Xbox Retro Classics Surpasses 1 million

The collaboration between Xbox Game Pass and Antstream Arcade has achieved a significant milestone, with their Retro Classics offering surpassing one million active players within just four weeks of launch. The partnership, which brought over 50 iconic retro games to Game Pass members, has generated more than 4.8 million gaming sessions since its debut.

Nostalgic Gaming Across Multiple Platforms

Game Pass subscribers have been diving into classic titles including Pitfall!, Kaboom!, Commando, and Mech Warrior 2 across a diverse range of devices. The retro gaming experience is available on Xbox consoles, the Xbox app on PC, and through streaming on supported LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets, demonstrating the broad accessibility of the service.

The platform has already expanded its offerings with a second wave of games, adding Cosmic Commuter, Heart of China, Skiing, Solar Storm, and Subterranea to the growing library. This represents just the beginning of an ambitious rollout, with more than 120 titles planned for release throughout 2025 and extending into 2026.

Long-term Partnership Vision

Steve Cottam, CEO of Antstream, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration’s success: “We’re thrilled with the success of the Retro Classics launch, and so happy the Game Pass community has enjoyed heading into the past with the iconic titles on offer with many experiencing them for their first time. We’re excited to continue our collaboration with Xbox into 2026, and can’t wait to share what comes next.”

The partnership extends beyond simple game availability, with plans for new challenges, tournaments, and additional content throughout the collaboration period. This suggests a comprehensive approach to retro gaming that goes beyond nostalgia to create ongoing engagement with classic titles.

Antstream’s Growing Platform

As the world’s largest retro gaming platform, Antstream Arcade boasts access to over 1,300 licensed titles through its streaming service. The platform delivers instant access to classic games on modern devices, supported by features like curated challenge modes, competitive global leaderboards, and weekly tournaments.

The company has also published a blog post reflecting on the past 12 months and reaffirming their commitment to making retro gaming accessible to all players. This accessibility focus aligns well with Xbox Game Pass’s subscription model, creating a natural partnership that benefits both nostalgic gamers and newcomers discovering these titles for the first time.

The early success of Retro Classics on Xbox Game Pass demonstrates strong demand for classic gaming experiences delivered through modern platforms, suggesting that retro gaming remains a significant and growing market segment within the gaming industry.