Xbox adds new free perk to Game Pass: a vault of retro classic games

Xbox Game Pass subscribers get a surprise perk with a new collection of old-schol games that can be played at no extra cost.

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Microsoft today announced a unique partnership with Antstream Arcade, a company that offers its own retro game streaming service that offers over 1300 classic games. Antstream appeared on Xbox in 2023, and came to PlayStation in late 2024.

Parts of Antstream's legacy collection are coming to Xbox Game Pass for free. Game Pass subscribers can download a special app called Retro Classics that includes access to 50 legacy titles from the heyday of arcades and early home consoles. All Game Pass users will get access, including those who are subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass PC, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Xbox also says that more games are on the way and the offering will grow to include more than 100+ titles.

Check below for more info on Retro Classics:

We're thrilled to announce the launch of Retro Classics, a collaboration between Xbox and Antstream Arcade, available to play for Game Pass members globally.

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.

Game Pass members can access Retro Classics through their Game Pass membership by searching and installing the feature via their console or on the Xbox app on PC.

• Retro Classics will feature unique challenges, collectable achievements, leaderboards, and weekly tournaments. Players can also save their progress and continue later for the first time for many games.