Create or choose
Generate a mascot from an idea or picture, start with Ko, or browse the marketplace.
Shimeji alternative
A Shimeji-style desktop companion made for your Mac.
Classic Shimeji software is loved for playful characters that walk, climb, and multiply across the desktop. Masko offers a Mac-native companion with custom creation, useful apps, and reactions to supported AI agents.
Public product information reviewed 2026-08-18. Check current vendor details before deciding.
The central difference
Choose based on the job, not the mascot screenshot.
Masko offers a Mac-native companion with custom creation, useful apps, and reactions to supported AI agents.
- 01Shimeji
Classic Shimeji software is loved for playful characters that walk, climb, and multiply across the desktop.
- 02Masko
Masko offers a Mac-native companion with custom creation, useful apps, and reactions to supported AI agents.
- 03Important limitation
Masko is an alternative experience. It does not run the Shimeji engine or import Shimeji character packs.
ConsiderShimeji
Classic Shimeji software is loved for playful characters that walk, climb, and multiply across the desktop.
CompareMasko
Masko offers a Mac-native companion with custom creation, useful apps, and reactions to supported AI agents.
How it works
When to choose Shimeji or Masko.
A fair comparison includes the case where Masko is not the better fit.
- 01Choose Shimeji
Masko is an alternative experience. It does not run the Shimeji engine or import Shimeji character packs.
- 02Choose Masko
Choose Masko when custom characters, AI-agent state, terminal attention, and companion apps matter.
- 03Check the current product
Verify operating system, price, privacy, and installation details on both current sites.
In practice
What Masko adds to the desktop-pet idea.
The difference is not that Masko has a mascot. It is what the mascot can carry.
AI-agent reactions
Show working, waiting, questions, completion, and failures from supported agents.
Companion apps
Use the same character for focus, breaks, breathing, water, music, and system health.
A character you love
Bring a mascot you are proud of to life.
Start from an idea or choose a character you love. See it move, react, and live on your Mac.
Proud introduction
Meet Ko.
Questions
The practical bits.
Is Masko made by Shimeji?
No. Masko and Shimeji are separate products.
Can Masko import Shimeji characters?
No import compatibility is claimed. Choose or create a mascot inside the Masko system.
What is the main Masko difference?
Masko offers a Mac-native companion with custom creation, useful apps, and reactions to supported AI agents.
When might Shimeji be better?
Masko is an alternative experience. It does not run the Shimeji engine or import Shimeji character packs.
Which Macs can run Masko?
Masko Desktop supports macOS 14 or newer.
Masko for Mac
A Shimeji-style desktop companion made for your Mac.
Try Masko
Public product information reviewed 2026-08-18. Check current vendor details before deciding.