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

Microsoft has unveiled Retro Classics with Game Pass, a groundbreaking partnership with Antstream Arcade that introduces over 50 iconic Activision games from the 80s and 90s to Game Pass subscribers. This collection features 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 notable addition is the ability to save your progress and resume play later, marking a first for many of these vintage games.

Microsoft emphasizes that Retro Classics with Game Pass underscores their dedication to game preservation and backwards compatibility. This exciting feature is accessible to all Game Pass members across regions where Game Pass is available.

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

View 70 ImagesMicrosoft plans to continuously enrich 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 steady stream of nostalgic entertainment for subscribers.

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 the official statement from Microsoft:

With Retro Classics, Game Pass members can enjoy a seamless gaming experience across consoles, PCs, and supported devices through cloud gaming. Whether you're playing on an Xbox console, via the Xbox app on PC, or streaming on supported LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets, Retro Classics provides a versatile and accessible way to dive into these nostalgic titles.

Game Pass members can access Retro Classics by searching and installing the feature on their console or via the Xbox app on PC. Additionally, players can challenge friends, rivals, or the entire world with unique challenges. For those passionate about achievements, there are new ones to unlock, and for newcomers, the ability to save and reload progress is a game-changer 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 is set to launch on PS5 this summer.