Pixelated Pop: Listening to your favourite songs in 8-bit

The YouTube channel 8 Bit Universe is giving these popular songs the retro remixes we so desperately need.

8-bit or “chiptune” was a form of music popularised in the 1980s with its heavy use in arcades and old-school gaming consoles.

Fortunately for us, 8 Bit Universe imagines a reality where all popular music uses this technique as it’s sonic, or should I say Sonic, backbone – effectively taking music from any conceivable genre and giving it the Mario makeover, with some dazzling results.

The channel is pure nostalgia-nourishment, bringing songs by Gorilaz, Michael Jackson, Outkast and even My Chemical Romance into the vintage virtual worlds of NES‘s and Atari’s.

Listen to a few of our favourites below.

System of a Down – ‘Chop Suey’

This is clearly the best soundtrack to a boss battle you’ll never play.

Gorillaz – ‘Feel Good Inc’ (2004)

Being a completely virtual band, it’s no surprise that this works as well as it does. 

A-ha – ‘Take On Me’ (1984)

This genuinely sounds like jubilant end credits music. The game’s final victory lap before bidding you farewell.

Dragonforce – ‘Through the Fire and Flames’ (2006)

If you had Guitar Hero then you hated this song, however, don’t tell us this version wouldn’t completely triumph in a 2D Sonic game.

Click here to see if 8 Bit Universe has remixed any of your favourite songs.