Complete Hardware Options - From Budget to Best-in-Class (2019-2025)
Maximum performance, features, and battery life
Original Pwnagotchi Hardware
The "vanilla" hardware that Pwnagotchi was designed for. Uses 32-bit image.
Best Performance Choice
5x faster than original with quad-core CPU. Uses 64-bit image for best performance.
Pre-soldered Headers
Same as Zero W but with pre-soldered GPIO headers - no soldering required!
Latest Generation E-Paper
Newest version with HAT+ standard, onboard RTC, and improved PCB layout.
Officially Recommended
The officially supported e-ink screen with partial refresh support.
Original Display
First generation e-paper display. More ghosting than V2.
Intermediate Version
Requires special image from DrSchottky fork. Not officially supported.
Pimoroni Alternative
Alternative e-paper display from Pimoroni. Requires specific case.
Latest Generation
Most advanced with upgradeable firmware, battery protection, and full software features.
Popular Choice
Great balance of features and price. Has RTC and I2C for battery monitoring.
Extended Runtime
5000mAh battery for all-day operation. For Pi 3B/3B+/4B models.
Basic UPS
Budget option with hardware-only features. No software battery monitoring.
Alternative UPS
Feature-rich alternative with built-in UART→USB adapter for serial console.
18650 Battery UPS
Uses replaceable 18650 battery cell for maximum runtime.
| Feature | PiSugar S | PiSugar 2 | PiSugar 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1200mAh | 1200mAh | 1200mAh |
| Battery Level Display | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| RTC (Real-Time Clock) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| I2C Communication | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduled Wake-up | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery Protection | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ (80%) |
| Firmware Upgradeable | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Pi 5 Compatible | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| USB-C Charging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price | ~$28 | ~$40 | ~$40 |
Cheapest way to get started
Good performance with essential features
Best possible Pwnagotchi experience
Multiple designs by out0fstep, elkentaro, rmrfus, and ohaithear
Modern designs optimized for Bambu printers with multi-color support
Classic hack - Pi Zero W + Waveshare fits in a large Altoid tin!
The original Pwnagotchi project is no longer maintained. Use these community forks:
# Pwnagotchi Configuration
main.name = "pwnagotchi"
main.lang = "en"
main.whitelist = ["YourHomeNetwork"]
# Display - Use correct type for your version!
ui.display.enabled = true
ui.display.type = "waveshare_2" # or waveshare_4 for V4
ui.display.color = "black"
# Web UI
ui.web.enabled = true
ui.web.address = "0.0.0.0"
ui.web.username = "changeme"
ui.web.password = "changeme"
# PiSugar2 Battery
main.plugins.pisugar2.enabled = true
main.plugins.pisugar2.shutdown = 5
Pwnagotchi released by evilsocket. Required Pi Zero W, Waveshare 2.13" V1, and external power bank.
PiSugar batteries became popular, enabling truly portable builds. Waveshare V2 released with better refresh.
Raspberry Pi releases Zero 2 W with quad-core CPU - 5x faster than original.
Original project stalls. jayofelony and aluminum-ice forks add Pi Zero 2 W support and newer display drivers.
Waveshare V4 HAT+ with onboard RTC. PiSugar 3 with battery protection. 64-bit images standard for Pi Zero 2 W.