35 Amazing Nintendo Pixel Art Examples to Inspire You

Tips to Create Great Nintendo Pixel Art

Creating Nintendo pixel art is like making your own mini-game world. Here’s how to nail it:

Use Limited Colors: Keep your color palette small. Nintendo classics didn’t have millions of colors, and you don’t need them either. Stick to around 4-8 colors per sprite. It forces you to think creatively and gives your art that retro feel. Plus, less color means less headache when shading.
Focus on Clean Lines: Pixel art is all about precision. Use clean, straight lines where possible. It keeps your sprites looking sharp and clear. Avoid jagged edges unless you’re going for a specific look. Neat lines help characters pop and make things look polished.
Master the 8x8 or 16x16 Grid: Nintendo sprites often use small grids like 8x8 or 16x16. Working within these constraints helps you focus on important details. It’s like solving a puzzle—what can you fit in a tiny space? Practice by sketching basic shapes and characters.
Get Comfortable with Dithering: Dithering is great for creating shades and textures when you’re short on colors. It’s a way to fake gradients and give depth. Practice different dithering patterns to see what works best. But don’t overdo it—too much can make your art look noisy.
Embrace Simplicity: Don’t overcomplicate designs. Nintendo characters are iconic because they’re simple and recognizable. Focus on defining features to make characters stand out. Less detail can communicate more when done right. Remember, simplicity is key to clarity.

Different styles can give your Nintendo art a unique vibe. Here’s a breakdown:

Chibi Style: Characters in chibi style are small and cute, with oversized heads and tiny bodies. This style fits well with Nintendo’s playful nature. Use round shapes and bright colors to make your characters pop. Perfect for RPGs or casual games.
Retro Style: Think about the original NES games. Retro style involves using limited colors and simple shapes. It’s all about capturing that nostalgic feel. Use bold outlines and a straightforward color palette. This style is great for platformers and puzzle games.
Minimalist Style: Minimalist art strips away details to focus on the essence of the character. This style works well for Nintendo because it emphasizes core features. Use flat colors and basic shapes. It’s ideal for quick sketches or games with a modern twist.
Cartoon Style: Exaggerated features and expressive characters define the cartoon style. It’s vibrant and fun, much like Nintendo’s own characters. Use bright colors and bold lines. This style works wonders for adventure games and anything with humor.
Pixel Art Nouveau: A blend of pixel art with the elegant curves and patterns of Art Nouveau. This style adds a unique twist to Nintendo art. Incorporate flowing lines and intricate patterns. It’s a bit more advanced but offers a fresh take on classic designs.

Bring your Nintendo art to life with these animation ideas:

Idle Animations: Add small movements, like a character blinking or swaying. It keeps the screen lively when characters stand still.
Jump and Land: Create a smooth jump arc with anticipation before the leap and follow-through on landing. It’s essential for platformers.
Power-Up Effects: Show a character glowing or changing color when they power up. It’s visually rewarding and signals a change to the player.
Attack Animations: Include dynamic poses and quick movement for attacks. Make sure the action is clear and impactful.
Environmental Animations: Animate background elements like trees swaying or water flowing. It adds depth and makes the world feel alive.