Microsoft Launches Game Pass Retro Classics, Featuring 50+ Activision Titles from 80s and 90s

Microsoft has recently unveiled an exciting addition to its Game Pass service: Retro Classics with Game Pass. This new feature, developed in partnership with Antstream Arcade, introduces over 50 classic Activision games from the 80s and 90s to Game Pass subscribers. The collection features iconic 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 groundbreaking aspect of this service is the ability for players to save their progress, a feature that's a first for many of these vintage games.

Microsoft emphasized 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 members across all membership tiers in regions where Game Pass is offered.

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Looking forward, Microsoft plans to continually expand the Retro Classics collection, aiming to offer over 100 classic games from Activision and Blizzard’s extensive back catalog. New titles will be added monthly, ensuring a steady stream of nostalgia 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 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, along with the news that Hellblade 2 is set to launch on PS5 this summer.