DIY projects keep getting smaller and smarter, but finding the right touchscreen that doesn’t eat up your entire build space has always been a headache. The new Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 finally solves this problem with a compact 5-inch version that packs serious functionality into a surprisingly affordable package.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation just dropped its latest official touchscreen, and honestly, it’s about time. This isn’t just a smaller version of what came before, either. You get true five-finger multi-touch support, which means gestures and multi-user interactions actually work properly. The LCD TFT panel delivers crisp visuals with deeper blacks and better contrast than you’d expect at this price point.
Designer: Raspberry Pi
(7-inch version)
The anti-glare surface is one of those details that sounds boring until you’re actually using your project outdoors or under bright lights. At just $40 for the 5-inch model, it’s genuinely accessible for students, educators, and hobbyists who want to experiment without breaking the bank. Compare that to generic touchscreens with questionable compatibility and support.
Here’s where things get exciting for makers and designers. That compact 5-inch form factor opens up project possibilities that were practically impossible before. Think handheld gaming consoles that actually fit in your hands, custom car dashboards that don’t dominate the interior, or smart home controllers you can mount anywhere without looking ridiculous.
The smaller footprint means you can finally build those portable media centers, wearable tech prototypes, or compact control panels you’ve been sketching but never quite figured out how to execute. The display’s portrait orientation and mounting options play nicely with 3D-printed enclosures and laser-cut cases, too.
For anyone who’s struggled with integrating touchscreens into tight spaces, this display changes the game completely. You can mount it in orientations that would make larger screens look awkward, and the official Raspberry Pi support means you won’t be hunting through sketchy forums for drivers or compatibility fixes.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has always understood that makers need reliable, well-documented components that just work. This 5-inch Touch Display 2 continues that tradition while addressing the real-world constraint that’s been holding back countless compact projects. With production guaranteed until at least 2030, you can build something today knowing replacement parts will be available tomorrow.
Whether you’re prototyping the next great handheld device or just want to add a sleek interface to your workshop setup, this little screen represents exactly the kind of thoughtful, accessible innovation that keeps the DIY community moving forward. Sometimes the best upgrades come in smaller packages.
(7-inch model)
