Xbox Game Pass is better now than it was yesterday

28 Jun Xbox Game Pass is better now than it was yesterday

Microsoft’s video game subscription service continues to grow. Xbox Game Pass thrilled thousands of members today with the announcement of a selection of titles for the second half of May. But the Redmond-based company had another special piece of news in store that makes the platform even more appealing: The “Retro Classics” program has been activated, integrating dozens of older games. And the best part? This update is completely free for all users.

Retro Classics is a collaboration between Xbox and Anstream Arcade—a British company that provides access to classic games—and invites players to travel back in time to the golden age of video games. Starting today, Game Pass members can dive into over 50 Activision titles from the ’80s and ’90s, including legendary games like Commando, Grand Prix, and Pitfall!. But the launch of Retro Classics does more than just expand players’ digital entertainment options. As the Redmond-based company writes on Xbox Wire: “This initiative is a step in our commitment to preserving games and ensuring backward compatibility, so players can experience many timeless titles on modern devices.”

Microsoft describes its new catalog as a list of “restored and instantly playable games” whose features have been updated to modern standards. The Redmond-based company has developed “community challenges, leaderboards, all-new challenge modes, high score lists,” and other extras designed to enhance the gaming experience. “Take on your friends, rivals, or the world with unique challenges, or play solo and earn achievements. For the first time in many games, you can save your progress and continue playing later.”

And that’s just the beginning. While Microsoft is launching Retro Classics with a fairly large selection of titles, they plan to expand the catalog over time. Specifically, the team wants to add more classics from Activision and Blizzard and include over 100 titles in the new program – something that will undoubtedly delight many retro fans.

In addition to the surprising addition of classic titles to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has also announced numerous new features for PC gamers. The company is known for exploring ways to support players, including the use of AI. Now, Microsoft is taking this a step further with the development of “Microsoft Edge Game Assist”: a browser specifically designed for the gaming world that offers users tips, playlists, route suggestions, and other helpful information. Furthermore, the system integrates with Discord, Spotify, and Twitch, connecting seamlessly with the Microsoft Edge browser.

As if that weren’t enough, PC gamers can also look forward to changes to the Game Bar. The developers have revamped the settings menu to make it easier for users to adjust volume, screen brightness, connected devices, and more. All of this aims to improve the PC gaming experience by minimizing interruptions during gameplay.

Microsoft hasn’t forgotten its existing services for users, updating both “Stream Your Own Game” and “Xbox Play Anywhere” with new features. Both programs have expanded their lists of compatible games. “Stream Your Own Game” has announced the addition of titles like Arma Reforger, Deliver At All Cost, and Roadcraft, and plans to add Anno 1800, Life is Strange: True Colors, and Watch Dogs Legion. Xbox Play Anywhere has already added over 70 games by 2025 and was further expanded in April with titles such as Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Remastered.

Xbox has therefore provided us with a whole host of new features to try out over the next few days. And alongside the smaller updates, the introduction of a program like Retro Classics will surely encourage many Game Pass users to return to the video games that shaped their childhood or adolescence. As always, Microsoft continues to work on other aspects of its gaming division to improve the user experience.