Microsoft has launched a new collection on Xbox Game Pass called Retro Classics. Over 50 classic Activision games from the 80s and 90s are now available to modern gamers. Whether you’re a retro gaming veteran or new to the scene, this is a fun and nostalgic way to experience the roots of gaming.
It is Available now on Xbox consoles, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, The collection includes Pitfall, MechWarrior 2, and Kaboom!. It’s all about celebrating gaming history and making these classic games more accessible to today’s players.
Microsoft plans to grow this collection to over 100 titles, making it one of the largest classic gaming libraries on any platform.
What Games Are Included in the Retro Classics?
The Retro Classics collection is packed with titles that helped shape modern gaming. Here are some of the standout games you can play right now:
- Pitfall! – One of the first great platformers, originally released in 1982.
- Kaboom! – A fun and fast-paced action game from the Atari 2600 era.
- MechWarrior 2 – A 1995 hit that combines strategy and giant robot battles.
- River Raid, Cosmic Commuter, Chopper Command, and many others.
These games come from Activision’s early catalog, known for creative gameplay and memorable design. Microsoft is also working with Antstream Arcade, a cloud-based retro gaming platform, to stream these games smoothly across all supported devices.
You don’t need to download or install anything—just log in with your Game Pass Ultimate account, select a game, and start playing instantly, whether on a console, PC, or mobile.
Why This Move Matters for Game Preservation
One of the biggest reasons behind this launch is game preservation. Many classic games from past decades are no longer easy to find or play, especially as old hardware becomes harder to maintain. With Retro Classics, Microsoft is helping to protect gaming history and give new life to these vintage titles.
Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, has spoken about the importance of keeping older games accessible. He believes these classics are a key part of the industry’s legacy and should be available to new generations of gamers.
By making retro games part of Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft is not only honoring the past but also making sure that important titles don’t disappear over time.
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The Future of Retro Gaming on Xbox
This is just the beginning. Microsoft has confirmed that the Retro Classics collection will grow to over 100 titles. That means even more classic games are on the way—possibly including fan favorites from Blizzard and more Activision series like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro.
The best part? You can access all these games through Xbox Cloud Gaming, so you don’t need a powerful console or gaming PC to enjoy them. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, web browser, or smart TV, you can dive into retro gaming from anywhere.
Microsoft’s approach combines game preservation, accessibility, and modern technology to create a unique gaming experience. It’s clear they want to bring the fun of old-school games to as many players as possible.
Conclusion
The Retro Classics launch on Xbox Game Pass is more than a new feature—it’s a celebration of video game history. With 50+ games available now and more to come, it’s a great time to revisit the past or discover it for the first time. Microsoft is proving that retro games still have a place in today’s world—and they’re making it easier than ever to enjoy them.
Stay tuned as the collection grows. Whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or exploring these gems for the first time, Xbox Game Pass now offers even more value and variety for gamers of all ages.
