PICO-8 vs Microsoft MakeCode Arcade

Struggling to choose between PICO-8 and Microsoft MakeCode Arcade? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

PICO-8 is a Gaming Software solution with tags like retro, fantasy, console, lua, tiny-games.

It boasts features such as Retro 8-bit aesthetic, Built-in code editor, sprite editor and sound effects editor, 128x128 pixel screen resolution, Lua programming language support, Cartridge sharing format (.p8) to easily share games, Mouse, keyboard and gamepad controller support, Export games to stand-alone executables and pros including Easy to learn and use, Active community support, Very affordable, Cross-platform support, Encourages creativity with limitations.

On the other hand, Microsoft MakeCode Arcade is a Games product tagged with coding, block-coding, game-design, retro, arcade.

Its standout features include Block coding interface, Sprite editor, Sound effects, Music, Hundreds of game examples, Remixable games, Multiplayer support, Works on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Easy to use block coding, Great for beginners, Large library of examples, Active community support.

Feature	PICO-8	Microsoft MakeCode Arcade
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Gaming Software	Games

Product Overview

PICO-8

Description: PICO-8 is a fantasy console for making, sharing and playing tiny games and other computer programs. It feels like a regular console, but runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and inside browsers. Programs are written in Lua and share cartridges in .p8 format.

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade

Description: Microsoft MakeCode Arcade is a free, open-source web-based platform that allows users to create retro arcade games using block coding. It features Sprite Editor, sound effects, music, overlays and hundreds of game examples to remix.

Key Features Comparison

PICO-8 Features

• Retro 8-bit aesthetic
• Built-in code editor, sprite editor and sound effects editor
• 128x128 pixel screen resolution
• Lua programming language support
• Cartridge sharing format (.p8) to easily share games
• Mouse, keyboard and gamepad controller support
• Export games to stand-alone executables

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade Features

• Block coding interface
• Sprite editor
• Sound effects
• Music
• Hundreds of game examples
• Remixable games
• Multiplayer support
• Works on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers

Pros & Cons Analysis

PICO-8

Pros

• Easy to learn and use
• Active community support
• Very affordable
• Cross-platform support
• Encourages creativity with limitations

Cons

• Limited resolution and color palette
• No 3D support
• Limited distribution options
• Steep learning curve for total beginners

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade

Pros

• Free and open source
• Easy to use block coding
• Great for beginners
• Large library of examples
• Active community support

Cons

• Limited functionality compared to advanced game engines
• Games can only be played in browser
• Limited customization options
• No monetization options

Pricing Comparison

PICO-8

• One-time Purchase

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade

• Free
• Open Source