Pimoroni once said Pico system Handheld gaming devices are “coming soon” because Raspberry Pico Released on January 21. It now seems that the debut of the mini-console may be really near, because today the head of Pimoroni software Phil Howard posted to Twitter two videos demonstrating the operation of the device.
PicoSystem is based on RP2040 System on Chip (SoC) passed Raspberry Pico Standard dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor, 264KB SRAM and 2MB flash memory, but PicoSystem is likely to be equipped with more storage space. Pimoroni hides the RP2040 SoC in a box about the size of the Game Boy Micro. It has an arrow key, four buttons, a square display and a lithium polymer battery with USB-C charging function. The company has not disclosed much information about PicoSystem. The display size is unknown, but we know that the resolution of the IPS screen is 240 x 240 pixels.
I think Pico may be okay in mini gaming handheld devices 👀 pic.twitter.com/F0AYD7KGfPJuly 14, 2021
Howard also shared a picture of the PicoSystem (top), which gave us a better understanding of the size of the PicoSystem. 32blit Pimoroni’s successful handheld console Funded by Kickstarter June 2019. The device measures approximately 5.9 x 2.6 inches (150 x 65 mm) and weighs 8.8 ounces (250 grams); the PicoSystem is smaller, and it can even be hung on your keychain for outing games.
I *mean* miniature 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Bbx0AKZWENJuly 14, 2021
Howard’s video indicates that PicoSystem will share at least some code with 32blit, because both devices are running the “tilemap demo.” The 32blit website stated that it supports games written in C++ or Lua programming language, and will provide asset editing tools designed to simplify the creation of sprites, maps, and music. As a device based on RP2040, it is also logical to assume that it will support C/C++, MicroPython and CircuitPython.
It is not clear how many 32blit functions will be transferred to PicoSystem. PicoSystem is much smaller and based on Arm Cortex M0+ instead of the Arm Cortex-M7-based SoC in 32blit, but there is no other way at the moment.
Hope we can learn more about PicoSystem soon. Pimoroni has already started pre-ordering the device for US$81 (£58.50, including VAT) and offering global delivery services.At the same time, the maker community filled the game loopholes on RP2040 Let Pico run Tetris And build the SoC to A customized Game Boy cartridge.
