Upgrade to Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W if your project needs more processing capacity, memory or storage. Keep Pico W if it already runs your sensors, controls and wireless connection reliably.
For an existing build, the question is whether the newer board solves a real limitation. Replacing a working microcontroller can also mean updating firmware, checking libraries and retesting connected hardware.
When comparing Raspberry Pi boards, choose according to your project's requirements. Pico 2 W provides more room for demanding applications, but Pico W remains useful for straightforward connected devices.
- Pico 2 W offers more processing capacity, nearly twice the SRAM and twice the flash storage of Pico W.
- Pico W remains worth keeping when your existing project works reliably within its available resources.
- Both wireless boards share the same pin layout, which simplifies many hardware replacements, but firmware and library compatibility still need checking.
- Pico 2 W supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2; it does not introduce 5GHz Wi-Fi.
- Back up your code, check dependencies, install the correct firmware and test the project in stages before retiring the original board.
- Choose the newer board when its additional capacity solves a real requirement, rather than upgrading simply because it is newer.
Pico W vs Pico 2 W: Hardware Comparison
Both boards are microcontrollers designed to run embedded programs and control electronics. Neither runs Raspberry Pi OS or replaces a Raspberry Pi 5 desktop computer. Their main differences are processing architecture, memory, flash storage and programmable I/O resources.
| Feature | Raspberry Pi Pico W | Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W |
|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller | RP2040 | RP2350 |
| Processor | Dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ | Dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 or dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V |
| Standard maximum clock | 133MHz | 150MHz |
| On-chip SRAM | 264KB | 520KB |
| On-board flash | 2MB | 4MB |
| Programmable I/O state machines | 8 | 12 |
| Accessible multifunction GPIO | 26 | 26 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz 802.11n | 2.4GHz 802.11n |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| USB connection | Micro-USB, USB 1.1 | Micro-USB, USB 1.1 |
This comparison follows the specifications provided in the official Raspberry Pi microcontroller documentation. The Arm and RISC-V options on RP2350 do not mean four processor cores run simultaneously.
What Improves with Pico 2 W?
More Memory for Growing Applications
Pico 2 W increases SRAM from 264KB to 520KB. SRAM holds active data, variables and working buffers while your application runs.
That extra capacity can help when an application combines sensor readings, wireless communication, display updates and data processing. It also gives larger MicroPython programs more room to work.
For example, a device reading one temperature sensor and sending a short message may fit comfortably on Pico W. Adding a display, several sensors and larger messages could make memory a more important consideration.
The full SRAM capacity is not available exclusively to your program. Firmware, networking and other system components also use memory. Upgrade when memory is restricting the application you want to build, not simply because the newer board has more.
More Flash for Firmware and Files
Pico 2 W doubles on-board flash from 2MB to 4MB. Flash stores firmware and, depending on the software environment, program files and other persistent data.
This helps when your project needs more libraries, configuration files, display assets or a larger compiled application. Usable file space depends on how the firmware divides the flash.
More flash does not automatically improve execution speed or make the board suitable for unlimited data logging.
A More Capable Processor and Additional PIO Resources
Pico 2 W changes the processor architecture as well as increasing the clock speed. The improvement is therefore more substantial than a simple move from 133MHz to 150MHz, although the actual benefit depends on your code.
Its 12 PIO state machines also provide more resources for custom interfaces than Pico W's eight. This is useful for projects that already rely heavily on PIO, rather than an essential upgrade for basic sensor work.
You can review the specifications on the Pakronics website when comparing available Raspberry Pi boards.
Does Pico 2 W Give You Better Wi-Fi?
Pico 2 W is not an upgrade to 5GHz Wi-Fi. Both boards support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2.
If your Pico W loses connectivity, investigate the network and installation before replacing the board. Check the signal at the device, reconnection logic, power stability and whether the enclosure obstructs the antenna.
A faster processor may help an application handle its workload, but it does not guarantee better wireless range.
For an Australian home, school or workshop using a dual-band router, make sure the device can connect to the router's 2.4GHz network.
Software Compatibility: Will Your Existing Code Work?
Much of an existing project's source code may be reusable. Its firmware should still be built or downloaded for the correct board.
MicroPython Projects
For Pico 2 W, install the Pico 2 W MicroPython firmware. Do not reuse a Pico W firmware file or select the non-wireless Pico 2 build.
The official Raspberry Pi MicroPython installation guide provides separate firmware routes for Pico W and Pico 2 W and explains installation through BOOTSEL mode.
After installing the correct firmware, restore your Python files and test the project's dependencies. Simple code using standard hardware APIs is a sensible starting point, but successful execution on Pico W is not proof that every library supports Pico 2 W.
Pay particular attention to libraries containing native code, chip-specific assumptions or direct hardware access.
C and C++ Projects
Update your development tools to versions that support RP2350 and Pico 2 W. Select Pico 2 W as the target and rebuild the application.
A compiled Pico W program should not be treated as interchangeable with a Pico 2 W program. Review code that accesses registers directly or assumes particular timing, memory layouts or peripheral behaviour.
For a project distributed only as a prebuilt firmware file, check for a Pico 2 W version before buying the replacement board.
Other Programming Environments
If your project uses Arduino, CircuitPython or a vendor-specific platform, check support for the exact board and required libraries. General support for RP2350 does not necessarily confirm support for every wireless feature or accessory.
Can Pico 2 W Replace Pico W in the Same Circuit?
The wireless boards share the same pin layout, which makes many existing connections easier to reuse. It does not remove the need to check the complete circuit.
Before switching, confirm the accessory's compatibility, power connections, header arrangement and software support. Disconnect power before changing boards.
Also distinguish between Pico 2 and Pico 2 W. If the project depends on wireless connectivity, you need the W model.
For timing-sensitive systems, retest the outputs after migration. Software-controlled pulses and delays can be affected by changes to the processor, clock or runtime.
How to Migrate an Existing Pico W Project
1. Back Up the Working Version
Save the program, libraries, configuration files and firmware version. Photograph the wiring and record the pin assignments.
Keep the original Pico W available until the replacement has passed testing.
2. Check the Software Before Moving Hardware
Confirm that your programming environment supports Pico 2 W. Check each important driver, especially those for displays, wireless functions and specialist accessories.
If a required dependency is unavailable, keeping Pico W may be the more practical choice.
3. Install Firmware for Pico 2 W
Use the correct board-specific MicroPython build or rebuild your C/C++ application for Pico 2 W.
Start with a small test that confirms the board boots and communicates with your development computer.
4. Restore the Project in Stages
Test one sensor or output first, then add the remaining peripherals. Introduce Wi-Fi or Bluetooth after the basic hardware functions work.
This makes faults easier to locate than restoring the entire application at once.
5. Test the Situations That Matter
Check startup, power cycling, network interruptions and reconnection. Run the busiest operating mode, not only a short demonstration.
Compare the result with the original board. The upgrade should deliver a useful improvement in capacity, responsiveness or reliability.
When Keeping Pico W Makes Sense
Keep Pico W when the existing application is reliable and has enough capacity.
That includes straightforward sensor monitoring, simple wireless controls and learning projects that do not need larger buffers or more complex processing.
For schools, retaining Pico W can also preserve consistency across lesson instructions, firmware and classroom accessories. Introducing a different board is worthwhile when it supports the learning goal, rather than simply because it is newer.
For an installed device, migration time may cost more than the board itself. A small hardware saving does not justify unnecessary changes to a working system.
Pico W is also the safer choice when an essential accessory or prebuilt application has only been validated for RP2040.
When Pico 2 W Is the Better Purchase
Choose Pico 2 W when starting a compatible new project that is likely to grow.
It is particularly worth considering when you need larger working buffers, more firmware space, additional PIO resources or more processing capacity.
For an existing project, upgrade when you can identify the limitation: memory allocation failures, insufficient flash, processing that misses its required timing, or exhausted PIO resources.
If your next project involves connected sensors, explore the related Pakronics resources for Raspberry Pi boards and electronics projects.
Buying Pico W or Pico 2 W in Australia
Pakronics lists both the Raspberry Pi Pico W and Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W.
At the 1 October 2026 check recorded for this article, their listed prices were A$10.56 and A$12.32, respectively, including GST—a difference of A$1.76. Prices and availability can change, so check the product pages before ordering.
For a new build, that small price difference can make Pico 2 W attractive if your software and accessories support it. For an existing build, include the time needed to migrate and test.
Check whether the board includes soldered headers. If you want a first-generation wireless board with headers fitted, Pakronics also lists Pico WH. Browse its Raspberry Pi boards and accessories collection for the components your project requires.
Should You Upgrade?
Keep a working Pico W unless Pico 2 W solves a specific problem. Choose Pico 2 W for a new, compatible project that benefits from the extra capacity.
The strongest reasons to upgrade are memory, storage, processing and PIO requirements. The strongest reasons to stay are a reliable existing application, proven accessory support and avoiding unnecessary migration work.
Before making a decision, identify what your project needs today and what it may need in the future. If the existing board handles the workload comfortably, there is no automatic benefit in replacing it. If your project is running into memory, storage or processing limitations, Pico 2 W provides more room to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Raspberry Pi Pico W and Pico 2 W?
Pico 2 W uses the RP2350 microcontroller and provides 520KB SRAM, 4MB flash and 12 PIO state machines. Pico W uses RP2040 with 264KB SRAM, 2MB flash and eight PIO state machines. Both support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2.
Is Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W faster than Pico W?
Pico 2 W has a higher standard maximum clock of 150MHz compared with Pico W's 133MHz, as well as a different processor architecture. The real performance improvement depends on the workload, code and software environment.
Does Pico 2 W support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No. Both Pico W and Pico 2 W support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Pico 2 W is not an upgrade to 5GHz wireless networking.
Can I use my existing Pico W code on Pico 2 W?
Much of the source code may be reusable, but you should install firmware for the correct board and check your libraries, drivers and development tools. Rebuild compiled C/C++ applications for Pico 2 W and test the hardware after migrating.
Can Pico 2 W replace Pico W without changing the wiring?
The two wireless boards share the same pin layout, which simplifies many replacements. However, you should still verify the circuit, power connections, accessory compatibility, header arrangement and software support before switching boards.
Should I upgrade to Pico 2 W if my Pico W works properly?
Not necessarily. Keep Pico W if it reliably meets your project's requirements. Upgrade when you need additional memory, flash storage, processing capacity or PIO resources, and when your software and connected hardware support Pico 2 W.
Which Raspberry Pi Pico board should beginners choose?
For a new project, Pico 2 W is worth considering if the required software and accessories support it, because it provides more memory and storage. Pico W remains suitable for learning projects and simpler connected devices. Choose according to the project rather than the model's age alone.