# 8-Bit Hobby Kits The Mario Model Kit Illustration Will Delight Nintendo Fans and DIYers By Matt Ho | Published 2011-09-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-model-kit References: [gadgetsin](http://gadgetsin.com/amazing-model-kits-inspired-by-mario-samus-and-link.htm) & [flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/soundofdesign/6134838838/in/photostream) Ty Lettau’s love for video games continues to show with his latest work dubbed the [Mario](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-cookie-cruiser) Model Kit. The Mario Model Kit is Lettau’s take on what the [Nintendo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-super-mario-world-mario-yoshi) character would look like if he came in a box of a hobby kit. The cool thing is that the artist has kept the old-school pixelated look, which will no doubt bring some nostalgia to retro gamers. A naked Mario along with accessories such as various clothes, mushrooms and blocks from the game are depicted in a model kit layout. It kind of makes most wonder if Nintendo will ever release a real-life version. In addition to the Mario Model Kit, Lettau has also created illustrations in this style with two other games: [Zelda](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-legend-of-zelda) and Metroid. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Pixelated Model Kits:** Opportunities to create DIY kits for popular pixelated characters and bring nostalgia to retro gamers. - **Video Game Fan Art:** Chance to tap into the online fan community and create merchandise for popular video games. - **Retro Gaming Revival:** Potential to capitalize on the trend of creating and appreciating nostalgic retro gaming content and products. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** Opportunities to create and sell DIY model kits of popular video game characters. - **Merchandise Retail:** Chance to tap into the demand for video game fan art and sell related products. - **Gaming Industry:** Potential to capitalize on the trend of retro gaming revival and develop new games, remakes or merchandise of classic video games. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [8-Bit Building Block Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-super-mario-world-mario-yoshi.md) - [Video Game-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunscreen-mist.md) - [Video Game Crochet Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woobles-pacman-crochet-kit.md) - [Racing Video Game-Inspired Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-kart-set.md) - [Retro-Inspired Toy Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-atari-2600.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Homewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-home-adventure-life.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Console Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-radio.md) - [Iconic Go-Kart-Game Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-mario-kart.md) - [Game Villain Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mighty-bowser.md)