Looking for a Pico 2 Alternative? These Boards Might Have You Covered
The CPico RP2350 and Challenger+ RP2350 are powered by the same microcontroller as the Pico 2 and Pico 2 W, but boast a bit of a power boost.
iLabs Electronics is touting two microcontroller boards it says are comparable to the popular Raspberry Pi Pico 2: the CPico RP2350 and Challenger+ RP2350.
Both boards are powered by an RP2350 microcontroller – the same as on the Pico 2 and Pico 2 W– although they are a bit of a step up in the power department, especially so with the Challenger+ RP2350.
The Challenger+ arrives with 8 MB each of flash memory and 8 MB RAM – compared to the Pico 2 and 2 Q’s 4 MB memory and 520 KB SRAM – as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, which is only available on the Pico 2 W.
There’s also a slew of connectors, including those for USB-C and a LiPo rechargeable battery. That said, with a price tag of about $26, it’s quite the jump in price from the Pico 2 W, which costs just ~$7. Check its product page on iLabs Electronics’ website for more.
Meanwhile, the CPico boasts 8MB flash memory and 520 KB of SRAM. It also has “full pin connectivity” with the Pico 2, which is presumably also available on the Challenger+, although not explicitly stated. The CPico goes for about $9, as compared to the Pico 2’s $5. You can find full specs and more info on its product page.
All told, both boards appear to be viable alternatives to RPi’s offerings, should you not be beholden to the brand. No word on how they function in-hand, however, so be sure to do your due diligence before making a purchase.
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