Raspberry Pi Pico 2 — Next‑Generation RP2350 Microcontroller for Advanced Projects

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 upgrades the beloved Pico platform with the powerful RP2350 microcontroller, dual cores up to 150 MHz, more SRAM, and modern security features. It keeps the same footprint and pinout as the original Pico, so you can drop it into existing designs and immediately benefit from the extra performance.

Whether you are building robots, IoT devices, test instruments, or complex control systems, Pico 2 gives you extra headroom for signal processing, control loops, and user interfaces while staying affordable and easy to program.

Why upgrade to Pico 2

• More processing power: Dual processors up to 150 MHz with larger on‑chip SRAM for demanding embedded tasks.
• Modern security: Boot signing, OTP‑protected key storage, and SHA‑256 accelerator for secure firmware and trusted communication.
• Rich I/O: Multiple PWM, ADC, UART, SPI, I²C, and upgraded PIO for custom protocols and timing‑critical interfaces.
• Footprint compatible: Same board outline and header layout as Raspberry Pi Pico for easy upgrades.

Project ideas and applications

• High‑channel motor and servo control: Drive many DC motors, servos, and steppers with precise timing.
• Industrial data loggers: Sample multiple sensors at high speed, process data locally, and send summaries upstream.
• Secure IoT devices: Implement signed firmware updates and encrypted communications for connected products.
• University and capstone work: Use Pico 2 for advanced controls, instrumentation, and embedded systems courses.

Starter bundles

• Pico 2 dev bench: Board + breadboard + jumper wires + mixed signal and power components.
• Control & automation: Pico 2 + relay modules + motor drivers + terminal blocks.
• IoT + dashboard: Pico 2 + Wi‑Fi/BLE modules + OLED/LCD screens for local visualization.

Recommended add‑ons

• USB cable for power, flashing, and debugging.
• High‑resolution sensors such as IMUs, pressure, gas, and current sensors.
• Headers, proto boards, and screw‑terminal adapters for robust wiring.
• H‑bridge and servo drivers for robotics and motion control.

Technical specifications

Pinout & power notes

• 3.3 V I/O: GPIO pins run at 3.3 V; protect them from 5 V signals with level shifters.
• VSYS flexibility: Wide input range works with Li‑ion packs, 3×AA holders, or regulated 5 V power.
• USB host or device: Pico 2 can act as a USB device, and in some designs as a limited host with appropriate firmware and power design.

What’s in the box

• 1 × Raspberry Pi Pico 2 board (header‑less unless specified by the product variant)

FAQ

Can I reuse my Raspberry Pi Pico code?

In many cases, yes. Pico 2 is designed to be source‑compatible for most typical RP2040 projects, with extra features available when you update to the newer SDKs.

Is Pico 2 a Linux‑capable board?

No. Like Pico, Pico 2 is a microcontroller platform, focused on bare‑metal control and real‑time behavior rather than running a desktop operating system.

Who is Pico 2 best suited for?

It is ideal for hobbyists, engineers, and students who have outgrown basic microcontrollers and need more performance, security, and I/O flexibility in the same convenient footprint.