Looking for a list of the best retro games on Xbox Game Pass? Microsoft just dropped a nostalgic bombshell — adding over 50 classic titles from the '80s and '90s to its Game Pass library. This exciting update, called Retro Classics, includes legendary games like Pitfall, MechWarrior 2, Grand Prix, and Commando, all available at no extra cost to subscribers. Whether you're a long-time fan of vintage games or just curious about the golden age of gaming, this retro game collection offers hours of pixel-powered fun on Xbox, PC, or even through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Microsoft’s new Retro Classics library is part of its broader commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility, bringing legendary titles from platforms like the SNES, MS-DOS, and PlayStation to modern gamers. This curated selection of retro games isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s a showcase of game history, innovation, and pure arcade fun. Players can unlock achievements, join community challenges, and even enter online tournaments — features that breathe new life into these classic titles.
The lineup features over 50 legendary Activision titles, many of which are rarely seen outside of collector forums. Some of the most recognizable names in the collection include:
Pitfall & Pitfall II: Lost Caverns
MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat
Commando, Enduro, and Cosmic Ark
Police Quest 1, River Raid, Quest for Glory, and Zork I
Classic sports titles like Tennis, Boxing, and Baseball
From side-scrolling action to tactical simulation and classic point-and-click adventures, this bundle is rich with diverse gameplay genres that defined a generation.
The Retro Classics collection is available across all Game Pass-supported devices, including:
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles
Windows PCs
Xbox Cloud Gaming (on Samsung and LG Smart TVs, Meta Quest headset, and more)
If you're already a Game Pass subscriber, you won’t pay anything extra — these games are included in your membership. However, they aren’t available for individual purchase, so a subscription is your only ticket to play.
In collaboration with Antstream Arcade, Microsoft is offering Game Pass users an exclusive deal. Until June 4, you can get a 1-year subscription to Antstream’s full retro game library — which includes over 1,300 classic titles — for just $9.99 via the Microsoft Store. This makes it one of the best-value retro gaming offers available today.
As platforms shift to cloud-based libraries and digital-first experiences, efforts like these support video game preservation while increasing the accessibility of important titles. Microsoft’s partnership with Antstream further strengthens its strategy to turn Xbox Game Pass into the Netflix of gaming — with not just AAA releases but also timeless gems.
With plans to expand the Retro Classics collection to over 100 games, including more from Activision and Blizzard, now is the perfect time to dive into the past while enjoying the convenience of the present.
Here’s the complete lineup of the initial release, as provided by Activision:
Atlantis, Pitfall, Grand Prix, MechWarrior 2, River Raid, Boxing, Demon Attack, MechWarrior, Cosmic Ark, Commando, Dolphin, and many more...
[Full Game List Available Above ↑]
This Game Pass update is more than just a nostalgia trip — it's a smart move for both Xbox and gamers. With no additional cost to subscribers, a high-value Antstream Arcade bundle, and access across cloud gaming platforms, the Retro Classics collection helps Microsoft stand out in a crowded gaming market. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast, a parent introducing your kids to classics, or just someone looking for affordable entertainment, this is a golden opportunity to relive the roots of modern gaming.
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