Xbox Releases ‘Retro Classics’ Collection of Activision games Exclusively on Game Pass

Microsoft has just released a new Retro Classics anthology of old Activision games from the ’80s and ’90s, and it’s only available on Game Pass for Console, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. It’s not available for purchase for non-Game Pass subscribers, which I believe is a first.

“Starting today, Game Pass members can dive into a collection of 50+ classic Activision games from the ’80s and ’90s, including beloved titles like Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall! This initiative is a step in our commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility, allowing players to experience many timeless games on modern devices,” the Xbox team said today.

This Retro Classics anthology has been developed in cooperation with Anstream Arcade, the world’s largest official retro gaming platform. Anstream Arcade is also available as a cloud gaming app on Xbox consoles that provides access to over 1,300 licensed titles. Today’s announcement doesn’t make it clear, but it looks like games in this new Retro Classics collection are also streamed.

The collection of Activision games includes DOS, PSX, Atari 26000, Amiga, and Super Nintendo titles. Xbox achievements are supported, and there are also new challenge modes, high-score rankings, and more. Players can also save their progress and continue later for many games.

“This launch is just the beginning. Game Pass members can look forward to discovering additional games added from Activision and Blizzard, expanding the Retro Classics collection to more than 100+ titles over time,” the Xbox team said today.