I get to write about a lot of cool creations here at PC Gamer, a lot of impressive and creative DIY solutions. At the heart of much of this is a Raspberry Pi of sorts (opens in new tab). This company is known for providing inexpensive computer hardware that is made for playing and experimenting with, and boy are people out there doing just that.
The company just released a bit of good news and bad news about future production in an interview with ExplainingComputers (opens in new tab) (via Ars Technica (opens in new tab)) which you can view embedded at the top of this article. Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton revealed that supply pressures will mean we won’t see the new Raspberry Pi 5 launch in 2023, but that’s largely because there’s enough Pi for everyone in the meantime.
The Raspberry Pi 5 was originally expected sometime before the second half of 2023. It was going to be an upgraded board with some general improvements over the current Raspberry Pi 4 (opens in new tab). Things like a faster processor and Wi-Fi, more RAM, and all sorts of things that would be nice to see in this credit card-sized computer. For now, the good old Pi 4 will have to do, and thankfully it should be readily available.
In the interview, Upton explains that most large orders for these tiny computers do not come from large companies. Instead, it’s often smaller companies that use the Pi or sell products made on the Pi platform. These companies buy a few hundred at a time to meet their needs, which is very difficult with the current supply constraints. Shortages of the Pi units can really affect these outfits, so it makes sense to focus on a wider range rather than releasing something new.
It also goes against the direct DIY nature of the Pi platform to have customers on waiting lists. It has always been about getting units into people’s hands as easily and cost-effectively as possible. Gatekeeping, even through supply constraints, goes against the Pi philosophy.
“We don’t want people on a waiting list,” Upton tells ExplainingComputers in the interview. “We want people to wake up in the morning, want a Raspberry Pi, and get one the next morning at 9am.”
So instead of seeing a Pi 5 in 2023, the company is working on restocking this year. This also gives Raspberry Pi extra time to create something new and great as supply allows, rather than dealing with current uncertainties. It’s likely that the next Raspberry Pi we see will be a while away, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
