BItmap Books authors beautiful retro books full of pixel art!
Bitmap Books – When Books Fall in Love with Pixels
What happens when a designer with an Amiga past, a solid dose of nostalgia, and a Kickstarter account walk into a bar? You get Bitmap Books. Founded in 2014 by Sam Dyer in Bath, UK, the publisher kicked things off with Commodore 64: a visual compendium – and has since filled shelves with beautifully crafted gaming books.
These aren't your average reference guides – they’re visual love letters to the golden era of 8-, 16-, and 32-bit systems. Hardcovers, thick pages, vibrant layouts, and designs that would make even Mario shout “Mama Mia!”
Inside, you’ll find everything a retro fan could ask for: jaw-dropping screenshots, swoon-worthy artwork, legendary developer interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories that take you deep into the golden age of gaming.
The “Visual Compendiums” are especially well-known, covering iconic systems like the C64, Amiga, SNES, NES/Famicom, N64, ZX Spectrum, Master System, and Atari. But you’ll also find books dedicated to specific genres – from JRPGs and fighting games to football titles and the art of classic box design – all produced with a ton of love and attention to detail.
Bitmap Books collaborates with experienced authors, game historians, and design specialists – and you can feel that care on every page. Many titles are limited editions, often sell out quickly, and are highly sought after by collectors. And yes, the paper has a suspiciously nostalgic scent.
On the production side, everything is top-tier: premium printing, sustainable materials, eco-friendly packaging – and official licenses from legends like SNK, Sega, and Atari. These aren’t fan-made side projects – they’re true collector’s pieces.
Conclusion:
Bitmap Books makes books the way we used to love games – with heart, style, and a ton of nostalgia. For anyone who doesn’t just play retro games but celebrates, collects, and flips through them with joy – this is a guaranteed level-up for your bookshelf.
Website: https://www.bitmapbooks.com
