Article Lead Image

The 8 best 8-bit covers on YouTube

From Michael Jackson to the Rolling Stones, listen to your favorite songs rendered with old computer chips and NES games. 

 

David Holmes

Streaming

Posted on May 25, 2012   Updated on Jun 2, 2021, 4:39 pm CDT

Earlier this week, Quinton Sung turned heads with his masterful 8-bit renditions of Radiohead’s certified masterpieces, Kid A and OK Computer, which were created using only sounds from old computer chips and NES games.

That got us thinking: What other 8-bit versions of classic songs can be found on YouTube?

After combing through a staggering number of bleeps and bloops, here are eight of the best 8-bit covers on YouTube, paired with the ideal video game to play while listening

1) Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Video game pairing: Any epic adventure—like The Legend of Zelda—that matches the range of emotion covered by Queen’s grandiose rock suite.

2) Michael Jackson “Thriller”

Video game pairing: Moonwalker for the Sega Master System, of course.

3) Miles Davis “So What”

Video game pairing: I bet Leisure Suit Larry gets down to Miles Davis.

4) Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

 

Video game pairing: Super Mario Bros 3, after beating each airship level.

5) Nine Inch Nails “Closer”

Video game pairing: I agree with the YouTube commenter who said this compliments the creepy, laid-back vibes of Maniac Mansion nicely.

6) Daft Punk “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”

Video game pairing: Anything that uses the Nintendo Power Pad, like World Class Track Meet or Dance Aerobics.

7) Metallica “Master of Puppets”

Video game pairing: Any battle cut-scene from the original 1987 Final Fantasy.

8) Rolling Stones “Paint It Black”

Video game pairing: Perfect for a marathon session of Tetris

BONUS: Requiem For a Dream soundtrack

Video game pairing: Something creepy like the gothic NES classic, Castlevania.

Photo via YouTube

Share this article
*First Published: May 25, 2012, 7:00 am CDT