Tool
A

Retro Diffusion

Pixel-art diffusion models as an Aseprite extension (one-time) or hosted API.

Official site: www.retrodiffusion.ai Free tier: Yes Open source: No Platforms: Aseprite, Web, API
Last verified: Oct 15, 2026 Last tested: Not yet, hands-on test pending
⚠ Preliminary, based on public research, hands-on test pending. These scores come from a desk review of public sources (official pricing pages, docs, changelogs), linked on each tool page. Rex hasn't run the hands-on tests yet, so tiers shown are projected. Under our rubric, a tool's official tier is capped at B until it's tested.

What looks good

  • One-time purchase option that runs locally: you own your pipeline
  • Lives inside Aseprite, where many pixel artists already work
  • Hosted API for animations and tilesets

Watch-outs

  • Local extension needs a capable GPU (check requirements)
  • Pixel art only

From public sources below, not from our own hands-on testing (yet).

Scores

Rank #2 · projected tier A · official tier B (untested cap) · ⚠ Preliminary

One-time $65 Aseprite extension that runs locally. Best ownership story for pixel artists.

Output quality on the job test 27/35
Speed & friction 11/15
Value / price 13/15
Control & ownership 9/10
Momentum & community 7/10
Reliability & trust 7/10
Builder-fit 4/5
Total78/100

Pricing as found Oct 15, 2026

PlanPriceNotes
Aseprite extension$65 one-timeLocal static generation, no credits
Lite extension$20 one-time
Web/APIPrepaid credits~$0.03 (Fast) to $0.18 (Pro) per image; 50 free credits for new accounts

Prices in USD, excluding tax. Vendors change pricing often; check the official page before buying.

Sources

  1. Retro Diffusion on itch.io (astropulse.itch.io)
  2. Retro Diffusion Lite (astropulse.itch.io)
  3. Retro Diffusion API examples (github.com)

Accessed Oct 15, 2026. Spot an error? Request a correction.