Side by side
PICO-8 vs Wonderland Engine
Both stand on game engine software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Choose PICO-8 for a small game-making environment that combines code, art, sound and map tools with cartridge sharing and exports. Educators can use the free browser-based Education Edition, while projects that need exporters or the cartridge browser require another edition.
Visit PICO-8 Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
Wonderland Engine provides a free entry point and combines a visual editor, code APIs, and WebXR integrations. Its target platforms and royalty threshold should be checked against each project’s deployment and revenue plans.
Visit Wonderland EngineThe facts
| PICO-8 | Wonderland Engine | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | PICO-8: $14.99, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Maker | PICO-8 | Not published |
| Website | lexaloffle.com | wonderlandengine.com |
| On game engine software | #31 of 92 | #35 of 92 |
PICO-8: what it does well
- Built-in tools cover code, music, sound, sprites and maps.
- Cartridges can be shared as PNG files or through a web player.
- Exports include standalone HTML5, Windows, Mac and Linux apps.
- SPLORE supports searching and favouriting online cartridges.
- Each copy includes a site-wide license for one educational organisation.
What to know first
- The free Education Edition has no exporters or cartridge browser.
- The Education Edition requires a keyboard.
- The paid PICO-8 plan costs $14.99 a month.
Wonderland Engine: what it does well
- Free plan available
- Supports JavaScript and TypeScript
- Includes visual scripting
- Targets WebXR, Meta Quest, and Pico
- Offers mobile export
What to know first
- No console export
- Closed-source product
- Other import formats may have restrictions
- 10% royalty above USD 120,000 annual revenue
Alternatives to PICO-8 Alternatives to Wonderland Engine The whole list