Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Yes—Raspberry Pi’s RP2350 has moved well beyond the official Pico 2 and Pico 2 W. In 2026, you can buy Pico-shaped upgrades, Feather and Arduino-format boards, tiny castellated modules, wireless designs, and complete products with displays, Ethernet, CAN, GPS, audio, or battery hardware. The right choice depends less on the MCU name than on pinout, memory, connectors, software support, and the peripherals already fitted to the board.
What the RP2350 brings to board designers
The RP2350 is Raspberry Pi’s second-generation microcontroller after the RP2040. Its dual-architecture design can use Arm Cortex-M33 or Hazard3 RISC-V cores, with operation up to 150 MHz. The device includes 520 KB SRAM, 12 programmable I/O (PIO) state machines, USB 1.1 host/device capability, a four-channel 12-bit ADC, and multiple SPI, I²C, and UART interfaces. Security features and the ability to select an instruction-set architecture give manufacturers more flexibility than the original RP2040.
Full electrical limits, package information, and peripheral details are in the RP2350 datasheet and hardware-design guide. The chip does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: wireless boards add a separate radio module, such as Raspberry Pi’s RM2.
RP2350A and RP2350B are different packages
RP2350A is common on compact boards and exposes fewer pins. RP2350B has a larger package and is intended for designs needing substantially more external I/O; Waveshare’s Core2350B0, for example, exposes 48 multifunction pins. The variants are not universal drop-in replacements for one another or for RP2040. Package routing, GPIO count, power circuitry, peripheral assignments, and board definitions must be checked individually. Waveshare’s RP2350 design documentation explicitly warns that RP2350A is not a drop-in RP2040 replacement.
#1 Best Overall
- RP2350A microcontroller chip designed by Raspberry Pi in the United Kingdom. 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
- 520KB of SRAM, and 2MB of onboard Flash memory. Type-C connector, keeps it up to date, easier to use. Castellated module allows soldering directly to carrier boards
- USB 1.1 with device and host support. Onboard 1x USB Type A expansion port via PIO, compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 transmission. Low-power sleep and dormant modes
- Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB. Adapting 15 × multi-function GPIO pins. 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C, 2 × UART, 4 × 12-bit ADC, 14 × controllable PWM channels
- Accurate clock and timer on-chip. Temperature sensor. Accelerated floating-point libraries on-chip. 12 × Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines for custom peripheral support
RP2350 boards at a glance
| Board | Format / variant | Memory and notable hardware | Software advertised | Price observed Aug. 16, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adafruit Metro RP2350 | Arduino-style; RP2350 | 16 MB flash; optional 8 MB PSRAM; USB-C; 6–17 V input buck converter | Pico SDK, MicroPython, CircuitPython; Arduino support described as unofficial | $24.95; PSRAM version $27.95 |
| Adafruit Feather RP2350 | Feather; RP2350 | USB-C, HSTX; optional 8 MB PSRAM | MicroPython and CircuitPython, with C/C++ and Arduino support varying by stack | $12.50; 8 MB PSRAM version $15.50 |
| Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 | Pico footprint; RP2350 | 16 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM, USB-C, Qw/ST, debug connector | Pico SDK, Arduino, MicroPython, CircuitPython | $14.95 |
| Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W | Pico footprint; RP2350 plus RM2 | 16 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Pico SDK, Arduino, MicroPython, CircuitPython | $22.50 |
| Pimoroni Tiny 2350 | Ultra-compact | 3–5.5 V input; exact memory configuration varies by product documentation | Custom MicroPython build | £6.50 |
| SparkFun IoT RedBoard RP2350 | Arduino R4-style | RM2 Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.2; Qwiic connector | Selectable Arm/RISC-V; SparkFun Arduino workflow | Not stated on the cited page |
| SparkFun Pro Micro RP2350 | Pro Micro-style; castellated | USB-C, Qwiic, solderable edges | Pico SDK, MicroPython, Arduino | Not stated on the cited page |
| Waveshare RP2350-One | Pico-like; RP2350 | 4 MB flash, USB-A plug, castellated edges, up to 29 multifunction GPIO | Vendor documentation lists C/C++, MicroPython, and Arduino | $5.99 |
| Waveshare RP2350-USB-A | Compact RP2350A | 2 MB flash, USB-C, PIO-USB expansion, 15 GPIO | Vendor documentation lists C/C++, MicroPython, and Arduino | $4.99 |
| Waveshare RP2350-GEEK | Display platform | 1.14-inch display, TF slot, SWD, USB-to-UART, I²C | Vendor-specific board support | $9.99 |
| Waveshare RP2350-ETH | Network board | RJ45 Ethernet through CH9120 controller | Vendor-specific board support | $11.99 |
| Waveshare RP2350-CAN | Industrial-I/O board | Onboard CAN controller | Vendor-specific board support | $9.99 |
Prices are vendor-page observations in the stated currency and region, not guaranteed current prices or equivalent ready-to-use costs. Headers, cables, batteries, cases, displays, and other accessories may be extra.
Pico-shaped upgrades
Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 and Pico Plus 2 W
Pico Plus 2 keeps the Pico 2 footprint and pin arrangement while adding 16 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM, USB-C, Qw/ST, and a debug connector. The W model adds the RM2 module for 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth. This is the clearest choice when an existing Pico mechanical layout or accessory matters but the official board’s memory is limiting. Physical similarity still requires checking each pin’s electrical function and the board’s software definition.
Waveshare RP2350-One
RP2350-One combines a Pico-like layout with a USB-A plug, 4 MB flash, castellated edges, and up to 29 multifunction GPIOs. It suits low-cost prototypes and direct soldering into a carrier board, but the USB connector and pin exposure are not evidence of universal Pico electrical compatibility.
Feather and Arduino alternatives
Adafruit Feather RP2350
The Feather format is often more important than the processor. It fits Adafruit FeatherWings and is designed for compact, battery-powered instruments and sensors. The 8 MB PSRAM variant is useful for graphics and larger working buffers. Adafruit notes that, in MicroPython or CircuitPython, flash is shared between program storage and the filesystem, so the headline flash number is not all available for code.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #2
- 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.
Adafruit Metro RP2350
Metro uses a conventional Arduino-compatible layout and includes a 5 V buck converter accepting 6–17 V input, with up to 2 A output capability under the product’s stated conditions. It is easier to wire into classroom projects and Arduino-style shields than a Pico board. The standard model has 16 MB flash; a separate version adds 8 MB PSRAM.
SparkFun IoT RedBoard RP2350
The IoT RedBoard uses an Arduino R4-style board shape, Qwiic, and an RM2 radio module providing Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.2. It is a better fit than a Pico-shaped board when conventional headers, Arduino wiring, and integrated wireless are the priority.
SparkFun Pro Micro RP2350
The Pro Micro version targets compact designs. USB-C, Qwiic, and castellated pads make it suitable for soldering onto a custom carrier. It gives up the beginner-friendly header area and integrated display or network hardware found on larger boards.
Waveshare turns the MCU into complete products
Waveshare’s range demonstrates that “RP2350 board” is not one product category.
Rank #3
- Dual-Core and Dual-Architecture Design: RP2350-PiZero is powered by dual ARM Cortex-M33 or dual Hazard3 RISC-V processors, offering flexibility with clock speeds up to 150 MHz for enhanced processing capabilities.
- Expandable Memory: It features 520KB of Static Random, 16MB of onboard Flash memory, and includes reserved solder pads for PStatic Random chip expansion, offering scalable storage options.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: The board includes a DVI interface for HDMI screens, TF card slot for storage, and a PIO-USB port, providing versatile connections for different projects.
- Mobile-Friendly Power Features: Equipped with a Type-C connector for easy use, and a lithium battery recharge/discharge header, making it perfect for mobile and low-power applications.
- Extensive I/O and Customization: With 5 × multi-function GPIO pins, SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, PWM, and 12 programmable I/O state machines, this board allows extensive customization for various peripherals.
Tiny USB and castellated boards
RP2350-USB-A and RP2350-USB-C use compact layouts, castellated edges, and PIO-USB features. Verify whether a connector is native USB, PIO-USB host/device, a programming port, or a separate USB-to-serial interface before designing around it.
Displays, storage, and sensors
RP2350-GEEK adds a 1.14-inch display and TF storage. RP2350-Touch-LCD-1.54 combines a display with an IMU, TF slot, audio codec, and 16 MB flash. The 7-inch LCD platform offers an 800×480 touch or non-touch display. AMOLED models include the 1.64-inch and 1.75-inch variants; options can add GPS or a protective case.
Ethernet, CAN, and high-I/O modules
RP2350-ETH adds wired networking through a CH9120 controller, while RP2350-CAN targets CAN-connected controllers and instruments. These features broaden the RP2350’s use into automation and gateways, but a CAN or Ethernet connector alone does not imply industrial environmental, EMC, safety, or lifecycle certification. For maximum GPIO, inspect the RP2350B-based Core2350B0.
Memory, wireless, and software: avoid misleading comparisons
Flash, SRAM, PSRAM, and removable storage are different
- SRAM is the RP2350’s fast working memory.
- External QSPI flash stores firmware and persistent files; advertised 2 MB, 4 MB, 16 MB, or larger figures generally refer to board-fitted flash.
- PSRAM is volatile working memory, useful for frame buffers, graphics, interpreters, and large data structures. It does not replace flash.
- TF/microSD is removable storage suited to large logs and media files.
Software support belongs to the board
The Raspberry Pi Pico SDK, MicroPython, CircuitPython, and Arduino are not equally supported on every model. Adafruit explicitly advertises CircuitPython on its Metro and Feather products; Waveshare commonly provides board-specific C/C++, MicroPython, and Arduino instructions; Pimoroni’s Tiny 2350 uses a custom MicroPython build. Confirm the exact board definition, display or radio library, debugger instructions, and maintenance status before assuming an RP2040 example will work unchanged.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- RP2350-Plus Development Board is a Pico-like MCU board based on Raspberry Pi RP2350A dual-core & dual-architecture microcontroller chip, compatible with most of Raspberry Pi Pico add-on modules
- RP2350 MCU Board Plus with 520KB of Static Random-Access Memory, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory, Type-C connector, keeps it up to date, easier to use
- Onboard recharge/discharge header, suitable for mobile devices, onboard DC-DC chip MP28164, high efficiency DC-DC buck-boost chip, maximum 2A load current
- 26 × multi-function GPIO pins, 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C, 2 × UART, 4 × 12-bit ADC, 16 × controllable PWM channels, configurable pin function, allows flexible development and integration
- Support C/C++, MicroPython, Comprehensive SDK, online dev resources and tutorials to help you easily get started
How to choose
Choose Pico-shaped when compatibility matters
Pick Pico Plus 2, Pico Plus 2 W, or RP2350-One when existing Pico accessories, mounting holes, or pin placement are central. Choose the W model only when its added radio, antenna layout, power draw, and software setup suit the enclosure.
Choose Feather for portable and battery projects
Feather RP2350 is the natural option when FeatherWings, Adafruit documentation, CircuitPython, and battery-oriented expansion outweigh a large GPIO count.
Choose Arduino format for teaching and shield-based prototypes
Metro RP2350 and SparkFun’s IoT RedBoard provide conventional headers and wiring. The RedBoard is the stronger fit when Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are required without adding a radio module.
Choose a compact module for integration
Pro Micro RP2350, Tiny 2350, RP2350-USB-A, RP2350-USB-C, and Core2350B0 suit custom carriers and space-constrained products. Budget for headers, power circuitry, connectors, and your own certification work.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBest Value
- Note: The Pico 2 W comes with no program by default, so you won’t see any lights when plugged in. Please upload a simple blink program to verify it's working.
- Built-in Wireless Connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless IoT and embedded applications.
- High-Performance RP2350 Chip: Dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 with FPU and Hazard3 RISC-V cores, delivering double the speed and flexibility of the RP2040.
- Increased RAM: Equipped with 520 KB of on-chip RAM, facilitating efficient data handling for complex applications.
- Expanded Flash Storage: Provides 4 MB of onboard flash memory, suitable for storing extensive codebases and data.
Choose an application board when peripherals are the product
Display, Ethernet, CAN, GPS, audio, motion sensing, and TF storage can eliminate several breakouts. They can also consume GPIO, increase power draw, and tie the project to vendor-specific drivers.
Checks before ordering
- Identify whether the board uses RP2350A or RP2350B and compare the actual pinout.
- Confirm GPIO, ADC, SPI, I²C, UART, reset, boot, and power-pin assignments from the board schematic.
- Separate external flash, PSRAM, SRAM, and removable storage in your memory budget.
- Verify whether wireless, USB, Ethernet, or CAN hardware is native, PIO-based, or provided by a separate controller.
- Check the exact SDK, MicroPython, CircuitPython, Arduino core, display, radio, and sensor libraries supplied for that board.
- Include headers, cable, battery, case, antenna, debug probe, and storage in the real project cost.
- Confirm regional stock, currency, variant, and current price; the figures above were observed on August 16, 2026.
What changed from RP2040
The RP2350 adds architectural choice, higher specified clock speed, more security capability, and a broader set of board designs, but it is not a universally faster or mechanically compatible RP2040. Performance depends on workload and software. Existing libraries may require updated board definitions, and a Pico-shaped outline does not guarantee identical peripheral mappings, voltage behavior, or power consumption.
Raspberry Pi’s announcement of worldwide approved-reseller availability lists early partner products from companies including Hellbender, WIZnet, and SparkFun: Raspberry Pi availability announcement.
Quick Recap
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.
Recommended Free Tools
