The PICOmputer is a compact Raspberry Pi Pico computer with a QWERTY keyboard, small display and directional pad. In a reported demonstration, maker Peter “Bobricius” Misenko used the Pico port of MCUME to emulate classic systems including the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Atari. It’s a maker-built retro-computing project—not evidence that every game runs flawlessly or that the device has been independently performance-tested.
What is the PICOmputer?
The original PICOmputer puts a Raspberry Pi Pico, built around the RP2040 microcontroller, on a compact board with an integrated keyboard and display. Gaming coverage also describes a directional pad. Rather than being a conventional handheld console, it is a small, keyboard-equipped computer designed as a platform for different software projects.
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For the gaming demonstration, Misenko ran MCUME—the Multi Computer Machine Emulator, created by Jean-Marc Harvengt. Hackster reported emulation of Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Atari systems, among others. That report documents a demonstration; it does not establish a compatibility list, frame rates, or how well every individual game runs. Misenko called the moment “my dream come to reality.” Hackster.io’s report on the gaming demonstration provides the original context.
What hardware does the original version include?
A Geeky Gadgets feature from May 2021, drawing on information attributed to CNX Software and Tindie, listed the following specifications. Treat these as historical reported configurations, not a newly verified bill of materials.
#1 Best Overall
- The Raspberry Pi Pico is a beginner-friendly microcontroller board that uses MicroPython to give you a taste of the Internet of Things and microcontrollers. The RP2040 is a well-designed microprocessor that can be utilized in almost any Internet of Things project. It has enough power to complete the task quickly.
- 【Raspberry Pi RP2040 Microcontroller】Raspberry Pi Pico features Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ processor, flexible clock running up to 133 MHz. With 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of on-board Flash memory.Supports up to 16 MB of off chip flash memory via a dedicated QSPI bus
- 【Multiple Software Support】Pico has rich and complete software support, it comes with a complete Rasberry Pi official C/C++ SDK, Micropython SDK.The programming and burning of Pico need to be carried out on the computer. Supported operating systems and computers include:Raspberry Pie with Raspberry Pi OS,Other platforms equipped with Debian based Linux system Computer with MacOS, Computers with Windows, etc.
- 【Rich Hardware Interface】Raspberry Pi Pico has 30 GPIO pins, 4 pins for analog signal input and 26 × multi-function GPIO pins, 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C, 2 × UART, 3 × 12-bit ADC, 16 × controllable PWM channels.USB 1.1 supported by host and device, The installation mode can be flexibly selected by users to facilitate welding with other development boards.
- 【Build Project in Tiny Size】Only 2.1cm*5.1cm ( as small as your thumb). Pico has been designed to use either soldered 0.1" pin-headers or can be used as a surface-mountable 'module'.
| Feature | Reported specification |
|---|---|
| Board compatibility | Raspberry Pi Pico |
| Display options | ST7789 IPS, 240 × 240 pixels: 1.3-inch or 1.54-inch display on a 12-pin flex cable, or an ST7789 IPS display on an 8-pin header |
| Input | QWERTY keyboard and directional pad |
| Storage and sound | microSD card slot and speaker |
| Expansion and controls | 10-pin GPIO header, on/off control and reset |
| Power | USB-C, 5V |
| Reported dimensions | 100 × 65 × 8 mm |
| Expansion caveat | The optional RFM95 LoRa module cannot be used at the same time as the microSD card, according to the 2021 feature summary. |
The microSD slot is relevant to a build, but that feature summary does not specify card capacity or a recommended file format. A Pico by itself is only the microcontroller board; it does not include the PICOmputer’s keyboard, display or assembled hardware. The 2021 article described board-only and front-panel kit options associated with Tindie, but current availability and kit contents are not established. Geeky Gadgets’ 2021 specification summary is the source for these details.
What can you do with it beyond retro gaming?
The maker describes PICOmputer as a multi-application platform. Armachat, for off-grid long-range wireless communication, and PICOZX, for ZX Spectrum emulation, are among the software uses named in the project’s history. These examples help explain why the hardware is more than a single-purpose gaming handheld: its keyboard, display and Pico-based design can serve different small-computer projects. Armachat’s project press page provides that background.
Rank #2
- Raspberry Pi Pico: A tiny, fast, and versatile board built using dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processor (Comes with pinout card and stickers)
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step guide with MicroPython, C and Processing (Java) Code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Example Projects: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations (Need extra items)
- Easy to Use: Just connect the board to your computer (installed IDE) with the USB cable to program it
- Get Support: Our technical support team is always ready to answer your questions
How is PICOmputer FLIP different?
A later Hackster report describes PICOmputer FLIP, a clamshell version that retains structural PCB construction and uses a Raspberry Pi Pico to run a ZX Spectrum emulator. It adds an integrated 1Ah battery and USB Type-C charging. The original PICOmputer is described as a flat compact board and was demonstrated with MCUME across multiple system families; FLIP is presented in the later report around a clamshell form and ZX Spectrum emulation.
The available reports do not provide comparable measurements of speed, battery life, comfort or game compatibility, so they do not establish which version performs better. The FLIP article’s listed price and stock status were specific to the time it was published and should not be treated as current. Hackster.io’s report on the FLIP devices describes the later design.
Rank #3
- Latest Version: Higher core clock speed, double memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores (compared to the 1 series) (This W version has onboard wireless LAN and Bluetooth)
- Switchable Cores: Allows users to choose between dual industry-standard Arm Cortex-M33 cores and dual open-hardware Hazard3 cores
- Compatibility: Delivers a significant performance boost, while retaining software- and hardware-compatible with the 1 series
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step guide with MicroPython, C and Processing (Java) Code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Example Projects: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations (Need extra items)
Is the PICOmputer a ready-made retro gaming handheld?
It is better understood as a maker-built microcomputer that can be used for retro computing and gaming. Its integrated controls and screen make the gaming demonstration easy to picture, while its broader project history points to other software uses. But the available coverage is a report of what the creator demonstrated, not an independent review or a guarantee of broad emulator compatibility. Anyone considering a build should distinguish the Pico board from the complete PICOmputer hardware and confirm that the relevant board or kit is actually available before planning around it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- RPi Pico 2 W Microcontroller Board (pre-soldered header (color-coded)), Based on Official RP2350 Chip, Dual-core & Dual-architecture Design. Upgraded hardware from Pico 2 with wireless communication, onboard antenna, features 2.4GHz 802.11n WIFI and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Adopts unique dual-core and dual-architecture design: dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V processor, flexible clock running up to 150 MHz.
- Onboard Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip, supports WIFI 4 wireless and Bluetooth 5.2.
- 520KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory.
- Castellated module allows soldering direct to carrier boards. USB 1.1 with device and host support. Low-power sleep and dormant modes. Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB.
Rank #4
- This breakout board is specially made for Raspberry Pi Pico, with additional pin headers, which are fully compatible with the board
- The product needs to be soldered by itself, and the pico can be inserted after successful welding
- The breakout board is gold-plated on both sides and holes are plated, and the material of the PCB board is excellent
- The breakout board is equipped with Raspberry Pi pico, which is convenient for users to develop and integrate flexibly
- Note: The package does not include Raspberry Pi pico. This product needs to be soldered and assembled by yourself
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