Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
What Is Raspberry Pi Pico Used For? 12 Cool Projects & Uses (2025) 🚀
If youâve ever wondered what the tiny yet mighty Raspberry Pi Pico can actually do, youâre in the right place! This little microcontroller has taken the maker world by storm since its debut, powering everything from DIY robots to smart home gadgets. But what makes it so special, and how can you harness its power for your own projects?
In this article, weâll explore 12 exciting use cases that showcase the Picoâs versatilityâfrom wireless IoT devices with the Pico W to custom keyboards and retro gaming consoles. Plus, weâll uncover some insider tips on programming, troubleshooting, and how it stacks up against other microcontrollers like Arduino and ESP32. Ready to unlock the full potential of this tiny titan? Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Raspberry Pi Pico is a powerful, affordable microcontroller ideal for embedded systems and DIY electronics projects.
- The Pico W variant adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, opening doors to IoT and smart home applications.
- It supports easy programming with MicroPython and C/C++, making it accessible for beginners and pros alike.
- Unique features like Programmable I/O (PIO) enable custom hardware interfaces not possible on many competitors.
- Popular use cases include robotics, environmental monitoring, wearable tech, custom keyboards, and retro gaming.
- When choosing a microcontroller, consider the Picoâs balance of performance, price, and community support compared to Arduino and ESP32.
👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico & Accessories:
- Raspberry Pi Pico: Amazon | Walmart | Adafruit Official
- Raspberry Pi Pico W: Amazon | Walmart | Adafruit Official
Table of Contents
- ⚡ď¸ Quick Tips and Facts
- 💡 The Genesis of Innovation: Unpacking the Raspberry Pi Pico’s Origin Story
- 🤔 What Exactly IS a Raspberry Pi Pico? Your Microcontroller Maestro Explained!
- 🚀 Why Choose the Pico? Unveiling its Superpowers and Core Advantages
- 🛠ď¸ Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Pico: Your First Steps to Creation
- 🌟 The Versatile World of Raspberry Pi Pico: Top Use Cases & Project Ideas
- 📡 Pico vs. Pico W: What’s the WiFi Difference?
- ⚖ď¸ Comparing Pico to Other Microcontrollers: Arduino, ESP32, and More!
- 🐛 Troubleshooting Common Pico Problems: Your Debugging Companion
- 🔮 Future of Raspberry Pi Pico: What’s Next for This Tiny Titan?
- Conclusion: Your Journey with the Raspberry Pi Pico Begins Now!
- Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into the Pico Universe
- FAQ: Your Burning Pico Questions Answered!
- Reference Links: The Sources We Trust
Here is the main body content for your blog post, crafted by the expert team at Why Piâ˘.
⚡ď¸ Quick Tips and Facts
Jumping right in? We love your energy! Hereâs the lowdown on the Raspberry Pi Pico in a nutshell. Chew on these tasty tidbits before we unpack the whole picnic basket.
- ✅ It’s a Microcontroller, Not a Mini-Computer: This is the big one! Unlike its bigger Raspberry Pi cousins that run a full operating system like Linux, the Pico is designed to run a single, dedicated program. Think of it as a specialist, not a generalist.
- 🧠 The Brains: It’s powered by the RP2040, a custom-designed dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor from Raspberry Pi itself. It’s speedy for its size!
- 🐍 Languages: You can program it using beginner-friendly MicroPython or the powerful, industry-standard C/C++.
- 💰 Affordability King: The Pico is incredibly budget-friendly, making it one of the most accessible entry points into the world of electronics and coding.
- 🔌 PIO Power: It features unique Programmable I/O (PIO) blocks. What’s that? Think of them as tiny, super-fast co-processors you can program to handle custom hardware interfaces without bogging down the main CPU. It’s a game-changer!
- 📶 Go Wireless with Pico W: Need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? The Raspberry Pi Pico W variant adds wireless connectivity for your Internet of Things (IoT) projects.
- ❌ No OS Here: You won’t be running Windows, Android, or even Raspberry Pi OS on a Pico. It’s not built for that. As one forum user put it, “Think smaller. Microcontrollers are in myriads of devices around your home. Washing machines, fridges, toasters, Xmas lights.”
💡 The Genesis of Innovation: Unpacking the Raspberry Pi Pico’s Origin Story
Every great hero has an origin story, and the Pico is no different. For years, the Raspberry Pi Foundation conquered the world of single-board computers, empowering makers, students, and engineers to build incredible projects that needed a full-fledged computer brain. But they noticed a gap.
What about the smaller tasks? The ones that needed precision timing, low power consumption, and direct control over electronic components? This was the realm of microcontrollers, dominated by titans like Arduino. The Raspberry Pi team, in their classic fashion, didn’t just want to enter the market; they wanted to redefine it.
So, they did something audacious: they designed their own silicon! The RP2040 chip was born out of a desire to create a powerful, flexible, and ridiculously low-cost microcontroller that carried the Raspberry Pi DNA of accessibility and community support. In January 2021, the Raspberry Pi Pico was unleashed upon the world, and the maker community has never been the same. It wasn’t just a new product; it was a statement.
🤔 What Exactly IS a Raspberry Pi Pico? Your Microcontroller Maestro Explained!
Alright, let’s clear the air. If you’re new to this, the name “Raspberry Pi” might make you think of a tiny desktop computer. Pump the brakes! The Raspberry Pi Pico is a different beast altogether. It’s a microcontroller board, and understanding that distinction is key to unlocking its magic.
| Feature | Rating (1-10) | Why Pi⢒s Expert Take |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8/10 | For a microcontroller, the dual-core RP2040 is impressively zippy and the PIO is a secret weapon. |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | With drag-and-drop programming and excellent MicroPython support via the Thonny IDE, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly. |
| Features | 7/10 | It has a solid set of peripherals, but the Pico W is a must for built-in wireless. |
| Value for Money | 10/10 | Absolutely unbeatable. The power you get for the price is astonishing. |
| Community & Docs | 9/10 | The official documentation is world-class, and the Raspberry Pi community is massive and supportive. |
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. Your TV remote, your microwave, your car’s engine management systemâthey all run on microcontrollers. They do one job, and they do it exceptionally well. The Pico is a blank canvas for you to create your own single-purpose device.
Still a bit fuzzy? The fantastic first YouTube video embedded in this article, “What is a microcontroller? ft. Raspberry Pi Pico” by Raspberry Pi, breaks it down beautifully in just a few minutes. It’s a must-watch!
The Pico is “a low-cost, high-performance microcontroller board developed by Raspberry Pi.” It’s designed to be the bridge between the world of software and the physical world of buttons, lights, sensors, and motors.
👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico on:
🚀 Why Choose the Pico? Unveiling its Superpowers and Core Advantages
So, with other options like Arduino and ESP32 out there, why has the Pico caused such a stir? Let’s break down its core advantages.
Cost-Effectiveness: Big Power, Tiny Price Tag!
This is the Pico’s headline act. The Raspberry Pi Foundation leveraged its manufacturing prowess to deliver a board that is so affordable it’s almost an impulse buy. This low barrier to entry means you can experiment, make mistakes, and even build projects with multiple Picos without breaking the bank. It democratizes electronics for everyone, from students in a classroom to engineers prototyping a new product.
Performance & Efficiency: Punching Above Its Weight Class
Don’t let the size fool you. The dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133 MHz is a powerhouse in the microcontroller world. It means the Pico can handle complex calculations, multitasking (one core for your main code, one for something else!), and demanding peripherals with ease. It’s well-suited for a wide range of embedded projects, from simple sensor readings to more complex robotics.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve: Your Gateway to Embedded Systems
Raspberry Pi knows its audience. The Pico is designed to be welcoming.
- Drag-and-Drop Programming: To get started, you just hold down the BOOTSEL button while plugging it in, and it appears as a USB drive on your computer. Drag a UF2 file onto it, and it’s programmed. Simple!
- MicroPython: For many, this is the killer feature. MicroPython is a lean version of Python that runs on microcontrollers. If you know Python, you’re already halfway to programming the Pico. This makes it a fantastic board for beginners who want to learn about microcontrollers.
- Amazing Documentation: The official Raspberry Pi documentation is second to none. It’s comprehensive, full of examples, and incredibly well-written.
RP2040 Chip: The Brains Behind the Brawn
The RP2040 is the star of the show. It’s what makes the Pico, the Pico. Let’s look at the tale of the tape.
| RP2040 Specification | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ @ 133MHz | Two cores mean you can dedicate one to time-sensitive tasks while the other runs your main logic. It’s multitasking on a micro! |
| SRAM | 264KB on-chip | A generous amount of RAM for storing variables and running complex programs. |
| Flash Memory | 2MB on-board QSPI | Plenty of space to store your MicroPython or C/C++ code. |
| GPIO | 26 multi-function pins | These are your connections to the outside world! They can be used for digital input/output, analog input (ADC), and more. |
| Peripherals | 2x UART, 2x I2C, 2x SPI, 16x PWM | All the standard communication protocols you need to talk to sensors, displays, and other chips. |
| PIO | 8x Programmable I/O state machines | The secret sauce! This allows you to create custom hardware interfaces in software. Want to drive a VGA display or read a weird old sensor? PIO can do it. |
🛠ď¸ Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Pico: Your First Steps to Creation
Ready to stop reading and start doing? We’re with you! Getting your first Pico project up and running is a breeze. Here’s your roadmap.
Essential Tools & Software: What You’ll Need in Your Maker Toolkit
The beauty of the Pico is that you don’t need a lot to get started.
- A Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W: The hero of our story!
- A Micro-USB Cable: For power and programming. Make sure it’s a data cable, not just a charging cable!
- A Computer: Windows, Mac, Linux, or even another Raspberry Pi will do.
- (Optional but Recommended) A Breadboard and Jumper Wires: These make it easy to connect components like LEDs and buttons without soldering. The Adafruit Pico Starter Kit is a great all-in-one option.
Programming Languages: Python (MicroPython) vs. C/C++
You’ve got two main choices for your Microcontroller Programming adventure.
-
MicroPython:
- ✅ Pros: Super easy to learn, interactive (you can type commands and see results instantly), huge number of libraries, great for rapid prototyping.
- ❌ Cons: Can be slightly slower and use more memory than C/C++.
- Our Verdict: Start here! For 95% of users, MicroPython is the perfect blend of power and simplicity.
-
C/C++:
- ✅ Pros: Maximum performance (“bare metal” speed), precise control over hardware, the industry standard for embedded systems.
- ❌ Cons: Steeper learning curve, longer compile times, more complex to set up.
- Our Verdict: For when you need to squeeze every last drop of performance out of the Pico or are working on a professional application.
IDE Choices: Thonny, VS Code, and Beyond!
An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is the software where you’ll write your code.
- Thonny IDE: This is the officially recommended IDE for beginners using MicroPython. It’s simple, has a built-in interpreter for the Pico, and just works. Download it, select the Raspberry Pi Pico as your interpreter, and you’re ready to code.
- Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A more powerful and professional code editor. With extensions like Pico-W-Go, it becomes a fantastic environment for both MicroPython and C/C++ development on the Pico.
- Arduino IDE: Yes, you can even program the Pico using the familiar Arduino IDE! An unofficial board package adds support for the RP2040, which is great for those coming from the Arduino ecosystem.
🌟 The Versatile World of Raspberry Pi Pico: Top Use Cases & Project Ideas
So, what is the Raspberry Pi Pico actually used for? The answer is… almost anything your imagination can conjure in the world of DIY Electronics! Here are 12 of our favorite applications.
1. Smart Home Automation & IoT Devices: Bringing Your Home to Life
With the Pico W’s Wi-Fi, you can create custom smart devices. Think smart plugs, temperature/humidity sensors that report to a central server, automated plant watering systems, or even a custom controller for your RGB light strips.
2. Robotics & Mechatronics: The Brains for Your Bots
The Pico is perfect for controlling motors and reading sensors, the core tasks of robotics. Its dual-core processor can handle motor control on one core and navigation logic on the other. Build a simple line-following robot, a robotic arm, or even a small walking hexapod.
3. Wearable Tech & Miniaturized Projects: Innovation on the Go
The Pico’s small size and low power consumption make it ideal for wearable projects. Think custom smartwatches, fitness trackers, or light-up cosplay accessories. One user on the Raspberry Pi forums mentioned they were building a watch and found the Pico “absolutely perfect” for their needs.
4. Custom Keyboards & Input Devices: Typing with a Twist
The Pico can act as a USB Human Interface Device (HID). This means you can program it to be a custom mechanical keyboard, a macro pad with shortcuts for your favorite software, a flight simulator control panel, or a unique game controller.
5. Data Logging & Environmental Monitoring: Keeping an Eye on Your World
Hook up sensors to the Pico and have it log data to its flash memory or an SD card. You can monitor temperature, pressure, air quality, or soil moisture over time. It’s perfect for science experiments or keeping tabs on your greenhouse.
6. Educational Tools & STEM Projects: Learning Made Fun
The low cost and ease of use make the Pico a superstar in the classroom. It’s a fantastic tool for teaching programming and electronics concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.
7. Gaming & Retro Emulation: Pixelated Fun, Pico Powered!
While it won’t run Crysis, the Pico is powerful enough to emulate classic 8-bit consoles like the NES or Game Boy. You can build your own tiny handheld gaming device or a retro console that outputs to a small display.
8. Audio & Visual Projects: Sound and Light, Controlled by Pico
The Pico can generate audio signals and control complex light displays. Think MIDI synthesizers, digital audio effects pedals, or large LED matrix displays. The PIO is especially useful here; it can even be used to “bit bang two 640×480 DVI streams.”
9. Prototyping & Rapid Development: From Idea to Reality, Fast!
For engineers and product designers, the Pico is an incredible prototyping tool. Need to quickly test a concept for a new electronic device? The Pico, with its easy MicroPython programming, lets you build and iterate on a functional prototype in record time.
10. Industrial Control & Automation: Robust Solutions for Real-World Problems
In a more industrial setting, the Pico can be used as a reliable controller for machinery, a monitor for industrial sensors, or a simple logic controller to automate a repetitive task on a production line.
11. Art Installations & Interactive Displays: Bringing Creativity to Life
Artists can use the Pico to create interactive art. Imagine a sculpture that reacts to people walking by, a light display that changes with ambient sound, or a kinetic artwork with precisely controlled motors.
12. Security Systems & Access Control: Keeping Things Safe
Build a simple alarm system with motion sensors, a keypad entry system for your workshop door, or an RFID card reader for access control. The Pico can handle the logic and control the locks or alarms.
📡 Pico vs. Pico W: What’s the WiFi Difference?
This is a common fork in the road for Pico newcomers. The choice is simple: do you need to connect to the internet?
| Feature | Raspberry Pi Pico | Raspberry Pi Pico W |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | RP2040 | RP2040 |
| Wireless | ❌ None | ✅ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth LE |
| On-board LED | Connected to GPIO25 | Controlled via Wi-Fi Chip |
| Best For | Offline projects, learning, robotics, HID devices | IoT projects, web servers, wireless sensors, anything needing connectivity |
The Pico W adds an Infineon CYW43439 chip to provide 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 (Bluetooth is still in development for the SDK, but coming!). This opens up a whole new world of connected projects. But this addition comes with a small “gotcha” you need to be aware of.
Shared GPIO with WiFi Chip: Understanding the Nuances
On the original Pico, the onboard LED is directly connected to GPIO pin 25. On the Pico W, this pin (along with 23 and 24) is used to communicate with the wireless chip. This means you can’t use them for your own purposes if you’re using Wi-Fi.
This has caused some confusion. As one developer noted, “I still believe GPIO pins should have been virtualised with the introduction of the Pico W… but neither the Pico SDK nor MicroPython did that.”
What does this mean for you?
- In MicroPython, instead of
Pin(25), you should usePin("LED")to control the onboard LED. This code will work on both the Pico and Pico W. - If you have a project designed for the original Pico that uses pins 23, 24, or 25, you’ll need to modify the code and wiring to use different pins if you want to run it on a Pico W with Wi-Fi enabled.
⚖ď¸ Comparing Pico to Other Microcontrollers: Arduino, ESP32, and More!
The Pico didn’t enter an empty arena. It’s competing with some established heavyweights. How does it stack up? Let’s check out some Electronic Component Reviews.
| Feature | Raspberry Pi Pico | Arduino UNO R3 | ESP32 Dev Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-Core ARM M0+ @ 133MHz | Single-Core AVR @ 16MHz | Dual-Core Tensilica @ 240MHz |
| Wireless | No (Pico W has Wi-Fi/BT) | No (requires shields) | ✅ Yes (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth) |
| RAM | 264KB | 2KB | 520KB |
| Primary Language | MicroPython / C++ | C++ (Arduino Language) | C++ (Arduino) / MicroPython |
| Beginner Friendliness | âââââ | âââââ | ââââ |
| Performance | ââââ | ââ | âââââ |
| Key Strength | PIO, Price, Documentation | Ecosystem, Simplicity | Connectivity, Power |
- Pico vs. Arduino: The Pico is significantly more powerful than the classic Arduino Uno. Its dual-core processor and large RAM make it a clear winner for performance. The Arduino’s main strength is its massive ecosystem of “shields” (add-on boards) and a colossal library of existing projects.
- Pico vs. ESP32: This is a closer fight. The ESP32 is a performance beast with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as standard. It’s often the go-to for demanding IoT projects. The Pico’s advantages are its lower cost, excellent official documentation, and the unique PIO feature, which gives it flexibility the ESP32 can’t match.
🐛 Troubleshooting Common Pico Problems: Your Debugging Companion
Hit a snag? It happens to all of us! Here are some common gremlins and how to squash them.
- My Pico isn’t showing up as a drive!
- Solution: Make sure you are holding down the BOOTSEL button before and while you plug in the USB cable. Also, double-check you’re using a data-capable USB cable, not a power-only one.
- My code isn’t running!
- Solution (MicroPython): Did you save your file as
main.pyon the Pico? The Pico automatically runsboot.pyfirst, thenmain.pywhen it powers up. If it’s named something else, it won’t run automatically.
- Solution (MicroPython): Did you save your file as
- Thonny can’t connect to my Pico!
- Solution: Make sure you’ve selected the correct interpreter in the bottom-right corner of Thonny (it should say something like “MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico)”). If it’s still not working, try unplugging the Pico, closing Thonny, then plugging the Pico back in without holding BOOTSEL, and then reopening Thonny.
- My Pico W can’t connect to Wi-Fi!
- Solution: Double, triple, and quadruple-check your Wi-Fi SSID (name) and password. They are case-sensitive! Also, ensure your Wi-Fi is a 2.4GHz network, as the Pico W does not support 5GHz networks.
🔮 Future of Raspberry Pi Pico: What’s Next for This Tiny Titan?
The Pico is just the beginning. The real star is the RP2040 chip. We’re already seeing a Cambrian explosion of third-party boards using the RP2040, from brands like Adafruit, SparkFun, and Pimoroni. This is creating a diverse ecosystem with boards of all shapes and sizes, with different features tailored for specific tasks.
What’s next from Raspberry Pi themselves? We can only speculate. A Pico with more RAM? A version with a built-in motor driver or display? A more powerful RP-series chip? Whatever comes next, it’s clear that Raspberry Pi is deeply invested in the microcontroller space. Keep an eye on the latest Electronics Industry News for announcements! The future is tiny, powerful, and very exciting.
Conclusion: Your Journey with the Raspberry Pi Pico Begins Now!
After diving deep into the Raspberry Pi Pico, itâs clear this tiny microcontroller packs a mighty punch. From its dual-core RP2040 processor and unique PIO capabilities to its affordable price and stellar community support, the Pico stands out as a versatile, beginner-friendly, and powerful tool for makers, educators, and engineers alike.
Positives ✅
- Unbeatable value: High performance at a low cost.
- Flexible programming: Supports both MicroPython and C/C++.
- Extensive GPIO and peripherals: Perfect for a wide range of projects.
- Strong documentation and community: Learning resources abound.
- PIO feature: Enables custom hardware interfaces unheard of in this price range.
Negatives ❌
- No built-in wireless on the original Pico: Youâll need the Pico W for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
- GPIO conflicts on Pico W: Some pins are shared with the Wi-Fi chip, requiring code adjustments.
- Not a general-purpose computer: Itâs not designed to run operating systems or complex multitasking environments.
- Limited RAM and flash compared to bigger microcontrollers: But still generous for most embedded projects.
Our Confident Recommendation
If youâre looking to learn microcontroller programming, prototype embedded systems, or build custom hardware projects, the Raspberry Pi Pico (and Pico W for wireless) is an exceptional choice. It strikes a perfect balance between power, price, and ease of use. Whether youâre a student, hobbyist, or professional, the Pico invites you to explore the fascinating world of embedded systems with confidence and creativity.
Remember the question we teased earlier: What can you actually build with it? Now you know â from smart home gadgets to robots, wearable tech, custom keyboards, and beyond, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination.
Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into the Pico Universe
Ready to grab your own Raspberry Pi Pico or accessories? Here are some trusted shopping links and books to fuel your maker journey:
-
Raspberry Pi Pico:
Amazon | Walmart | Adafruit Official -
Raspberry Pi Pico W (with Wi-Fi):
Amazon | Walmart | Adafruit Official -
Adafruit Pico Starter Kit (includes breadboard, wires, components):
Adafruit -
Books for Raspberry Pi Pico Beginners & Makers:
FAQ: Your Burning Pico Questions Answered!
What projects can you build with Raspberry Pi Pico?
You can build a huge variety of projects, including:
- Smart home devices (e.g., Wi-Fi sensors with Pico W)
- Robotics controllers
- Custom keyboards and input devices
- Data loggers for environmental monitoring
- Wearable gadgets like smartwatches
- Retro gaming consoles and emulators
- Audio synthesizers and LED displays
The Picoâs versatility and GPIO options make it suitable for nearly any embedded system project.
Read more about “What Are the Power Requirements for the Raspberry Pi Pico? ⚡ď¸ (2025)”
How does Raspberry Pi Pico compare to other microcontrollers?
Compared to popular boards like Arduino Uno and ESP32:
- Pico vs Arduino Uno: Pico is far more powerful with a dual-core ARM processor and more RAM.
- Pico vs ESP32: ESP32 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (standard), higher clock speed, and more RAM, but Pico offers unique PIO features and excellent documentation.
- The Pico is best for beginners and educators who want a balance of power and simplicity, while ESP32 is often preferred for advanced IoT projects.
Read more about “Where to Buy Raspberry Pi Pico in 2025 + 7 Price Secrets 🛒”
Can Raspberry Pi Pico be used for IoT applications?
Yes! Especially the Pico W variant with built-in Wi-Fi. You can create:
- Wireless sensors
- Smart home controllers
- Web servers for device control
- Data loggers that upload to cloud services
Keep in mind the Wi-Fi chip shares some GPIO pins, so youâll need to adjust your code accordingly.
Read more about “What Is the Full PI Number? 🔢 The Infinite Mystery Explained (2025)”
What programming languages are supported by Raspberry Pi Pico?
- MicroPython: The most beginner-friendly and widely used language for Pico.
- C/C++: For maximum performance and control.
- Arduino IDE: Supported via third-party board packages.
- Other languages like Rust and CircuitPython are also gaining traction thanks to community efforts.
Read more about “🔧 7 Essential Software & Tools to Start Raspberry Pi Pico Development (2025)”
Is Raspberry Pi Pico suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The Picoâs:
- Low cost
- Easy drag-and-drop programming
- Friendly MicroPython environment
- Extensive tutorials and community support
make it an ideal first microcontroller for students, hobbyists, and educators.
Read more about “What Is a Raspberry Pi Used For? 15 Amazing Projects in 2025 🚀”
What sensors are compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico?
Thanks to its multiple communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, ADC), the Pico can interface with a vast array of sensors, including:
- Temperature and humidity sensors (e.g., DHT22, BME280)
- Accelerometers and gyroscopes (e.g., MPU6050)
- Light sensors (e.g., BH1750)
- Gas sensors, pressure sensors, and more
Read more about “How to Connect 7 External Sensors & Components to Raspberry Pi Pico (2025) 🔌”
How do you connect Raspberry Pi Pico to other devices?
You can connect peripherals using:
- GPIO pins for digital input/output
- I2C and SPI buses for sensors and displays
- UART serial communication for modules like GPS or Bluetooth
- PWM outputs for motors and LEDs
The Picoâs Programmable I/O (PIO) blocks allow you to create custom protocols for unusual devices.
Read more about “Raspberry Pi Pico vs Other Pi Models: 9 Key Differences (2025) ⚡︔
Reference Links: The Sources We Trust
-
Raspberry Pi Official Pico Documentation:
https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/microcontrollers/raspberry-pi-pico.html -
RP2040 Datasheet and Technical Details:
https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rp2040/rp2040-datasheet.pdf -
Raspberry Pi Forums Discussion on Pico Use Cases:
https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=299669 -
Pico W GPIO and Wi-Fi Chip Shared Pins Explained:
https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=381798 -
MicroPython Official Site:
https://micropython.org/ -
Adafruit Raspberry Pi Pico Products:
https://www.adafruit.com/category/1002 -
SparkFun RP2040 Boards:
https://www.sparkfun.com/categories/tags/rp2040 -
Arduino Official Site (for comparison):
https://www.arduino.cc/ -
ESP32 Official Site:
https://www.espressif.com/en/products/socs/esp32
We hope this comprehensive guide from the Why Pi⢠team has sparked your curiosity and equipped you with everything you need to embark on your Raspberry Pi Pico adventure. Ready to build something amazing? Letâs get started! 🚀





