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Where to Buy Raspberry Pi Pico in 2025 + 7 Price Secrets 🛒
Looking to snag a Raspberry Pi Pico without breaking the bank or falling into a scam? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a curious beginner, this guide uncovers the best places to buy a Raspberry Pi Pico, reveals the typical price ranges, and shares insider tips to avoid inflated costs and shipping surprises. Spoiler alert: official resellers like Pimoroni and Adafruit remain your safest bets, but we’ll also dive into savvy strategies for scoring bundles, kits, and even educational discounts.
Did you know the Raspberry Pi Pico’s MSRP is famously low, but some sellers mark it up by 5x or more? 😲 We’ll explain why that happens and how to dodge those pitfalls. Plus, if you’re wondering whether to go for the Wi-Fi-enabled Pico W or the classic Pico, we’ve got you covered with a detailed comparison. Ready to get your hands on this tiny powerhouse? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Buy from official Raspberry Pi resellers like Pimoroni, Adafruit, and SparkFun for genuine products and fair pricing.
- Typical MSRP is very affordable, but market prices can vary widely due to demand and shipping costs.
- Pico W adds Wi-Fi for a modest price increase—worth it for IoT projects!
- Bundles and starter kits offer great value for beginners, including accessories and tutorials.
- Beware of third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay who may inflate prices or sell counterfeits.
- Shipping costs can sometimes double your total spend—compare carefully before buying.
- Bulk and educational discounts are available if you’re buying multiple units.
👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico and Kits on:
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Raspberry Pi Pico Buying
- 🔍 The Raspberry Pi Pico Story: Origins and Evolution
- 🛒 Where Can I Buy a Raspberry Pi Pico? Top Retailers and Marketplaces
- 💰 What Is the Typical Price of a Raspberry Pi Pico? Pricing Breakdown
- 🚚 Shipping Costs and Delivery Times: What You Need to Know
- 🔧 Raspberry Pi Pico Accessories and Bundles: Where to Find the Best Deals
- 🛡️ Avoiding Scams and Counterfeits: How to Buy Safely
- 📦 Unboxing and First Impressions: What to Expect When Your Pico Arrives
- 💡 Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Your Raspberry Pi Pico
- 🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Raspberry Pi Pico
- 🔗 Recommended Links for Raspberry Pi Pico Buyers
- 📚 Reference Links and Resources
- 🏁 Conclusion: Your Next Steps to Get a Raspberry Pi Pico
Here is the main body of the article, crafted according to your specifications.
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Raspberry Pi Pico Buying
Welcome, fellow tech enthusiasts and future makers! You’re on the hunt for the Raspberry Pi Pico, a tiny titan of the microcontroller world. Before we dive deep, here’s the lowdown from our team at Why Pi™ to get you started fast. We’ve spent countless hours with these little boards, and you can find our full review and project guides in our comprehensive Raspberry Pi Pico article.
- What is it? The Raspberry Pi Pico is a low-cost, high-performance microcontroller board built around Raspberry Pi’s own RP2040 chip. It’s not a mini-computer like the Raspberry Pi 4; it’s designed for physical computing projects.
- The Magic Number: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the standard Pico is famously low. However, the actual price you pay can vary. We’ll break down why later!
- Where to Buy? ✅ Always start with Official Raspberry Pi Resellers. This is your safest bet for fair pricing and genuine products. Top names include Pimoroni, Adafruit, SparkFun, and The Pi Hut.
- Pico Flavors: There isn’t just one Pico!
- Pico: The original classic.
- Pico H: A Pico with pre-soldered headers.
- Pico W: Adds Wi-Fi connectivity. A total game-changer!
- Pico WH: The best of both worlds—Wi-Fi and pre-soldered headers.
- Beware of Scalpers: ❌ On marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, be cautious. Prices can be inflated, especially from third-party sellers. As one user on the Raspberry Pi forums noted, they saw a Pico for nearly ten times its MSRP plus shipping!
- Bundles Can Be a Bargain: If you’re just starting, a kit with a Pico, breadboard, wires, and sensors can be a fantastic value. It saves you the hassle of sourcing individual components.
- Shipping Costs Matter: A cheap Pico can become expensive once you add shipping. Compare the total “to-your-door” cost before you click buy.
🔍 The Raspberry Pi Pico Story: Origins and Evolution
Ever wonder how this tiny powerhouse came to be? It’s a tale of innovation and a brilliant strategic pivot. For years, the Raspberry Pi Foundation was king of the single-board computer (SBC). But they saw a whole other world of electronics—the world of microcontrollers—dominated by Arduino and ESP32. Their answer? The Pico.
Instead of just making another board, they did something audacious: they designed their own silicon! 🤯
The Birth of the RP2040 Chip
The heart of every Pico is the RP2040, a custom-designed dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor. This was a massive leap for the Foundation, moving them from a board designer to a chip designer. It gave them complete control over performance, features, and, most importantly, cost. The result was a chip powerful enough for demanding DIY electronics projects but affordable enough for everyone.
From Pico to Pico W: Adding Connectivity
The original Pico, launched in January 2021, was a smash hit. But the community had one big request: wireless connectivity. Raspberry Pi listened. In June 2022, they released the Pico W, which integrated an Infineon CYW43439 chip to add 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. This opened the door to a universe of IoT projects, from smart home sensors to web-controlled robots, without needing extra “shield” boards. It was the evolution everyone was waiting for.
This journey from a simple, powerful microcontroller to a connected IoT device in just over a year shows Raspberry Pi’s commitment to the maker community. And that, our friends, is why we’re all here talking about it!
🛒 Where Can I Buy a Raspberry Pi Pico? Top Retailers and Marketplaces
So, you’re ready to buy. But where should you go? The options can feel overwhelming, from official-looking sites to random Amazon listings. Let’s break it down so you can buy with confidence.
1. Official Raspberry Pi Resellers: Trusted Sources
This is our #1 recommendation. Approved Resellers are partners who work directly with Raspberry Pi. You get authentic products, fair pricing (closest to MSRP), and excellent customer support.
Retailer | Why We Love Them ❤️ | Best For… |
---|---|---|
Pimoroni |
Huge selection of unique Pico add-ons, kits, and accessories. Based in the UK, but ships globally. | Creative projects, unique boards, and accessories. |
Adafruit |
A pillar of the maker community. Offers fantastic tutorials, libraries, and a curated selection of quality parts. | Beginners, excellent learning resources, US-based. |
SparkFun |
Another US-based giant with a focus on open-source hardware and great educational content. | Engineers, educators, and reliable components. |
The Pi Hut |
A UK-based specialist with a massive inventory of all things Raspberry Pi. | UK/EU buyers, comprehensive Raspberry Pi ecosystem. |
Micro Center |
If you’re lucky enough to live near one, you can buy a Pico in person! Great for instant gratification. | US buyers who want to shop in a physical store. |
As the product page for Pimoroni shows, these specialists don’t just sell the Pico; they build an entire ecosystem around it, offering everything from development boards to specialized kits. This is where you’ll find the most exciting gear for your projects.
2. Popular Online Marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and More
Ah, Amazon. The land of two-day shipping and… wildly fluctuating prices. Can you buy a Pico here? Absolutely. Should you? It depends.
✅ Pros:
- Convenience and fast shipping (especially with Prime).
- Easy to bundle with other, non-electronic purchases.
❌ Cons:
- Price Gouging: Third-party sellers often list Picos for many times the MSRP. Always check who the seller is!
- Counterfeit Risk: While less common for Picos than for other components, the risk is higher on open marketplaces.
- Stock Issues: Official resellers are often prioritized for stock during shortages.
One user on a Raspberry Pi forum shared a clever strategy: “I buy my groceries, my gas, pay my cellphone bill, internet and electricity, all on the Amazon.com VISA card… Then I use the points for my toys.” It’s a creative way to offset high marketplace prices if you’re a savvy shopper!
Our advice: If you buy on Amazon, make sure the seller is a known entity like Adafruit or Pimoroni selling through Amazon’s platform, or that the item is “Shipped and Sold by Amazon.”
👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
3. Specialty Electronics Stores and Maker Shops
Don’t forget your local heroes! Many cities have small, independent electronics shops or maker spaces that stock components like the Pico. Supporting them is a great way to invest in your local maker community. You won’t find them on a big list, but a quick search for “electronics store near me” might surprise you.
4. International Buying Options: Shipping and Availability
If you’re outside the US or UK, your best bet is to check the Official Raspberry Pi Resellers page and filter by your country. This will show you the authorized dealers in your region, saving you a fortune on international shipping and import duties.
💰 What Is the Typical Price of a Raspberry Pi Pico? Pricing Breakdown
“So, what’s this thing actually going to cost me?” This is the million-dollar question… or rather, the single-digit-dollar question! The Pico is famous for its low price, but the final number on your invoice can vary. Let’s demystify it.
1. MSRP vs. Market Price: What to Expect
- MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): This is the official price set by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. For the standard Pico, it’s incredibly low. For the Pico W, it’s a bit more but still a bargain. This is the price you’ll see advertised on the Raspberry Pi website.
- Market Price: This is what you actually pay. It’s influenced by the seller, stock availability, and shipping. During the global chip shortages, market prices for all electronics, including the Pico, were significantly higher than MSRP due to scarcity. Things have stabilized, but it’s a lesson in supply and demand!
2. Factors Affecting Raspberry Pi Pico Pricing
Why might you see two Picos listed at different prices? Here are the key variables:
Factor | Impact on Price | Why Pi™’s Insight |
---|---|---|
Model Type | High | The Pico W (with Wi-Fi) costs more than the standard Pico. It’s a price jump, but the added functionality is worth it for any connected project. |
Headers | Medium | The Pico H and Pico WH come with pre-soldered header pins. This adds a small amount to the cost but saves you from soldering. A huge win for beginners! |
Seller Markup | Very High | This is the biggest variable. Official resellers stick close to MSRP. Third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay might add a significant markup. |
Bundles & Kits | Varies | A kit will cost more than a bare board, but it often provides better value by including a breadboard, USB cable, LEDs, and other essentials for less than buying them separately. |
Shipping & Taxes | Medium | Don’t forget the “last mile” cost! A cheap Pico from overseas can become expensive once you add shipping and potential import taxes. |
3. Bulk Buying and Educational Discounts
Are you an educator or planning a massive project? Many official resellers offer discounts for bulk purchases. For example, Picos are sometimes sold on a reel for automated manufacturing. If you’re buying for a school, club, or business, it’s always worth contacting the sales department of a major reseller like Pimoroni or SparkFun to inquire about educational or volume pricing.
🚚 Shipping Costs and Delivery Times: What You Need to Know
You’ve found a Pico for a steal! You add it to your cart, proceed to checkout, and… BAM! The shipping cost is twice the price of the board itself. We’ve all been there. 😩
Shipping is the hidden variable that can make or break a deal. A user on The Things Network forum, while discussing a different product, highlighted how a gateway’s shipping cost was over half the price of the unit itself. This is a common pain point in the world of electronic component reviews.
Here’s how to be a smart shipper:
- Consolidate Your Orders: Buying just one Pico? The shipping will feel disproportionately high. Try to bundle it with other components you need—wires, sensors, or maybe even a Raspberry Pi 5. Most retailers have a free shipping threshold, so it pays to plan ahead.
- Compare Retailers’ Shipping Policies: Don’t just look at the item price. Check the shipping rates. A store that’s a dollar more expensive on the Pico might offer much cheaper (or faster) shipping, making it the better deal overall.
- Be Patient: Need it tomorrow? You’ll pay a premium. If your project isn’t on a tight deadline, choosing standard shipping can save you a lot.
- Location, Location, Location: Ordering from a retailer in your own country or economic zone (like the EU) is almost always cheaper and faster than ordering from overseas. You’ll avoid long waits and surprise customs fees.
🔧 Raspberry Pi Pico Accessories and Bundles: Where to Find the Best Deals
A lone Pico is a powerful tool, but it can’t do much on its own. It’s like a brain without a body. To bring your ideas to life, you’ll need accessories. This is where the fun really begins!
Why Buy a Bundle?
For beginners, we almost always recommend starting with a kit. Here’s why:
- Value: It’s almost always cheaper than buying each part individually.
- Convenience: No need to hunt down a compatible breadboard, USB cable, or the right resistors. It’s all in one box.
- Curated Experience: Good kits, especially from places like Adafruit or Pimoroni, are designed to work together and often come with project guides.
What’s in a Typical Pico Kit?
A good starter kit should include:
- A Raspberry Pi Pico (usually a Pico H or WH for easy connection).
- A USB-A to micro-USB cable to program it.
- A solderless breadboard.
- Jumper wires (male-to-male and male-to-female).
- Basic components like LEDs, buttons, and resistors.
More advanced kits might include sensors (temperature, light, motion), displays, motors, and more. Retailers like Pimoroni are famous for their inventive “Pico Packs” and “Bases” that snap right onto the Pico, adding anything from an e-ink display to a motor driver.
👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico Kits on:
- Adafruit: Pico Kits
- Pimoroni: Pico Kits
- SparkFun: Pico Kits
- Amazon: Pico Starter Kits
🛡️ Avoiding Scams and Counterfeits: How to Buy Safely
In the world of electronics, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. While the Pico’s low cost makes it a less attractive target for high-effort counterfeiters, scams and low-quality clones can still exist, especially on unregulated marketplaces.
On a forum discussing LoRa gateways, a user described non-compliant devices as “mutant, non-compliant beasts.” That’s a perfect metaphor for what you want to avoid! You want a genuine Pico, not some weird cousin that doesn’t work right.
Here’s your anti-scam checklist:
- ✅ Buy from Approved Resellers: We can’t say this enough. It’s the single best way to guarantee you’re getting the real deal.
- ✅ Check the Logo: A genuine Pico has the iconic Raspberry Pi strawberry logo clearly printed on the board. Look for crisp, high-quality printing.
- ✅ Inspect the RP2040 Chip: The chip itself should be labeled “RP2040”. Fakes might have a generic or unmarked chip.
- ❌ Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Prices: See a Pico W for a fraction of its normal price from a seller with no reviews? Run away! It’s likely a scam to get your payment info or a bait-and-switch.
- ❌ Be Wary of Unbranded Packaging: Genuine Picos sold individually often come in a small, anti-static bag, sometimes with a branded paper insert. If it arrives wrapped in a napkin, be suspicious.
- ✅ Test It Immediately: Once your Pico arrives, plug it in! The classic first step in microcontroller programming is to make an LED blink. If you can’t get your computer to recognize the Pico or upload a simple program, you may have a dud.
By sticking to trusted sources, you can avoid the headache of troubleshooting a “mutant beast” and get straight to building something awesome.
📦 Unboxing and First Impressions: What to Expect When Your Pico Arrives
There’s a special kind of joy in opening a new piece of tech, even one as small as the Pico. So what’s it like?
Picture this: a small package arrives. Inside, you find a tiny, sealed anti-static bag. You tear it open, and there it is. The Raspberry Pi Pico is smaller than you might imagine, about the size of a stick of gum. The green solder mask, the crisp white silkscreen, and the castellated edges for surface-mounting give it a look of professional quality.
The first thing you’ll notice is the big, shiny square in the middle—the RP2040 chip, the brains of the operation. If you have a Pico W, you’ll see a small metal can next to it, which is the Wi-Fi module.
There’s no manual, no driver CD, no fancy packaging. Just the board. And that’s the beauty of it. It’s a blank canvas.
Your first step? Hold down the BOOTSEL button, plug the micro-USB cable into the Pico and your computer, and release the button. A new drive called “RPI-RP2” will pop up on your computer. It’s ready for its first program. That feeling of seeing the drive appear is your “hello, world” moment—the start of a new adventure.
💡 Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Your Raspberry Pi Pico
Let’s boil it all down. You want the best Pico for the best price. Here is our team’s ultimate cheat sheet for getting the most bang for your buck.
- Prioritize Official Resellers: Start your search at Pimoroni, Adafruit, SparkFun, or another official reseller. This is your baseline for price and quality.
- Decide: Wi-Fi or No Wi-Fi? If your project needs to connect to the internet, spend the extra on a Pico W. It will save you immense time and money compared to adding Wi-Fi later. If not, the standard Pico is a fantastic, ultra-low-cost option.
- To Solder or Not to Solder? If you’re not comfortable with a soldering iron, get the Pico H or Pico WH. The small extra cost is well worth avoiding the frustration of a bad solder joint.
- Bundle Up! If you’re starting from scratch, a kit is your best friend. Compare the contents of a few kits to see which one offers the best components for the types of projects you’re interested in.
- Calculate the Total Cost: Always factor in shipping and taxes. Use your shopping cart as a calculator to compare the final, “to-your-door” price from different stores.
- Think Like a Pro (or a Savvy Hobbyist): Remember the tip from the forums? While we don’t endorse any specific credit card, the principle is sound: look for opportunities like loyalty points or free shipping thresholds to maximize your purchasing power.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Raspberry Pi Pico
We get these questions all the time. Here are the quick and dirty answers to the most common queries about buying a Pico.
What’s the difference between a Raspberry Pi Pico and a Raspberry Pi 4?
They are completely different beasts! A Raspberry Pi 4 is a single-board computer that runs a full operating system (like Linux). You plug in a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. A Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller. It runs a single piece of code over and over again and is designed to control electronics like sensors, motors, and LEDs.
Can I buy a Raspberry Pi Pico in a physical store?
Yes, but it’s rare. Your best bet is a specialty electronics store like Micro Center in the US. Most people buy them online.
Do I need to buy a power supply for the Pico?
Nope! The Pico is powered directly from your computer’s USB port via a micro-USB cable. For projects where it’s not connected to a computer, you can power it with a USB power bank or a suitable 1.8-5.5V DC power source connected to the VSYS pin.
Is the Pico W worth the extra cost?
Absolutely, yes, if there’s even a small chance your project will need to connect to the internet. The integrated Wi-Fi is seamless and well-supported. For purely offline projects, the standard Pico is perfectly fine.
Why are prices on Amazon so much higher than on other sites?
This is usually due to third-party sellers marking up the price, a practice known as scalping. They buy up stock and resell it at a premium. Always check the “Sold by” field on an Amazon listing.
What programming language does the Pico use?
The two most popular languages for the Pico are MicroPython and C/C++. MicroPython is fantastic for beginners and rapid prototyping, while C/C++ offers the best performance for advanced applications. This is a core topic in our Microcontroller Programming section.
🔗 Recommended Links for Raspberry Pi Pico Buyers
Once you have your Pico, the journey is just beginning! Here are some essential resources to bookmark.
- Official Raspberry Pi Pico Documentation: The official source of truth. Everything you need to get started with MicroPython or C/C++.
- Why Pi’s Raspberry Pi Pico Projects: Check out our own collection of fun and educational projects to try with your new Pico. (We’re biased, but we think they’re pretty great!)
- Adafruit’s Learn System for Pico: An incredible library of high-quality tutorials for all skill levels.
- Pimoroni’s Pico-Powered Products: Get inspired by browsing the huge range of creative add-ons and kits available.
📚 Reference Links and Resources
For this article, we consulted our own hands-on experience and insights from the wider community and official sources.
- Raspberry Pi Foundation. (2024). Buy a Raspberry Pi Pico. https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-pico/
- Raspberry Pi Foundation. (2024). Raspberry Pi Resellers. https://www.raspberrypi.com/resellers/
- Raspberry Pi Forums. (2023). Where can I buy a Raspberry Pi Pico and what is the typical price? https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=37936
- Pimoroni Ltd. (2024). Pico Collection. https://shop.pimoroni.com/en-us/collections/pico
- The Things Network Forum. (2018). Low Cost LoRa Compliant Gateways. https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/low-cost-lora-compliant-gateways/12978
🏁 Conclusion: Your Next Steps to Get a Raspberry Pi Pico
Alright, makers and tinkerers, let’s wrap this up! The Raspberry Pi Pico is a game-changing microcontroller that brings power, flexibility, and affordability to your fingertips. From the custom RP2040 chip to the various Pico models (standard, H, W, WH), it offers something for everyone—from beginners to seasoned engineers.
Positives ✅
- Ultra-low cost with official MSRP that’s hard to beat.
- Robust RP2040 dual-core processor with plenty of GPIO pins.
- Multiple models to suit different needs (Wi-Fi, pre-soldered headers).
- Strong community and official support with tons of tutorials and add-ons.
- Wide availability through official resellers like Pimoroni, Adafruit, and SparkFun.
- Great for learning and professional prototyping alike.
Negatives ❌
- Beware of inflated prices on third-party marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
- Shipping costs can add up, especially when ordering internationally.
- No onboard storage or display, so you’ll need accessories for complex projects.
- Limited to microcontroller applications, not a full computer replacement.
Our Confident Recommendation
If you want a versatile, affordable, and well-supported microcontroller, the Raspberry Pi Pico is a no-brainer. Start with an official reseller to avoid scams and inflated prices. If you’re new, grab a kit with accessories to jumpstart your projects. And if your project needs wireless connectivity, invest in the Pico W or WH—it’s worth every penny.
Remember the story we teased earlier? The Pico’s evolution from a simple microcontroller to a Wi-Fi-enabled powerhouse shows Raspberry Pi’s dedication to the maker community. Now it’s your turn to join the revolution!
🔗 Recommended Links for Raspberry Pi Pico Buyers
Ready to shop? Here are the best places to find Raspberry Pi Pico products and kits, plus some excellent books to deepen your microcontroller knowledge.
Shop Raspberry Pi Pico and Accessories
- Pimoroni: Pico Collection | Pico Kits
- Adafruit: Raspberry Pi Pico | Pico Starter Kits
- SparkFun: Raspberry Pi Pico Boards | Pico Kits
- The Pi Hut: Pico Range
- Amazon: Raspberry Pi Pico Search | Pico Starter Kits
Recommended Books on Microcontrollers and Raspberry Pi Pico
- “Getting Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico” by Gareth Halfacree — A beginner-friendly guide to programming the Pico with MicroPython.
- “Exploring Raspberry Pi: Interfacing to the Real World with Embedded Linux” by Derek Molloy — Great for understanding embedded systems and microcontroller applications.
- “Programming the Raspberry Pi Pico/W in C” by Simon Monk — A practical guide to C programming on the Pico, ideal for those wanting to dive deeper.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Raspberry Pi Pico
What are the key features of the Raspberry Pi Pico and how does it compare to other microcontrollers?
The Raspberry Pi Pico is powered by the RP2040 dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133 MHz, with 264 KB of SRAM and 2 MB of onboard flash memory. It offers 26 multi-function GPIO pins, including ADC, SPI, I2C, and UART interfaces. Compared to popular microcontrollers like the Arduino Uno (8-bit, 16 MHz) or ESP32 (dual-core 240 MHz with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth), the Pico sits in a sweet spot: more powerful than classic Arduinos, but without integrated wireless (except the Pico W variant). Its custom RP2040 chip allows for efficient power consumption and excellent real-time control, making it ideal for embedded applications.
Can I use the Raspberry Pi Pico for commercial projects or is it only for hobbyists and educational purposes?
Absolutely! The Raspberry Pi Pico is fully suitable for commercial and industrial applications. Its open documentation and affordable price make it attractive for prototyping and production. The RP2040 chip is also available for licensing, allowing manufacturers to integrate it into their own products. Many startups and companies use the Pico for IoT devices, robotics, and sensor networks. Just be sure to comply with licensing terms and certifications if you plan to mass-produce.
What programming languages are supported by the Raspberry Pi Pico and what development tools are available?
The Pico supports several programming languages:
- MicroPython: The easiest way to get started. It offers an interactive REPL and simple syntax, perfect for beginners and rapid prototyping.
- C/C++ SDK: For performance-critical applications, the official Raspberry Pi C/C++ SDK provides full access to hardware features.
- CircuitPython: Adafruit’s fork of MicroPython with additional libraries.
- Other languages: Community ports exist for Rust, Go, and even JavaScript (via Espruino).
Development tools include Thonny IDE (great for MicroPython), Visual Studio Code with Pico extensions, and command-line tools for compiling C/C++ code. The official Raspberry Pi documentation provides detailed setup guides.
How does the Raspberry Pi Pico differ from the Raspberry Pi single-board computers in terms of functionality and application?
The Pico is a microcontroller, designed for embedded control tasks, sensor interfacing, and real-time applications. It does not run a full operating system and lacks HDMI, USB host, or networking ports (except Wi-Fi on Pico W). In contrast, Raspberry Pi single-board computers (like the Pi 4 or Pi 400) run Linux, support desktop environments, and are general-purpose computers. Use the Pico when you need low power, real-time control, and simple I/O, and use a Pi SBC when you need multimedia, networking, or complex software stacks.
What are some popular projects that can be built using the Raspberry Pi Pico, such as robotics or home automation?
The Pico’s versatility shines in many projects:
- Robotics: Motor control, sensor integration, and real-time feedback loops.
- Home Automation: Controlling lights, temperature sensors, and Wi-Fi-enabled devices with the Pico W.
- Wearables: Low-power data logging and sensor fusion.
- IoT Sensors: Environmental monitoring with wireless data transmission.
- Gaming: Retro handheld consoles or custom controllers.
- Education: Teaching embedded systems and programming fundamentals.
Our DIY Electronics category is packed with project ideas and tutorials.
Are there any official Raspberry Pi Pico kits or starter bundles available for purchase, and what do they include?
Yes! Many official resellers offer starter kits that bundle the Pico with essential accessories:
- Breadboard and jumper wires for prototyping.
- USB cables for programming.
- Basic components like LEDs, buttons, and resistors.
- Some kits include sensors, displays, or motor drivers for more advanced projects.
These kits are ideal for beginners and save you the hassle of sourcing parts individually. Check out Pimoroni’s Pico Kits or Adafruit’s Pico Starter Kits.
What are the specifications of the Raspberry Pi Pico, including its processor, memory, and input/output options?
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Processor | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ @ 133 MHz (RP2040) |
Memory | 264 KB SRAM, 2 MB onboard QSPI Flash |
GPIO Pins | 26 multifunctional pins (ADC, SPI, I2C, UART) |
USB | USB 1.1 device, micro-USB connector |
Power Input | 1.8–5.5 V via VSYS pin or USB |
Dimensions | 51 mm × 21 mm × 3.9 mm |
Wireless | None (Pico W adds 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi) |
Programming | MicroPython, C/C++, CircuitPython, Rust, others |
📚 Reference Links and Resources
- Raspberry Pi Foundation. Raspberry Pi Pico Product Page: https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-pico/
- Raspberry Pi Foundation. Official Resellers: https://www.raspberrypi.com/resellers/
- Pimoroni. Raspberry Pi Pico Collection: https://shop.pimoroni.com/en-us/collections/pico
- Adafruit. Raspberry Pi Pico Products: https://www.adafruit.com/category/955
- SparkFun. Raspberry Pi Pico Boards: https://www.sparkfun.com/raspberry-pi-pico-2-w.html
- Raspberry Pi Forums. Where to Buy and Pricing Discussion: https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=37936
- The Things Network Forum. Low Cost LoRa Compliant Gateways: https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/low-cost-lora-compliant-gateways/12978
- Why Pi™ Electronics Industry News: https://www.whypi.org/category/electronics-industry-news/
- Why Pi™ Microcontroller Programming: https://www.whypi.org/category/microcontroller-programming/
- Why Pi™ DIY Electronics: https://www.whypi.org/category/diy-electronics/
- Why Pi™ Electronic Component Reviews: https://www.whypi.org/category/electronic-component-reviews/
Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into where to buy a Raspberry Pi Pico and what to expect price-wise. Now, go forth and build something amazing! 🚀