Xbox May Update: Retro Classics, PC Enhancements, and Cloud Gaming Evolution

The gaming world received an exciting boost with the Xbox May Update, unveiling new features that cater to nostalgia-driven gamers, PC enthusiasts, and cloud gaming advocates. This month’s update is a statement from Microsoft, reflecting its ongoing commitment to game preservation, seamless cross-platform integration, and the future of cloud-based gaming.

Reviving Retro Classics with Activision Titles

One of the standout additions in this update is the Retro Classics collection, bringing over 50 legendary titles from Activision’s golden era to Xbox Game Pass. These games—ranging from Pitfall! to MechWarrior 2—offer players a chance to relive iconic experiences that shaped gaming history. The decision to incorporate these classics into Game Pass underscores Microsoft’s dedication to backward compatibility and ensuring gaming history remains accessible.

The timing of this addition has led to speculation about Microsoft’s broader strategy. Some believe the FTC’s unsuccessful appeal against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King has accelerated the integration of these titles. With regulatory hurdles removed, Microsoft now has more flexibility to tap into Activision’s gaming legacy and incorporate it into its ecosystem.

PC & Cloud Gaming Gets a Boost

Beyond classic titles, Microsoft has continued refining its support for PC gamers. The Xbox app on PC now integrates with GeForce Now, providing cloud-based flexibility for players who prefer streaming games instead of traditional installations. In addition, updates to the Game Bar include quick settings tweaks and the upcoming Microsoft Edge Game Assist, an innovative tool designed to optimize browser usage for gaming-related tasks.

Microsoft’s push for cross-platform connectivity seems to be gaining momentum. With PC and console gaming becoming more intertwined, updates like these allow players to seamlessly transition across different devices

Cloud gaming remains at the forefront of Xbox’s future strategy. The latest update enhances performance optimization for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, ensuring lower latency and smoother gameplay when streaming titles on supported devices. As Microsoft continues investing in cloud technology, these improvements indicate a growing shift toward game streaming as a mainstream option.

A Turning Point in Microsoft’s Strategy?

The inclusion of Activision classics—following the FTC’s failed appeal—suggests that Microsoft’s acquisition benefits are now unfolding at full speed. The combination of nostalgic titles, enhanced PC features, and cloud gaming innovation aligns with Microsoft’s long-term vision of offering players a unified gaming ecosystem.

Whether this update is just the beginning of a larger rollout remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition has the potential to reshape the gaming industry for years to come.

One more thing….!

Microsoft confirmed the line up of games that are coming soon to Xbox Game Pass and the list goes as follows:

Monster Train 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 21
Creatures of Ava (Xbox Series X|S) – May 22
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 (Xbox Series X|S) – May 22
Tales of Kenzera: Zau (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – May 22
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 27
To a T (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 28
Metaphor ReFantazio (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 29
Spray Paint Simulator (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 29
Crypt Custodian (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 3
Symphonia (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 3

15 More Games Coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on May 23

Game Pass Ultimate members can look forward to a big batch of games coming to the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) library on May 23. Check them out below:

Brütal Legend
Costume Quest 2
Day of the Tentacle Remastered
Full Throttle Remastered
Grim Fandango Remastered
Max The Curse of Brotherhood
Neon Abyss
Quantum Break
Rare Replay
ScreamRide
State of Decay Year-One
SteamWorld Dig 2
Sunset Overdrive
Super Lucky’s Tale
Zoo Tycoon Ultimate Animal Collection

DLC / Game Updates

Sea of Thieves: Season 16 – Starting May 22
Flameheart’s loyal followers are working to advance his ambitions! Set sail on new Reaper quests to uncover ancient secrets and unleash The Order of Bone and Blade, recruit Skeleton Mercenaries to aid you on your various Voyages, and cause chaos with portable (and unstable) Cannons of Rage.

Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker – Available now
This free DLC sends Solstice Warriors Valere and Zale on a side-adventure into the miniature, clockwork world of Horloge, where a cursed carnival threatens its innocent denizens. To survive, they’ll need to play by unfamiliar rules and confront not only the mischievous Puppeteer and her minions, but also their own darker traits.

In-game Benefits

Call of Duty: Warzone – Game Pass Pack 2 – Available now

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can now get a free in-game bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone. This pack comes with 2x Operator Skins, 4x Weapon Blueprints, 1x Finishing Move, 1x Emote, 2x Weapon Charms, 1x Loading Screen, 1x Spray, 1 hour 2XP Token, and a 1 hour 2WXP Token.

Smite 2: Summer Fun Medusa Drop – Available now
She’s got shades, snakes, and serious style. Claim this drop to get Medusa and her Summer Fun skin! This Benefit requires Smite 2 to use.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Throne and Liberty: Commander and Firefly Items – May 22

Join the Resistance in this Xbox exclusive colored Commander Outfit and get a Firefly Amitoi to tag along on your adventures. This Perk content requires Throne and Liberty to use.

Tom Clancy The Division 2: EMS Outfit – Starting May 29

Gear up and get ready to save the day with the Emergency Medical Services-inspired outfit! The outfit includes a shirt, pants, hat, shoes and glasses.

Leaving May 31

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Be sure to pick back up where you left off before they go and remember to use your Game Pass membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

Cassette Beasts (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Firework (PC)
Humanity (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Remnant 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer (Cloud, Console, and PC)