Microsoft Launches Retro Gaming on Game Pass: Starts with 50+ Activision Titles from 80s and 90s

Microsoft has recently unveiled an exciting addition to their Game Pass service: Retro Classics with Game Pass. This new feature comes as a result of a collaboration with Antstream Arcade, introducing a collection of over 50 classic Activision games from the 80s and 90s. Titles like Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall! are part of this nostalgic journey, with some games dating back 45 years. One of the standout features is the ability to save your progress and continue later, a modern convenience for these timeless classics.

Microsoft has emphasized that Retro Classics with Game Pass is a significant move in their ongoing commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility. This feature will be accessible to all Game Pass members across regions where Game Pass is available.

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Microsoft plans to continuously expand the Retro Classics collection, aiming to include over 100 classic games from Activision and Blizzard’s extensive back catalog. New games will be added monthly, ensuring a growing library of retro gaming experiences for Game Pass members.

Retro Classics with Game Pass Launch Lineup:

• Activision prototype #1
• Atlantis
• Atlantis II
• Barnstorming
• Baseball
• Beamrider
• Bloody Human Freeway
• Boxing
• Bridge
• Caesar II
• Checkers
• Chopper Command
• Commando
• Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood
• Cosmic Ark
• Crackpots
• Decathlon
• Demon Attack
• Dolphin
• Dragster
• Enduro
• Fathom
• Fire Fighter
• Fishing Derby
• Freddy Pharkas: Frontier Pharmacist
• Freeway
• Grand Prix
• H.E.R.O.
• Kaboom!
• Laser Blast
• MechWarrior
• MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat
• Megamania
• Pitfall II: Lost Caverns
• Pitfall!
• Police Quest 1
• Pressure Cooker
• Riddle of the Sphinx
• River Raid
• River Raid II
• Robot Tank
• Sky Jinks
• Space Quest 2
• Space Quest 6
• Space Treat Deluxe
• Spider Fighter
• Star Voyager
• Tennis
• The Adventures of Willy Beamish
• The Dagger of Amon Ra
• Thwocker
• Title Match Pro Wrestling
• Torin's Passage
• Trick Shot
• Vault Assault
• Venetian Blinds
• Zork I
• Zork Zero
• Frostbite
• Quest for Glory 1

Here’s what Microsoft has to say about Retro Classics:

With Retro Classics, Game Pass members can expect a seamless gaming experience across console, PC, and on supported devices with cloud gaming. Whether playing on Xbox console, the Xbox app on PC, or streaming on supported LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets, Retro Classics offers a versatile and accessible way to enjoy these nostalgic titles.

Game Pass members can access Retro Classics through their Game Pass membership by searching and installing the feature via their console or on the Xbox app on PC. Additionally, players can take on friends, rivals, or the entire world with unique challenges. For the achievement hunters, there are some great new ones to collect, and for newer players, the ability to save and reload your progress, a first for many classic titles.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of the confirmation of Wave 2 of Xbox Game Pass’ May 2025 lineup, and the exciting news that Hellblade 2 will be coming to PS5 this summer.