# Online 8-Bit Consoles The PICO-8 Console Creates New and Nostalgic 80s Video Games By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-16 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pico8-console References: [boingboing.net](http://boingboing.net/2016/08/11/combo-pool-simple-amazingly.html) & [lexaloffle](http://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php) Though modern game designers often use an 8-bit aesthetic as a nostalgic reference to early video games, the PICO-8 console isn't like other game design systems. When making an 8-bit Flash game, for example, designers can use 8-bit images but still make a far more complex game. The PICO-8 console imposes harsh limitations on the virtual cartridges it accepts to ensure that all its games adhere to the style and gameplay of true 8-bit games. The PICO-8 calls itself a "fantasy console." This is because, unlike the NES or Atari 2600, the PICO-8 console has no physical system; it exists entirely online. As such, its "cartridges" are also just software that play though browsers. The austere system is emblematic of the stringent rules that people place on what counts as nostalgia, even when creating brand new products like the PICO-8 cartridges. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **8-bit Aesthetic:** The use of 8-bit graphics and gameplay as a nostalgic reference presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in gaming and entertainment industries. - **Fantasy Consoles:** The rise of online, software-based consoles presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in gaming and technology industries. - **Harsh Limitations:** The imposition of limitations on game design can lead to a focus on creativity and innovation in the gaming industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming:** The use of the 8-bit aesthetic and development of 'fantasy consoles' could disrupt the gaming industry, creating new opportunities for innovative game design. - **Entertainment:** The use of the 8-bit aesthetic could disrupt the entertainment industry through the creation of new nostalgic-inspired content. - **Technology:** The rise of online, software-based consoles could disrupt the technology industry by shifting the focus of gaming hardware from physical to virtual components. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tiny Retro Gamer Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/open-source-games-console.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playdate-handheld.md) - [Browser Game Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrogames.md) - [Ultra-Compact Gamer Console Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-gaming-console.md) - [See-Through Cartridge Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modretro-m64.md) - [Freestanding Retro Gaming Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vectrex-mini.md) - [Nostalgic 90s-Inspired Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/analogue-3d-funtastic.md) - [Retro Handheld Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modretro.md) - [Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-classic.md)