Modern Warfare 2 and 3 re-releases hinted for PS5 and Xbox Game Pass ⇒ CODIntel

Call Of Duty fans might be getting their wish soon, as Modern warfare 2 (2009) and Modern Warfare 3 (2011) appear to be on the verge of a long-awaited re-release. New classification listings, Game Pass updates, and insider reports all point toward Activision preparing to bring back these legendary titles for modern platforms. Whether through a remaster, port, or full trilogy bundle, the signs are hard to ignore.

MW2 and MW3 spotted on the Australian classification board

One of the most solid indicators of an upcoming re-release is the Australian classification board listing both MW2 (2009) and MW3 (2011). These ratings suggest that Activision has submitted updated versions of the games for review, typically the last step before launch. What caught even more attention is that these entries were listed as PS5 cross-gen editions, meaning they may support both older and newer console hardware.

Historically, this process has led to full launches or announcements within a short window, so fans could be just weeks away from returning to classic multiplayer maps like Terminal, Highrise, and Dome on current-gen systems.

Modern Warfare 2 (2022) hitting Game Pass may open the floodgates

In a related update, Microsoft confirmed that Modern Warfare 2 (2022) will be added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on May 1, 2025. While not the 2009 version fans were hoping for, this is significant because it’s the first Call of Duty game to be added to the service after its initial life cycle.

This sets a precedent for other Call of Duty titles to follow suit, especially as Microsoft continues integrating Activision into its ecosystem following the recent acquisition. DK Dynamite, a trusted voice in the COD community, broke down this update in detail in a recent YouTube video, explaining how this could signal a much bigger rollout involving legacy titles.

While MW2 (2022) may feel outdated now due to the release of MW3 (2023), it still boasts a cinematic campaign and the underrated Spec Ops raid mode, making its inclusion on Game Pass worthwhile for those who missed it the first time.

Other classic COD titles quietly pop up on the Microsoft Store

Adding more fuel to the fire, fans have also noticed that older titles like Infinite Warfare (2016) and World at War (2008) are now appearing on the Microsoft Store with Game Pass tags. While currently not playable, this clearly signals that Microsoft is preparing to expand Game Pass to include more historical entries from the COD catalog.

What makes this interesting is how these re-releases could differ from traditional backward compatibility. DK Dynamite notes the possibility of these being enhanced with:

Crossplay across platforms
All legacy DLC bundled for free
Improved security to prevent hacking
Better matchmaking and server stability

That last point is crucial. Many older Call of Duty games have become nearly unplayable due to rampant hacking and lack of support. A fresh release with cleaned-up servers could bring millions of players back to games they haven’t touched in over a decade.

Could this be the full Modern Warfare trilogy remastered?

All of this speculation has fans asking one major question: is Activision planning a full Modern Warfare trilogy remaster?

We already have Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Remastered from 2016. MW2 (2009) had its campaign remastered in 2020, but multiplayer was never released. Rumors have long circulated about a completed MW3 remastered campaign that Activision has never officially acknowledged. With new PS5 cross-gen editions of MW2 and MW3 showing up, could this be the long-awaited conclusion to the trilogy?

DK Dynamite points out that earlier Sony exclusivity agreements may have required Activision to remaster the trilogy for PlayStation platforms. While that initiative seemed to stall, the recent listings could mean it’s finally being finished.

Whether this turns into a full remaster with updated graphics and gameplay or simply a clean port, it would still mark the first time the full trilogy is available in one consistent, modern format.

Game Pass could include DLC and crossplay for the first time

A major frustration for players revisiting old COD games is the cost of DLC. Even today, players often find themselves having to pay $15 for individual map packs or $50 for full season passes just to access content released over ten years ago.

If Microsoft and Activision bundle the DLCs into the Game Pass versions, it would remove a huge barrier for fans wanting to enjoy the full experience. No more paying extra just to play on classic maps like Favela, Scrapyard, or Resistance.

Crossplay also adds a completely new dimension. Playing MW2 (2009) multiplayer with friends across Xbox Series X, PS5, and even PC could completely redefine how these older games are experienced.

Re-releases could be strategic ahead of big 2025 game launches

This major re-release push may not just be about nostalgia. With games like GTA 6, Borderlands, and Marathon expected to drop in late 2025 or beyond, Microsoft could be stacking Game Pass with content to hold player attention and boost subscriptions.

Even if only a few of these older Call of Duty games get released in the coming months, it would fill the content gap between Warzone updates and the next full release, Black Ops 6, expected in November 2025. You can also stay up to date with the latest news, breakdown, tips and tricks, and more from CODIntel.

A big bundled release featuring multiple old titles at once on Game Pass would be an enormous win for the community and Game Pass alike.

To keep up with the latest classification listings and leaks, check the Australian Classification Board, where many of these game ratings first appear.