Pico Pal is an RP2350B and ESP32-powered retro emulation development kit that combines modern tech with a nostalgic form factor from the late 1990s. It gives makers, hackers, and retro gamers a powerful platform packed with features, including a 2.6-inch IPS LCD, stereo audio, digital video out, USB Type-C, infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a real-time clock, IMU, and more, all in a compact, iconic handheld form factor.

But Pico Pal isn’t just fun and games—it’s a programmable hardware hacking tool, too. With its impressive hardware, you can emulate your favorite games, use it as an MP3 player, learn pentesting techniques, or display video on a TV. Built with love for both the past and the future, Pico Pal is more than a handheld—it’s a tribute to tinkering.

Open, Programmable, and Fun!

Although Pico Pal has a retro design, it’s built to be forward-looking. Whether you’re a hacker, developer, or creative tinkerer, Pico Pal is a versatile platform for a wide range of uses.

Of course, its backlit display and classic D-pad make it great for some retro emulation on the go, but its array of I/O and powerful microcontrollers can let you use it as a universal remote control, pedometer, or even a portable music player. Of course, it’s great for security pentesting— spoof Bluetooth or USB HID inputs, run keystroke and Wi-Fi deauth attacks, with a device that’s stealthy and unassuming.

Finally, Pico Pal is a versatile devkit for the Raspberry Pi RP2350. Its excellent selection of ports and SPI/I²C compatibility make it a great battery-powered testbed for real-world uses.

Features & Specifications

• Raspberry Pi RP2350B microcontroller with 16 MB flash
• ESP32 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and 4 MB flash
• 2.6-inch 320×320 IPS LCD

I/O

• USB Type-C for power, programming, and optional video out
• Optional DVI video output via USB (dock required for HDMI breakout)
• Infrared transceiver
• Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
• microSD card slot (16 GB card included)
• 8 tactile buttons with LEDs
• Real-time clock
• Stereo speakers (Class D amp) and Class AB headphone output

Power

• 1500 mAh Li-Po battery with 5 V/1.45 A charging via USB Type-C
• Ultra-low sleep mode (~270  µA with wake-on RTC or GPIO)
• Smart power control with save-before-shutdown support

Open Source

Pico Pal is open source! We’re releasing full schematics, firmware, and a detailed bill of materials so you can build on the platform, develop your own software, repair your device, or simply understand how everything works under the hood. While PCB layout and manufacturing files aren’t currently public, everything you need to modify the firmware or electrical design is available.

Interested in This Project?

You can sign up at the top of this page to be notified when the campaign launches and to receive other updates. We only send out relevant content, and you can unsubscribe at any time.