Microsoft brings retro gaming to Game Pass with new Retro Classics collection

Microsoft has launched a new “Retro Classics” collection for Game Pass subscribers, offering a curated library of over 50 vintage games from the 1980s and 1990s. Drawing inspiration from Nintendo’s retro game offerings on the Switch, this new collection features iconic titles such as Pitfall, Grand Prix, and MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. The initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to promote game preservation and backward compatibility across its gaming ecosystem.

Available at no additional cost to subscribers, the Retro Classics collection can be accessed on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and via Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported smart TVs (such as select LG and Samsung models) and devices like the Meta Quest headset. Microsoft emphasized that this is just the beginning, with plans to expand the collection to over 100 games from the Activision and Blizzard back catalogs.

The games span multiple platforms including MS-DOS, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and even the original PlayStation. Players can earn achievements, take part in tournaments, and engage with community challenges — bringing modern engagement to classic gameplay experiences.

Among the highlighted titles in the launch lineup are Atlantis, Cosmic Ark, H.E.R.O., Police Quest, Zork I, Space Quest 2, and River Raid, as well as cult favorites like The Adventures of Willy Beamish and Freddy Pharkas: Frontier Pharmacist. These games cover a range of genres from arcade action and platformers to point-and-click adventures and simulation titles, showcasing the depth of Activision’s early catalog.

Microsoft is working with retro game streaming service Antstream Arcade, whose own library contains over 1,300 titles. While the Retro Classics library is more limited in size, it integrates directly into the Game Pass experience. For those seeking even more retro content, Antstream is offering Game Pass subscribers a promotional deal: a full year of access to its platform for $9.99, available through the Microsoft Store until June 4th.

However, there is a catch — the Retro Classics titles are not available for individual purchase. Access is tied exclusively to a Game Pass subscription, much like Nintendo’s approach with its classic collections. Still, for fans of retro gaming and video game history, Microsoft’s latest move marks a significant step in preserving and celebrating the legacy of video games past.