Xbox May 2025 Update Introduces ‘Retro Classics’, New Play Anywhere Additions & GeForce Now On PC

Today, Xbox has revealed an incredibly large console update that introduces numerous new functions – in fact, it’s more of an entire platform overhaul than merely a console enhancement! To start, we have the unexpected release of Retro Classics from Xbox Game Studios – a compilation of classic titles which we’ve elaborated on in full below.

Now, let’s dive into the remainder of the May 2025 Xbox update:

PC Gaming

Microsoft commences with major announcements for its PC platform. In addition to smaller updates such as new configurations for Xbox Game Bar and the forthcoming ‘Microsoft Edge Game Assist’, the team has integrated Nvidia GeForce Now as an option for Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC.

Here’s their overview of this significant new feature:

“Xbox users now have an extra choice in the Xbox app on PC for cloud gaming, offering even greater adaptability in their playstyle. GeForce Now has been incorporated as an available choice for PC gaming on participating titles, enabling players to select their preferred streaming platform for gameplay. If a title is accessible on GeForce Now, players will encounter a notification upon clicking the Play button on the product page, at which point they can opt for their preferred cloud gaming alternative.”

Xbox Rewards

This month, Xbox Rewards introduces a new functionality, allowing full customization of the amount of reward points spent on an Xbox Gift Card. Instead of being restricted to increments of 5, “players can now exchange their Rewards points for Xbox gift cards in any amount on the Rewards hub”.

Here’s how to accomplish this:

1. In the Rewards hub, navigate to the catalog and select “Xbox Gift Card”
2. Choose an amount from the drop-down menu OR opt for “Custom”
3. If opting for “Custom,” enter any figure between $5-$100
4. Select “Redeem Reward” to finalize the transaction
5. Once done, the gift card will be automatically credited to your account balance

Stream Your Own Game Additions

In recent months, Xbox’s Stream Your Own Game service has expanded significantly, and today we present another recent update to the program. Microsoft has highlighted six games newly added to the lineup, along with a selection of titles stated to be “coming soon”. We’ll display both lists below:

Recently added:

• Arma Reforger
• Deliver At All Cost
• Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 6
• Project Wingman
• RIDE 5
• ROADCRAFT

Coming soon:

• 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 Update

Another feature that Xbox has been keen to promote lately is its Play Anywhere Initiative, which has expanded to over 1,000 compatible titles throughout the years. For a period, Xbox Play Anywhere went unnoticed, but as Microsoft continues to merge Xbox and PC, it’s being discussed increasingly.

Here’s the team’s latest report on XPA:

“70+ games have been launched with this feature thus far in 2025! In April, the following titles joined the Xbox Play Anywhere collection:”

• Amaze!
• Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy
• Annie: Last Hope
• Biz Builder Deluxe
• 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)

If you seek more specific information regarding Xbox’s May 2025 update, it’s advisable to check the team’s blog post for further details – and of course, we have comprehensive information on the team’s Retro Classics launch here at Pure Xbox.

Which of these features are you eager to engage with? Share your thoughts on this update below.