Luke Wren’s PicoStation 3D is an experimental console-board design built around a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and a Lattice iCE40 UP5k FPGA. It explores several ways those chips could share graphics and console tasks, but it is not a documented, working games console: Wren’s project repository describes it as unfinished and untested, with the prototype not yet brought up and no firmware written at the time of publication. The PicoStation3D repository is the primary source for its design and status.
What is PicoStation 3D?
PicoStation 3D is a custom board concept for a 3D games console. Its central idea is to pair the RP2040—a microcontroller—with an iCE40 UP5k FPGA, a programmable logic chip. Rather than committing to one fixed division of labor, Wren outlines several possible architectures for how the two could cooperate.
The design specifies 8MiB of HyperRAM connected to the FPGA, along with microSD storage, a micro USB port for power and RP2040 programming or serial communication, a 3.5mm audio jack, an HDMI connector carrying DVI-D video from the FPGA, and two SNES controller sockets. These are features in the board design, not confirmation that a finished console supports them in practice.
Hackster’s February 4, 2021 report identifies Wren as an engineer who worked on the RP2040 project at Raspberry Pi. Its coverage describes the project as a way to give the RP2040 and FPGA 3D-console roles—or to reverse them.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Four possible ways to divide the work
Wren’s repository describes four approaches. They are architectural possibilities, not implemented modes or benchmarked performance results.
| Approach | RP2040’s possible role | FPGA’s possible role |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Microcontroller-led graphics | Runs graphics routines and the rest of the console work. | Acts as a parallel-to-DVI-D bridge. |
| 2. FPGA soft processor | Provides a USB-serial bridge and loads firmware. | Hosts a soft processor and handles other console functions. |
| 3. Split console and graphics | Handles game logic, audio, controller access, and SD access. | Runs graphics hardware; its local HyperRAM serves as video memory. |
| 4. Split 3D pipeline | Performs vertex-side 3D operations. | Implements fragment-side 3D hardware. |
The options show why the title can read both ways: the design leaves open whether the RP2040 or FPGA would take on more of the graphics work. The repository presents the board as an exploration of how little hardware might be needed and of how to communicate between the RP2040 and FPGA; it does not establish which option works best.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How the chips were intended to communicate
The board design has 12 connections between the FPGA and RP2040, including an RP2040 clock output connected to a global clock input on the FPGA. The intended interface is an 8-bit parallel bus with a free-running clock, a valid-ready handshake, and an interrupt-request (IRQ) line.
Those interface connections overlap pins used to load the FPGA’s configuration memory. The design therefore has the RP2040 write the FPGA bitstream from its own flash at boot; it does not include separate external FPGA configuration flash. This describes the planned arrangement, not a verified boot process.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Project status and revision-A warning
Wren says a first board iteration had been laid out and a prototype soldered, but that it had not been brought up and firmware had not been written at the time described in the repository. That status means there is no basis in the project materials for claims of demonstrated gameplay, tested compatibility, or measured console performance.
The most important practical warning concerns power. Wren says the revision-A power chain violates the UP5k’s sequencing requirements and explicitly advises readers not to copy that schematic. The repository also notes audible digital supply noise in the audio jack and that the controller ports are accessible only from the RP2040.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- The SNES sockets are transposed left-to-right relative to their positions on a real SNES.
- The board places components on both sides, which makes home reflow more difficult.
- The repository identifies the project source files as CC0-1.0.
These details make PicoStation 3D useful as an architectural experiment to study, but the power warning and untested status matter if approaching it as a build. A wired SNES-style controller is the relevant peripheral category indicated by the design; no specific controller model is identified as tested.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What PicoStation 3D does—and does not—show
PicoStation 3D documents a proposed way to combine a microcontroller, FPGA, and external memory in a compact console board, with several possible allocations of game logic and graphics. It does not document a completed, working console or prove that any of those allocations delivered usable 3D gameplay. Treat the repository as an experimental design reference, and do not copy its revision-A power schematic.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
