50 Amazing Mario Pixel Art Examples to Inspire You

Tips to Create Great Mario Pixel Art

Want to nail that classic Mario look? Here are some practical tips to get your Mario pixel art just right:

Choose the Right Palette: Mario’s colors are iconic. Stick with reds, blues, and browns to keep it classic. Use a limited color palette to make sure your art stays true to the retro feel. Experiment with shades, but don’t stray too far. Keep it simple and clean.
Focus on Shape and Proportion: Mario’s got a chunky, square-ish shape. Make sure his head is slightly bigger compared to his body. Use a grid to place pixels accurately. This helps maintain the proportions that make Mario instantly recognizable. Remember, less is more—keep it blocky.
Add Simple Details: Mario’s details, like his mustache and overalls, are small but crucial. Use just a few pixels to hint at these features. Too much detail can clutter the look. Aim for simplicity to highlight the character’s essential elements without losing clarity.
Emphasize Contrast: Use contrast to make Mario pop. Keep his outlines bold and his features distinct. This helps him stand out against backgrounds. Contrast is your friend—don’t shy away from making light and dark areas clear and defined.
Keep the Animation Simple: If you’re animating, start with basic movements. Mario's jump or walk cycle is a great start. Focus on smooth transitions and clear actions. Don’t overcomplicate it—simple animations capture the essence of old-school gaming.

Explore these different styles to give your Mario pixel art a unique twist:

8-bit Classic: This is the OG Mario style. Think blocky and simple. Stick to a very limited color palette and pixel count. Perfect for recreating Mario’s early game looks. Keep it nostalgic and straightforward.
16-bit Upgrade: A step up from 8-bit, with more colors and smoother lines. This style allows for more detail in Mario’s features. Use it to give Mario a more polished look while maintaining that retro charm. It’s a balance between classic and detailed.
Chibi Style: Go for a cute, exaggerated look. Make Mario’s head bigger and body smaller. This style adds a playful twist, perfect for a fun reinterpretation of Mario. Keep features rounded and soft to emphasize the chibi effect.
Minimalist Approach: Less is more here. Focus on Mario’s essential features with as few pixels as possible. This style is challenging but rewarding, capturing Mario’s essence with simplicity. It’s all about smart pixel placement.
Modern Pixel Art: Combine retro with some modern flair. Use gradients and more complex shading to give Mario a contemporary look. This approach keeps the pixel art feel while incorporating new techniques. It’s a fresh take on a classic.

Breathe life into your Mario pixel art with these animation ideas:

Jump Cycle: Capture Mario’s iconic jump with a simple cycle. Focus on his upward movement and landing impact.
Run Animation: Create a fluid running motion. Mario’s arms and legs should swing naturally for a lively effect.
Power-Up Transformation: Animate Mario grabbing a power-up. Show him growing or changing, highlighting the power-up effect.
Idle Pose: Give Mario a bit of character with a fun idle pose, like him looking around or bouncing slightly.
Coin Collect: Show Mario reaching and grabbing a coin. Add a sparkle to the coin for extra flair.
Pipe Enter/Exit: Animate Mario jumping into and out of pipes. Use smooth transitions for a seamless effect.