Historically, Xbox Game Pass has had a noticeable absence of classic titles. The original Xbox library is entirely underrepresented, and only a minimal selection of Xbox 360 games is available. Although there are a handful of nostalgic games, like Goldeneye 007, they primarily consist of remasters. As many older games lack such modern adaptations, retro options have been limited on Xbox Game Pass. However, this situation is set to improve as Microsoft prepares to launch a new collection titled “Retro Classics” for its subscribers.

Even though Activision is now widely recognized for its Call of Duty franchise, its journey began in the 1980s by creating games for Atari systems. Following the successful acquisition of Activision in 2023, Microsoft gained access to a treasure trove of classic titles, many of which are expected to make up the bulk of the Retro Classics lineup. In collaboration with the game streaming ally Antstream Arcade, the service may evolve further, though its future direction remains uncertain. For now, while the Retro Classics may draw some comparisons to Nintendo’s Switch Online library, audiences can anticipate more of a “Pitfall Harry” vibe rather than “Super Mario.” This indicates a strong focus on the earliest classics.

This aspect might not resonate with everyone. Even though vintage games hold definite charm, many titles from the Atari era may feel more like fleeting eccentricities in 2025 and do not typically provide an extended gaming experience. Nonetheless, some relatively newer entries, such as the early MechWarrior games, will also be included.

While PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online continue to surpass Xbox in the realm of retro gaming, this new initiative presents a commendable step forward. The Retro Classics launch is set to feature approximately 60 games, with future plans to incorporate additional Activision and Blizzard titles, ultimately aiming for a total of “100+ titles,” as stated by Microsoft.