The tiny, easily customizable computer Raspberry Pi is a very popular choice for aspiring tinkerers and DIY enthusiasts. The flexible, affordable Raspberry Pi technology is somewhat daunting for new users, so to help you make an informed decision, we’ve rounded up our favorite Raspberry Pi starter kits! Whether you’re looking to make a retro game console or a DIY desktop computer, we’ve found the kit for you!
Vilros Raspberry Pi 3 RetroPie Arcade Gaming Kit
For gaming enthusiasts who may have missed the chance to own an NES or SNES Classic during their limited release windows, Vilros has this excellent starter kit for $84. Unlike the official Nintendo mini consoles, the RetroPie is not limited to certain specific games or even systems. The RetroPie software included with the kit can emulate a wide variety of retro systems, including the Game Boy, Dreamcast, Neo Geo and others.
This kit comes with a power supply cable, heat sinks, an HDMI cable, a 32gb microSD card, and, importantly, two SNES-style USB controllers. The highlight of this kit is the adorable and sturdy NES-style case that can house your tiny computer, completing the retro aesthetic of any emulation project.
Raspberry Pi 3 Desktop Starter Kit
The Desktop Starter kit is a great, affordable option for those who have an HDMI cable already on hand and simply want to get started tinkering. For $60, this officially licensed starter is a great value, and comes with a case for the computer, a power supply, a 16gb microSD card, and comes pre-loaded with NOOBS and Raspbian software.
This starter kit is great for those who simply wish to start on projects right away, or who have projects that don’t require HDMI cables and want to save money over more involved starter kits, like the aforementioned Vilros Retro Kit. It is worth noting, however, that this kit also doesn’t have any heat sinks, which means you’ll need to provide those yourself if you don’t want to risk damaging your computer. However, for those who are already savvy builders with tech know-how, this kit is a great way to introduce yourself to the Raspberry Pi platform.
Sunfounder Picar-S Raspberry Pi 3 Robot Car Kit
The most expensive starter kit on this list, but also the most involved, the Robot Car Kit is $160 and tons of fun. This kit comes with everything you need to build your own remote-controlled car, and comes equipped with sensors to detect light sources, follow preprogrammed paths and even navigate around obstacles!
The car can even be controlled via an app from a phone or a computer, making it an excellent project for a young robotics enthusiast or an aspiring builder! As a first foray into more “active” Raspberry Pi builds, this car kit is a fun way to learn about the Raspberry Pi platform, and mechanics in general.
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 3 Complete Starter Kit
Canakit’s starter is a fantastic all-around choice for enthusiasts to begin their projects. For $70 you get a Raspberry Pi 3, a glossy black case, a 2.5-amp power supply cable, heat sinks, an HDMI cable, and an all-important 32gb microSD memory card. This kit comes pre-loaded with NOOBS software to get you started, and CanaKit also offers a $50 version of the kit with a clear case for those who wish to show off the circuit board that makes their computer tick.
This kit is by far the best selling Raspberry Pi starter, and for good reason: everything you need to start your own projects is right here. Made with newcomers to computer-building in mind, this kit has all the basics you need to get started with your own inventions. Highly recommended to those with little to no experience building computers or working with hardware!
Want More Raspberry Pi?
If you liked this article, make sure to check out our Top 10 Raspberry Pi DIY Projects! Maybe you’ll find inspiration for your next project!
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