Home News Microsoft Launches Retro Gaming on Game Pass, Starting with 50+ Activision Titles from 80s-90s

Microsoft Launches Retro Gaming on Game Pass, Starting with 50+ Activision Titles from 80s-90s

by Sadie May 26,2025

Microsoft has recently unveiled Retro Classics with Game Pass, a collaboration with Antstream Arcade that brings over 50 classic Activision games from the 80s and 90s to Game Pass members. This exciting initiative includes iconic titles such as Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall!. Some of these games date back an impressive 45 years, and a significant enhancement is the ability to save and continue your progress—a feature that many of these classics have never offered before.

Microsoft emphasizes that Retro Classics with Game Pass underscores their commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility. This collection will be available to all Game Pass members across the regions where the service is currently offered.

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

View 70 ImagesMicrosoft plans to expand the Retro Classics collection over time, aiming to include over 100 classic games from Activision and Blizzard’s extensive back catalog. New games will be added monthly, ensuring a continually growing library of nostalgic titles.

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 and the news that Hellblade 2 is set to launch on PS5 this summer.

Latest Articles More+
  • 26 2025-05
    Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 Gaming PC Launches at $2,399

    Starting today, Dell is offering an incredible deal on the Alienware Aurora R16 gaming PC, equipped with the cutting-edge GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, for just $2,399.99 with free shipping. This is one of the most competitive prices available for a prebuilt system featuring the RTX 5080, especially as othe

  • 26 2025-05
    Assassin Class Guide for Ragnarok X Next Generation

    In *Ragnarok X: Next Generation*, the Assassin class is renowned as one of the most feared and dynamic damage dealers in the game. Evolving from the Thief job path, Assassins leverage their expertise in stealth, speed, and critical burst damage to dominate the battlefield. Equipped with deadly katar

  • 26 2025-05
    Preorder Rift of the NecroDancer and Get Exclusive DLC

    Rift of the NecroDancer Pre-OrderRift of the NecroDancer is now available on Steam for $19.99, offering players an exciting rhythm-based adventure. Currently, Nintendo Switch enthusiasts can only add the game to their wishlist on the eShop, but stay tuned for its release.Rift of the NecroDancer DLCE