Been getting into pixel art for a game project. The constraint of working at tiny resolutions (16x16, 32x32) is actually really interesting. Every pixel matters.

What software are people using? I've been doing it in Photoshop zoomed way in but there must be better tools.

GraphicsGale is a free pixel art editor made specifically for this. Animation support, onion skinning, palette tools. It's the standard for pixel artists.

Pro Motion is another great one. Slightly more features than GraphicsGale. Used by actual game studios for GBA sprite work.

The key to good pixel art is understanding form at low resolution. Study SNES and GBA sprites to see how the masters used limited palettes to convey depth and movement.