# Retro Diffusion review (2026)

> Pixel-art models and an Aseprite plugin, sold for a one-time price.

Retro Diffusion makes pixel-art models, sold as a pay-per-generation web app and a one-time Aseprite extension ($20/$65) that is being replaced by its Pixelit editor.

**Best for:** Pixel artists working in Aseprite who dislike subscriptions.

**Make AI Games score:** 84/100 (facts-based; hands-on test pending)

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.retrodiffusion.ai |
| Status | Active |
| Categories | 2D art & sprites |
| Pricing | Free trial; $20 one-time |
| Commercial use | Allowed |
| Engines | Aseprite |
| Exports | PNG, Sprite sheet |
| Skill level | intermediate |
| Last verified | 2026-10-21 |

## Score breakdown

- Accessibility: 59/100
- Output & integration: 72/100
- Commercial rights: 100/100
- Value: 75/100
- Maturity: 100/100
- Game focus: 100/100
- Features: 95/100

## Features

- Pixel art: Yes
- Animated sprite sheets: Yes (Animation cycles exported as GIF or sprite sheet)
- Consistent characters across images: Yes (Up to 9 reference images)
- Train on your own style: Partly (Custom styles built from one reference image; no full model training)
- Tilesets: Yes (Wang/blob tilesets, tile variations)
- Transparent backgrounds: Yes
- 4- or 8-direction views: Yes (4-angle walk cycles and 8-direction rotations)
- API: Yes (Hosted API/MCP endpoint with developer key)

## Pricing plans

- Aseprite extension: $65/mo (Full extension, no credits, free future updates)
- Aseprite extension Lite: $20/mo (Lite extension, one-time purchase)
- Web app credits: custom (Pay per generation; 50 free credits for new accounts)

Pricing note: Aseprite extension one-time: Lite $20, full $65. Web app is pay-per-generation from a prepaid balance (from $0.03/image, packs from $5).

## Sources

- https://www.retrodiffusion.ai
- https://retrodiffusion.ai/
- https://astropulse.itch.io/retrodiffusion
- https://astropulse.itch.io/retrodiffusion/devlog/1639304/amd-gpu-support-big-announcement
- https://astropulse.itch.io/retrodiffusionlite
- https://astropulse.itch.io/retrodiffusion/purchase
- https://astropulse.gumroad.com/l/RetroDiffusionCredits
- https://mcpservers.org/servers/retro-diffusion/retro-diffusion-mcp
- https://github.com/Retro-Diffusion/api-examples

Canonical: https://makeaigames.com/tools/retro-diffusion