino is safer. If you want modern performance and Python support, the Pico wins every time.

🛒 Essential Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Pico

Video: Raspberry Pi 5: EVERYTHING you need to know.

You can’t just have the board; you need the “supporting cast.” Here are our top recommendations for getting started:

  • Breadboard & Jumper Wires: You’ll need these to connect components without soldering.
  • Micro-USB Data Cable: Ensure it is a data cable, not just a charging cable!
  • Header Pins: Most Picos come without headers. You’ll need to solder these on to use a breadboard.

👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico Gear on:

🚀 10 Mind-Blowing Projects to Start Today

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico Full Guide 🔥 | Beginner to Pro Tutorial.

Ready to build? Here are 10 ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

  1. Custom Macro Pad: Use the Pico as a HID (Human Interface Device) to create a custom keypad for shortcuts.
  2. Weather Station: Connect a BME280 sensor to log temperature and humidity.
  3. Retro Game Console: Use the PIO to generate a VGA signal and play Pong!
  4. Plant Thirst Detector: Use the ADC pins with a moisture sensor to save your ferns. 🌿
  5. USB MIDI Controller: Build your own electronic drum kit or synth.
  6. Line-Following Robot: Use the dual cores to process infrared sensors and drive motors.
  7. Digital Clock: Add an I2C OLED screen and an RTC module.
  8. Motion-Activated Alarm: Use a PIR sensor to protect your room.
  9. LED Light Show: Use the 16 PWM channels to create complex patterns with RGB LEDs.
  10. Oscilloscope: Believe it or not, you can turn a Pico into a basic 2-channel oscilloscope!

📖 Stay Inspired: Why You Should Read MagPi and HackSpace

We always tell our students: “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” The Raspberry Pi community is incredibly generous. Magazines like The MagPi and HackSpace are treasure troves of inspiration. They often feature deep dives into the RP2040’s architecture and interviews with the engineers who built it.

As mentioned in the featured video, the possibilities are truly limited only by your imagination. Whether you want to build a robot or a digital art piece, someone in the community has likely laid the groundwork for you.

But wait… if the Pico is so great, why would anyone ever buy the Pico W? And what happens when you accidentally plug 5V into a 3.3V pin? We’ll resolve those burning questions in the next section! 🧐

🏁 Conclusion

white and black card on red textile

After diving deep into the world of the Raspberry Pi Pico, it’s clear why this tiny microcontroller has captured the hearts of makers, educators, and engineers alike. At Why Pi™, we’ve tested and tinkered with countless boards, and the Pico stands out as a game-changer in the microcontroller arena.

Positives ✅

  • Exceptional Value: At a price point lower than many competitors, the Pico offers dual-core processing, ample RAM, and a rich set of peripherals.
  • Innovative PIO: The Programmable I/O subsystem is a unique feature that lets you create custom hardware interfaces, a rare capability in this price range.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Drag-and-drop programming with MicroPython and excellent documentation make it accessible to newcomers.
  • Flexible Power Options: Wide voltage range and low-power modes make it ideal for battery-powered projects.
  • Strong Community & Support: Backed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s ecosystem, tutorials, and forums.

Negatives ❌

  • No Built-in Wireless (Standard Pico): The original Pico lacks Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, though the Pico W addresses this.
  • 3.3V Logic Only: Unlike some Arduino boards, it doesn’t tolerate 5V logic without level shifting.
  • No Onboard Debugger: Requires external hardware for advanced debugging.
  • Limited Flash Memory: 2MB onboard might be restrictive for very large programs or data logging.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a powerful, affordable, and versatile microcontroller that bridges the gap between beginner-friendly and professional-grade, the Raspberry Pi Pico is a resounding yes. Whether you want to build a smart plant monitor, a retro game console, or a custom keyboard, the Pico’s combination of speed, flexibility, and community support makes it a top pick.

And to answer the lingering questions:

  • Why buy the Pico W? Because adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth opens up a whole new world of IoT possibilities.
  • What if you accidentally plug 5V into a 3.3V pin? The Pico’s GPIO pins are not 5V tolerant and can be damaged. Always double-check your wiring or use level shifters to protect your board.

Ready to start your Pico journey? We’re confident you’ll love it as much as we do! 🚀

👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico and Accessories:

Recommended Books:

  • Programming the Raspberry Pi Pico/W in C by Simon Monk — Amazon
  • Getting Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico by Gareth Halfacree — Amazon
  • Raspberry Pi Pico Essentials by Mike McGrath — Amazon

❓ FAQ: Everything Else You’re Itching to Ask

green and black circuit board

What are the possibilities for using the Raspberry Pi Pico in home automation and smart home systems?

The Pico, especially the Pico W with wireless capabilities, is an excellent choice for home automation. You can use it to control lights, monitor sensors (temperature, humidity, motion), and interface with smart home hubs via MQTT or HTTP protocols. Its low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-operated sensors placed around the house.

Limitations: The standard Pico lacks Wi-Fi, so for wireless smart home projects, the Pico W is recommended. Also, the Pico doesn’t natively support complex encryption or secure protocols, so for security-critical applications, additional hardware or software layers might be needed.

How do I connect sensors and peripherals to the Raspberry Pi Pico and what are the limitations?

The Pico offers 26 multifunction GPIO pins, including 3 ADC channels, and supports standard protocols like I2C, SPI, UART, and PWM. This makes it compatible with a vast array of sensors and peripherals such as temperature sensors (e.g., DS18B20), accelerometers (e.g., MPU6050), displays (OLED, LCD), and motors.

Limitations:

  • The GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic, so 5V sensors require level shifting.
  • The ADC has only 3 channels, so for many analog sensors, external multiplexers might be necessary.
  • No built-in DAC, so analog output requires PWM or external DAC chips.

What are some of the best projects to build with a Raspberry Pi Pico for beginners?

Beginners can start with projects like:

  • Blinking LEDs and button inputs
  • Temperature and humidity monitoring with DHT11/DHT22 sensors
  • Simple digital clocks using I2C OLED displays
  • USB HID devices like custom keyboards or macro pads
  • Basic line-following robots using IR sensors

These projects build foundational skills in programming, electronics, and interfacing.

Can I use the Raspberry Pi Pico for robotics and IoT projects, and what are some examples?

Absolutely! The Pico’s dual cores and PWM outputs make it suitable for robotics tasks like motor control, sensor fusion, and real-time processing. Examples include:

  • Line-following or obstacle-avoiding robots
  • Wireless sensor nodes using the Pico W for IoT data collection
  • Home automation controllers
  • Remote-controlled vehicles

For IoT, the Pico W’s Wi-Fi enables cloud connectivity, MQTT messaging, and integration with platforms like Home Assistant.

What programming languages are supported by the Raspberry Pi Pico and how do I get started?

The Pico supports:

  • MicroPython: Ideal for beginners; start with the official MicroPython docs.
  • C/C++ SDK: For advanced users; requires setting up a build environment with CMake and GCC.
  • CircuitPython: A beginner-friendly fork of MicroPython by Adafruit, with extensive hardware libraries.

Getting started is easy with Thonny IDE for Python or Visual Studio Code for C/C++.

How does the Raspberry Pi Pico compare to the Arduino in terms of performance and price?

The Pico generally outperforms classic Arduino boards like the Uno in CPU speed (133 MHz vs. 16 MHz) and RAM (264KB vs. 2KB), at a similar or lower price point. However, Arduino boards often have 5V tolerant pins and a more mature ecosystem for certain sensors and shields.

What are the main differences between Raspberry Pi Pico and other microcontroller boards?

Compared to boards like the ESP32 or Arduino Nano, the Pico:

  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (except Pico W)
  • Has a unique PIO subsystem for custom hardware protocols
  • Uses dual ARM Cortex-M0+ cores
  • Is highly cost-effective and well-documented
  • Has a strong focus on ease of programming with MicroPython

How does the Raspberry Pi Pico compare to other Raspberry Pi models?

Unlike the Raspberry Pi 4 or 5, the Pico is not a full computer. It does not run Linux or support HDMI output. Instead, it is a microcontroller designed for embedded control tasks, with instant boot times and real-time responsiveness.

What are the main applications of the Raspberry Pi Pico in DIY projects?

Common applications include:

  • Sensor data logging
  • Custom USB devices
  • Robotics controllers
  • IoT endpoints (with Pico W)
  • Educational tools for learning embedded programming

How do you get started with the Raspberry Pi Pico for beginners?

  1. Buy a Pico or Pico W.
  2. Download and install Thonny IDE.
  3. Connect the Pico while holding the BOOTSEL button to enter USB mass storage mode.
  4. Drag and drop the MicroPython UF2 firmware onto the Pico.
  5. Start coding in Python!

What are the power consumption features of the Raspberry Pi Pico?

The Pico supports multiple low-power modes, including sleep and dormant states, allowing it to run on batteries for extended periods. It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, making it flexible for various power sources.

Can the Raspberry Pi Pico be used for IoT projects?

Yes, especially the Pico W, which includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It can connect to cloud services, send sensor data, and receive commands remotely.

What accessories and add-ons are compatible with the Raspberry Pi Pico?

Popular accessories include:

  • Breadboards and jumper wires
  • LiPo battery adapters (e.g., Pimoroni LiPo Shim)
  • OLED and LCD displays (I2C or SPI)
  • Sensors (temperature, humidity, motion)
  • Motor drivers and servos
  • Debug probes for SWD debugging

Ready to dive deeper? Explore our Raspberry Pi Pico category for tutorials, reviews, and community projects!

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