Xbox Wire:
A variety of new updates are available this month across our gaming platforms. Coming today, Retro Classics games are available to play for Xbox Game Pass members. Players who stream on the Xbox app on PC now have an additional streaming option with GeForce Now. Game Bar introduces quick settings, visual updates for Widgets in Compact Mode, and coming soon, Microsoft Edge Game Assist, an in-game browser that brings an immersive game-centric experience to Edge. And Xbox gift cards can now be redeemed for any amount via Xbox Rewards. Read more about these and other exciting updates below.
Announcing Retro Classics available for Game Pass Members
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.
With Retro Classics, Game Pass members can expect a seamless gaming experience across console, PC, and on supported devices with cloud gaming. Whether playing on Xbox console, the Xbox app on PC, or streaming on supported LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets, Retro Classics offers a versatile and accessible way to enjoy these nostalgic titles. 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. Additionally, players can take on friends, rivals, or the entire world with unique challenges. For the achievement hunters, there are some great new ones to collect, and for newer players, the ability to save and reload your progress, a first for many classic titles.
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.
For more information on Retro Classics, see here.
PC Gaming
Game Bar Updates – Quick settings and widgets
To further enhance the gameplay experience with Game Bar, we’ve revamped the Settings widget with quick settings and continued visual updates to the remainder of the inbox widgets. The new quick settings will be accessible in both Compact Mode and Desktop Mode across all Windows devices.
Upon opening the Settings widget, players can now swiftly access a list of quick settings that allow them to adjust audio levels, screen brightness, show a virtual keyboard, turn on Compact Mode, manage connected devices and more, all while minimizing interruptions to gameplay.
In addition to this, visual updates have been applied to the Widget List, Gallery widget, and Home widget for a more unified look and feel across the experience.
Game Bar Updates – Microsoft Edge Game Assist
Microsoft Edge Game Assist is coming soon. As the first in-game browser built specifically for players, Game Assist brings players a full browser along with tips, walkthroughs, playlists, and sites like Discord, Spotify, and Twitch right into their game. Players can use the Windows + G shortcut to open this experience in Game Bar at any time during a gameplay session. As Game Assist is seamlessly connected to the Edge browser, players will have instant access to their favorites, passwords, history, and more, ensuring everything they need is always within reach and keeping their data synched between sessions.
GeForce Now update
Xbox players now have an additional option in the Xbox app on PC for playing via cloud gaming, providing even greater flexibility in how they play. GeForce Now has been added as an available option for PC gaming on participating titles, allowing players to choose their preferred streaming platform for gameplay. If a game is available on GeForce Now, players will see a pop-up when clicking the Play button on the product page, at which time they can select their preferred cloud gaming option.
Xbox Rewards
Rewards with Xbox – Xbox gift cards in custom amounts now available
Players can now redeem their Rewards points for Xbox gift cards in any amount on the Rewards hub.
To customize an Xbox gift card:
- On the Rewards hub, go to the catalog and choose “Xbox Gift Card”
- Select an amount from the drop-down list OR choose “Custom”
- If selecting “Custom,” enter any amount between $5-$100
- Select “Redeem Reward” to complete the redemption
- Once complete, the gift card will be automatically added to your account balance
Stream your own game – Over 100+ games
We’re continuing to add more games to the Stream your own game collection for Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Game Pass Ultimate members can stream from a library of over 100+ cloud playable games on supported devices.
Recently added:
- Arma Reforger
- Deliver At All Cost
- Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 6
- Project Wingman
- RIDE 5
- ROADCRAFT
- Anno 1800 Console Edition – Standard
- Disney Illusion Island
- Hello Neighbor 2
- Just Dance
- Life is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 1
- Life is Strange: True Colors
- MONOPOLY
- Skull and Bones
- Sunderfolk
- Watch Dogs Legion
Xbox Play Anywhere – Buy once, play anywhere
With over 1,000 games now supporting Xbox Play Anywhere, players can seamlessly switch between PC, Xbox console, and supported handhelds at no additional cost, bringing even more value to our Xbox players. Progress, including saves, game add-ons, and achievements, is carried over wherever the game is played. Simply log in with an Xbox account on any device to continue playing from where you left off.
70+ games have been released with this feature so far in 2025! In April, these games came into the Xbox Play Anywhere collection:
- Amaze!
- Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy
- Annie:Last Hope
- Biz Builder Delux
- Blue Prince
- Cafe Master Story
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Crime Scene Cleaner
- FragPunk
- Hegzis
- HexaScape: Cyber Defense
- Hot Rod Mayhem
- Light-It Up
- Little Droid
- Lunar Remastered Collection
- Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
- Meow Moments: Celebrating Geeks & Athletes
- Moving Houses
- My Little Universe
- Ocean Keeper
- Ruku’s Heart Balloon
- Sky Revolver
- South of Midnight
- Spirit Valor
- Tempopo
- Terror Mansion
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- The Epyx Collection: Handheld
- The Safe Place
- Towerborne (Game Preview)
In Case You Missed It
Xbox Accessories – DOOM: The Dark Ages
As announced in April, the new limited-edition accessories collection for DOOM: The Dark Ages is now available for purchase. This collection celebrates DOOM and the latest chapter in the franchise’s storied history. The full lineup includes an Xbox Wireless Controller, an Xbox Elite Series 2, and an Xbox Series X console wrap. Visit xbox.com to learn more about this limited-edition collection.
Xbox Consoles –Dynamic Backgrounds
DOOM: The Dark Ages and Metaphor: ReFantazio introduced new dynamic backgrounds for Xbox Series X|S consoles, allowing players to customize their consoles to match exciting new games.
To learn how to customize your Xbox Series X|S console by choosing a dynamic background, visit the Xbox Support page.
Help Shape the Future of Xbox
Stay tuned to Xbox Wire for future updates and the latest and greatest Xbox news. For support related to Xbox updates, visit the official Xbox Support site.We love hearing from the community, whether you have a suggestion for a new feature that you’d like to see added, or you want to give feedback on existing features that could use some improvement. We’re always looking for ways to improve Xbox experiences for players around the world. If you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC.
Happy gaming.
Source:
Xbox May Update: Retro Classics Come to Xbox Game Pass, PC Gaming Updates, and More - Xbox Wire
Big updates this month for Xbox - Retro Classics are now on Game Pass, GeForce Now streaming is live for Xbox PC, tons of new Xbox Play Anywhere games, and more.
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