# Flipper One Linux handheld pairs RK3576 SoC with RP2350 MCU, M.2 expansion

> **Key takeaway:** Flipper Devices is preparing a $449 Linux handheld built around mainline Linux support for the Rockchip RK3576, with an independent Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller managing I/O and power even when the application processor is off.

**Published:** 2026-11-11T02:55:42+00:00 
**Source:** LinuxGizmos 
**Category:** open-hardware 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/flipper-one-linux-handheld-pairs-rk3576-soc-with-rp2350-mcu-.html 

## Summary
Flipper Devices is preparing a Kickstarter campaign for the Flipper One, a portable Linux computer targeting network administrators and security researchers. The handheld centers on an octa-core Rockchip RK3576 with four Cortex-A72 and four Cortex-A53 cores, 8GB LPDDR5, 64GB UFS 2.2 storage, and a 6 TOPS NPU, paired with a Raspberry Pi RP2350B microcontroller that independently manages the display, physical controls, and power subsystem.

The device offers dual Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E with monitor mode support via the open-source mt7921u driver, and an internal M.2 Key-B connector supporting cellular modems, SDR modules, GNSS receivers, and storage through multiple form factors. Flipper Devices is collaborating with Collabora to upstream RK3576 support into the mainline Linux kernel, aiming to eliminate proprietary board support packages, though proprietary DDR initialization firmware remains in the boot path.

## Architecture and mainline Linux strategy
- **Dual-processor design:** The Rockchip RK3576 handles Linux workloads while a separate Raspberry Pi RP2350B with dual Cortex-M33 and dual RISC-V Hazard3 cores manages the 256×144 monochrome LCD, physical controls, status indicators, and power subsystem, enabling device access even when the main processor is powered down or booting.
- **M.2 Key-B expansion:** The internal slot supports 2242, 3042, 3052, and 2230 (with extender) modules with PCIe 2.1 ×1, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, SATA3, UART, I²C, serial audio, and SIM/eSIM interfaces for cellular, SDR, GNSS, and storage peripherals.
- **Wireless capabilities:** MediaTek MT7921AUN provides 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E across 2.4/5/6GHz bands and Bluetooth 5.2, with monitor mode supported through the mainline mt7921u driver and packet injection under evaluation.
- **Mainline Linux commitment:** Flipper Devices is working with Collabora to upstream RK3576 support rather than rely on vendor BSPs; foundational support exists upstream but power management, video decoding, and NPU support remain incomplete.
- **Remaining proprietary component:** A proprietary DDR initialization binary persists in the boot process, representing a gap in fully open-source firmware for the platform.

## Why it matters
The Flipper One represents a notable attempt to bring a commercial handheld device to market with mainline Linux as a foundational design principle rather than an afterthought, potentially reducing long-term maintenance burden and security exposure compared to typical vendor BSP approaches. For the open hardware and security research communities, the combination of open-source wireless monitor mode, M.2-based SDR expansion, and independent microcontroller management of critical I/O addresses practical gaps in existing portable analysis tools. The device's progress also advances upstream RK3576 support that benefits broader Rockchip-based Linux hardware.