M5Stack Core2 ESP32 IoT Development Kit v1.3

M5Stack Core2 ESP32 IoT Development Kit v1.3 is an all-in-one ESP32-based human-machine interface and IoT controller built for smart home panels, industrial HMI, portable control terminals, data visualization, embedded dashboards, and rapid prototyping. It combines a 2.0-inch capacitive touchscreen, ESP32-D0WDQ6-V3, 16MB Flash, 8MB PSRAM, Wi-Fi, speaker, microSD slot, vibration motor, RTC, and a 500mAh battery into a compact handheld M5Stack controller.

The v1.3 revision keeps the proven Core2 platform while upgrading the rear expansion board IMU from MPU6886 to BMI270, improving motion sensing accuracy, attitude detection, and responsiveness. That makes it a stronger fit for projects involving gesture interaction, orientation sensing, motion-triggered control, portable UI terminals, and smart device interfaces. It supports UiFlow1, UiFlow2, Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, and PlatformIO, so it works well for both visual programming and full-code development.

Features

• ESP32-D0WDQ6-V3 dual-core processor running up to 240MHz.
• 16MB Flash + 8MB PSRAM for UI, networking, and multi-function applications.
• 2.0-inch 320 x 240 capacitive touchscreen for direct user interaction.
• Three programmable virtual touch buttons on the front panel.
• Built-in speaker, PDM microphone, and vibration motor for audio and haptic interaction.
• BMI270 6-axis IMU on the rear expansion board for motion sensing in the v1.3 revision.
• RTC, microSD slot, and 500mAh lithium battery for portable and time-aware projects.
• HY2.0-4P Grove-compatible expansion interface for sensors and external modules.

Specifications

Applications

• Smart home control panels and touchscreen automation terminals.
• Portable IoT dashboards with wireless connectivity and battery power.
• Industrial HMI and equipment control interfaces.
• Motion-aware handheld projects using the BMI270 IMU.
• Data logging, sensor display, and edge interaction.
• Education, prototyping, and embedded UI development.

Packing List

• Core2 v1.3 x1
• USB Type-C Cable (20cm) x1
• Hex Key L-Shape x1

Other Content

What changed in v1.3
The most important hardware update in this revision is the replacement of MPU6886 with BMI270. This improves pose detection, motion response, and sensing stability while keeping the overall Core2 architecture and expansion logic familiar.

Touch and HMI advantage
Core2 combines a touchscreen, speaker, microphone, vibration motor, RTC, battery, and wireless ESP32 control in one body, making it an excellent platform for building compact interfaces that feel closer to finished products than bare development boards.

Smart home and ESP32 ecosystem fit
Because it is based on ESP32, Core2 v1.3 is also a good fit for ESPHome-style smart home dashboards, local controllers, status panels, and custom touch interfaces when you want a compact screen device with battery support and expansion capability.

Resources

• M5Stack Core2 v1.3 Docs
• Schematics
• Arduino Quick Start
• UiFlow1 Quick Start
• UiFlow2 Quick Start
• PlatformIO Setup
• ESP32 Reference
• BMI270 Datasheet
• OpenELAB Core2 Overview
• Everything You Need to Know About M5Stack Core2
• M5Stack Core2 Air Quality Testing Project

• How to Use M5Stack Core2 V1.3 as a Home Assistant Control Panel or Dashboard

FAQ

What is the main difference in Core2 v1.3?

The most important change is the BMI270 IMU, which replaces MPU6886 and improves motion detection performance while keeping the platform familiar.

What is Core2 v1.3 best used for?

It is especially suitable for smart home interfaces, IoT dashboards, industrial HMI, handheld control terminals, and touchscreen ESP32 projects.

Does it support visual programming and code development?

Yes. It supports UiFlow1, UiFlow2, Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, and PlatformIO.

What is included in the box?

You get Core2 v1.3, a 20cm USB Type-C cable, and a hex key.