Raspberry Pi’s latest hardware add-on shows once again why the tiny computer remains one of the most versatile platforms in the DIY world. The new HAT board—short for “Hardware on Top”—adds an M.2 slot sized for 2230 SSDs, the ultra-compact 30mm drives commonly seen in portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck. With this release, Raspberry Pi fans gain a neat, purpose-built way to add solid-state storage without sacrificing the device’s slim profile or case compatibility.
This isn’t Raspberry Pi’s first attempt at bringing M.2 storage to its boards. A previous HAT supported 42mm drives, but that expansion was larger and more of an external add-on, often forcing builders to think about mounting solutions and case adjustments. The compact variant changes the equation entirely, slotting in beneath the Raspberry Pi 5’s I/O height and allowing it to be used even inside the official Pi 5 case. That makes it much easier for hobbyists who want to maintain a tidy build without leaving components exposed or relying on custom enclosures.
The integration is straightforward thanks to the FPC connector on the Pi 5, and for makers already comfortable with Raspberry Pi’s modular ecosystem, installation should feel seamless. The only downside is that 2230-sized drives are typically more expensive than 2242 or larger SSDs, with fewer budget-friendly options available on the market. Even so, for projects where performance and compactness matter—such as portable emulation consoles, media centers, or embedded IoT devices—the new HAT could be a game changer. Available now through multiple suppliers, the 2230 M.2 HAT continues Raspberry Pi’s tradition of giving hobbyists affordable, creative tools to expand what’s possible with these pocket-sized computers.