micropython-async VS pico-micropython-lowpower-workaround

If you want to use Micropython, you have to use asyncio. An example for an async switch: https://github.com/peterhinch/micropython-async/blob/master/v3/primitives/switch.py

There are some great docs and tutorials here: https://github.com/peterhinch/micropython-async/tree/master/v3/docs

async/await uses a single core but you can have as many tasks as you need. It's takes a little getting your head around but there are some good tutorials, e.g. https://github.com/peterhinch/micropython-async/blob/master/v3/docs/TUTORIAL.md

This is the queue I use: https://github.com/peterhinch/micropython-async/blob/master/v3/primitives/queue.py

Is there an easy way to make the pushbutton() function run asynchronously? I was looking at this module but it seems somewhat overkill for my purpose.

There are new MicroPython commands for low power use (LIGHTSLEEP) but you may have to build the code yourself as the RPF port did not support these when I last looked... This GITHUB entry is a neat library if you have a low power RTC or other hardware that can trigger a GPIO pin to wake the board up.

There is a workaround library for implementing low power mode to wait for GPIO input on the Pico, but it is MicroPython only. Are you looking for a C/C++/Rust solution?