Waveshare 2" IPS LCD Display 320x240 SPI 65K RGB for Raspberry Pi Pico

The Waveshare 2" IPS LCD Display 320x240 SPI 65K RGB for Raspberry Pi Pico is a compact colour display module designed for embedded projects and small handheld devices. The module delivers a 320×240 pixel resolution on a 2-inch IPS panel with 65K RGB color depth and an SPI communication interface compatible with microcontrollers such as the Raspberry Pi Pico. Its small footprint and high contrast IPS viewing angles make it suitable for status indicators, simple graphical user interfaces and sensor readouts where space is limited.

Advantages

This display uses IPS technology to provide wide viewing angles and consistent colour reproduction across the screen. The 320×240 pixel resolution offers clear text and basic graphics on a compact 2-inch area, while the SPI interface reduces required pin count and is widely supported by microcontroller development boards. The 65K RGB colour depth allows for pleasant colour gradients and distinguishable UI elements. The module’s compact size and low power requirements make it appropriate for battery-powered or space-constrained designs.

Suitable for

• Embedded prototypes and development with Raspberry Pi Pico and similar microcontrollers
• Handheld instruments and compact control panels
• Simple graphical user interfaces and menu systems
• Status displays, sensor readouts and diagnostic panels

Key specifications

• Display size: 2 inches (diagonal)
• Resolution: 320 × 240 pixels
• Panel type: IPS (In-Plane Switching)
• Colour depth: 65K RGB
• Interface: SPI (serial peripheral interface)
• Viewing angles: wide-angle IPS performance
• Typical applications: small GUIs, status indicators, sensor displays

How to use

Connect the display to a microcontroller such as a Raspberry Pi Pico using the SPI pins and power rails according to the module’s pinout. Install or enable an SPI driver and a compatible display library in your development environment, then configure the library for a 320×240 IPS panel and 65K colour mode. Initialize the display from your application code, then draw text, bitmaps or simple UI elements through the provided graphics functions. Observe proper power sequencing and ensure signal voltage levels match the microcontroller to avoid interface issues.

Usage recommendations

For reliable operation, use a level shifter if your controller’s IO voltage differs from the display’s required voltage, add a current-limited power source for battery projects, and place the module where ambient light and viewing angle benefit user visibility. For faster UI updates, optimize SPI clock settings and reduce color depth or redraw regions selectively when needed.