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Picopad - an open-source gaming console

Picopad is an open-source gaming console that offers a unique opportunity for young tech enthusiasts. It comes as a kit, allowing children to learn soldering and electronics principles while assembling their own gaming console. Additionally, Picopad supports programming in C, CircuitPython and MicroPython, making it an ideal tool for learning programming skills. With external cards for various educational expansions, Picopad is also a perfect tool for developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills.

Main features

DIY kit

Picopad is supplied as a kit, including all the necessary components for assembling the console.

RP2040

Picopad utilizes the RP2040 microprocessor, specifically the Raspberry Pi Pico module (or Raspberry Pi Pico W in the Picopad Wifi variant).

Display

Picopad features a 2-inch IPS display with a resolution of 240x320 pixels. It uses the ST7789 controller.

Audiovisual elements

The console includes a user-controllable LED and a speaker. The LED enables display of various states or indications, while the speaker provides audio output for playing sound effects, music, and other audio elements.

MicroSD slot

The console is equipped with a microSD card slot, offering an advantage over other projects. It allows programs to be executed directly from a microSD card. Users can store programs on an SD card in the standard UF2 format and then run them on the console.

Power

The console is powered by a 500mAh Li-ion battery, providing long battery life and portability. For battery charging, a TP4056 charging circuit is integrated, allowing convenient and safe battery recharging.

Control elements

Picopad is equipped with 8 buttons, a power switch, a reset button, and a BOOTSEL button. These control elements enable users to perform various actions and interactions with the device.

External Connector

The console also features an external connector that provides battery power, 3.3V, and GND. It supports communication through UART, has two I2C interfaces, three analog inputs, and six GPIO pins.

Development on Picopad

The console offers multiple programming options, including a custom C SDK with its own bootloader and support for CircuitPython and Micropython.

Open source

Picopad is an open-source project, meaning that all its source codes, including sample games, are publicly accessible. This openness allows the community and developers to freely access and customize, modify, and expand the console's functionalities according to their needs. This openness promotes collaboration, sharing, and the continuous development of Picopad.

Connectivity

The Picopad Wifi variant features wireless connectivity with its onboard antenna. Wifi is supporting 802.11n standard at a single band (2.4 GHz) with WPA3 security. Additionally, it is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, providing support for both Bluetooth LE, as well as Bluetooth Classic.