Retrogaze — MCP Server for Claude Code

// HOW IT WORKS

YOUR CLAUDE. OUR CONSTRAINTS.

Retrogaze's MCP server is a set of tools that Claude calls for classic console expertise. You tell Claude what to draw. Claude asks Retrogaze for the right palette, proportions, and drawing rules for your target console. Then Claude draws it in Aseprite using pixel-mcp. The result is a native .aseprite file with editable layers, correct palettes, and hardware-validated constraints.

Ask Claude to draw a sprite. "Draw a 16x16 mid-era NES knight with a sword."
Claude calls Retrogaze for console expertise. Gets the right palette and drawing rules for your target console.
Claude draws it in Aseprite via pixel-mcp. Every pixel placed deliberately, validated against real hardware specs.
Result: a hardware-authentic sprite in native .aseprite format, ready to edit or export.

// CONSOLE SELECT

REAL HARDWARE CONSTRAINTS

Each console has its own palette, tile rules, and sprite limits. Retrogaze enforces the actual hardware specs — not approximations.

CONSOLE	STATUS
NES	Live
SNES	Live
Genesis / Mega Drive	Live
Game Boy	Live
Game Boy Color	Live
C64	Live
PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16	Live

// TOOL SELECT

6 MCP TOOLS

RETRO_GENERATE_PROMPT

Get console-optimized drawing instructions and palette for your target console and era.

RETRO_VALIDATE_SPRITE

Check if a sprite meets real hardware constraints. Get a pass/fail compliance report.

RETRO_FIX_SPRITE

Auto-fix constraint violations so your sprite is hardware-compliant.

RETRO_SUGGEST_PALETTE

Get palette colors for a mood or theme from the console's authentic hardware palette.

RETRO_LIST_PRESETS

Browse named palette presets inspired by classic games.

RETRO_CHECK_STATUS

Check your license tier and usage.

// INSTALL

COPY. PASTE. DRAW.

Add Retrogaze to your MCP config. Get a free API key at retrogazeai.com.

CLAUDE DESKTOP

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "retrogaze": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@retrogaze/mcp"],
      "env": {
        "RETROGAZE_LICENSE_KEY": "your-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

CLAUDE CODE (.mcp.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "retrogaze": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@retrogaze/mcp"],
      "env": {
        "RETROGAZE_LICENSE_KEY": "your-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

CURSOR (Settings > MCP Servers)

{
  "retrogaze": {
    "command": "npx",
    "args": ["@retrogaze/mcp"],
    "env": {
      "RETROGAZE_LICENSE_KEY": "your-key-here"
    }
  }
}

You'll also need Aseprite and pixel-mcp installed for the drawing tools. Retrogaze provides the constraint intelligence; pixel-mcp provides the Aseprite brushes.

// YOUR MODEL, YOUR COST

BRING YOUR OWN MODEL

You use your own API key. Retrogaze doesn't make AI calls on your behalf — your model makes the creative decisions, and Retrogaze provides the console expertise. You control the model and the cost.

Claude is tested and recommended. Sonnet is the practical choice — clears quality bar on all eras at ~5x less cost than Opus. Opus gives a half-grade quality premium. Haiku works for retro and early eras.

The MCP server has a free tier for getting started. Paid tiers unlock all consoles, eras, and advanced features.

OTHER MODELS

The tools are model-agnostic by design — any LLM with MCP tool-use support can call them. GPT, Gemini, local models. The constraint intelligence comes from Retrogaze, not from the model.

We're looking for users willing to test non-Claude models and report quality results. If you want to help us expand model support, we'll give you free access to our first paid tier (or a discount on higher tiers) in exchange for your test results and feedback.

Interested? Sign up for a free account and mention "multi-model testing" when you reach out.