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

Microsoft has recently unveiled Retro Classics with Game Pass, a collaboration with Antstream Arcade that brings a nostalgic collection of over 50 classic Activision games from the 80s and 90s directly to Game Pass members. This exciting lineup includes beloved titles such as Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall!, with some games dating back an impressive 45 years. A key feature is the ability to save your progress, allowing players to pause and resume their gaming adventures at their convenience—a first for many of these timeless classics.

Microsoft emphasizes that Retro Classics with Game Pass represents "a step in our commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility." This initiative will be accessible to all Game Pass subscribers across regions where the service is available, ensuring a wide audience can enjoy this trip down memory lane.

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View 70 ImagesLooking ahead, Microsoft plans to expand the Retro Classics collection to over 100 games by incorporating more classic titles from Activision and Blizzard’s extensive back catalog. New games will be added monthly, keeping the collection fresh and engaging for Game Pass members.

Retro Classics with Game Pass launch lineup:

Activision prototype #1AtlantisAtlantis IIBarnstormingBaseballBeamriderBloody Human FreewayBoxingBridgeCaesar IICheckersChopper CommandCommandoConquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin HoodCosmic ArkCrackpotsDecathlonDemon AttackDolphinDragsterEnduroFathomFire FighterFishing DerbyFreddy Pharkas: Frontier PharmacistFreewayGrand PrixH.E.R.O.Kaboom!Laser BlastMechWarriorMechWarrior 2: 31st Century CombatMegamaniaPitfall II: Lost CavernsPitfall!Police Quest 1Pressure CookerRiddle of the SphinxRiver RaidRiver Raid IIRobot TankSky JinksSpace Quest 2Space Quest 6Space Treat DeluxeSpider FighterStar VoyagerTennisThe Adventures of Willy BeamishThe Adventures of Willy BeamishThe Dagger of Amon RaThwockerTitle Match Pro WrestlingTorin's PassageTrick ShotVault AssaultVenetian BlindsZork IZork ZeroFrostbiteQuest for Glory 1Here's the official statement from Microsoft:

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 news that Hellblade 2 will be making its way to PS5 this summer.