Icepi Zero: Intriguing Raspberry Pi alternative now crowdfunding

The Raspberry Pi Foundation offers various single-board computers, such as the popular Raspberry Pi 5, whose 8GB variant currently retails for $82 on Amazon. Even more compact Raspberry Pi boards are also available and can be used in smaller projects. The Icepi Zero is a potential alternative to these Raspberry Pi Zero variants, but it comes with an FPGA chipset instead of the usual ARM-based processor.

Specifically, the SBC is powered by the Lattice ECP5U. This computing chip is supposedly suitable for emulating the Apple I and Commodore 64, but modern operating systems are not compatible. The open-source approach is advertised as well, so tinkerers can easily develop their own projects.

In terms of size, the Icepi Zero measures 2.6 by 1.2 inches. It also has two programmable buttons and five customizable LEDs. The Icepi Zero is the same size as the Raspberry Pi Zero, and according to the manufacturer, some accessories are cross-compatible. Three USB Type-C ports are available and can be used for various accessories. As is usual for tiny single-board computers, there’s no eMMC or SSD storage but a microSD card slot.

Moreover, the Icepi Zero offers GPIO for sensors and actuators, while the board itself is powered with 5 volts via USB Type-C. As part of an ongoing crowdfunding campaign, the board is currently available for prices starting at $69, and the usual financial risks apply. This price does not include shipping and potential import fees, and deliveries are not expected until the end of February 2026.