PC-98

The PC-98 aesthetic

PC-98 is the pixel art style of Japan's NEC computers from the 80s-90s. Think 16-color palettes with masterful dithering to create gradients, anime-style characters, visual novel aesthetics. Colors are often muted with strategic bright accents. The style is detailed despite limitations, with hand-crafted pixel gradients. Influences include early Touhou games and Japanese visual novels.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PC-98 aesthetic?

PC-98 is the pixel art style of Japan's NEC computers from the 80s-90s. Think 16-color palettes with masterful dithering to create gradients, anime-style characters, visual novel aesthetics. Colors are often muted with strategic bright accents. The style is detailed despite limitations, with hand-crafted pixel gradients. Influences include early Touhou games and Japanese visual novels.

Can I create my own PC-98 design?

Not yet. PC-98 isn't open in the studio yet. You can describe your own idea and generate a one-of-one design in seconds.

What can I get PC-98 designs printed on?

Every ArtyPop PC-98 design can go on t-shirts, hoodies, and more, with direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, and knitwear options.

What makes a good PC-98 design prompt?

Lean into the signature PC-98 look. Try ideas like "Anime shrine maiden portrait with PC-98 style dithered shading and limited palette", "Gradient sunset sky using checkerboard dither pattern with silhouette", "Visual novel character frame with expressive eyes and pixel-perfect hair detail".