At the time, the developers considered the game a tool for helping users become more familiar with Windows 8.
The app's hub-based design was originally inspired by the design for Windows 8's Start screen in 2012. (An older version of Pyramid was previously bundled in Microsoft Entertainment Pack 2 under the name 'Tut's Tomb', and an older version of TriPeaks was previously bundled in Microsoft Entertainment Pack 3 both made the cut for Best of Microsoft Entertainment Pack.) Unlike the games included in Windows 7 and earlier versions, Microsoft Solitaire Collection is freemium adware with Xbox Live integration. It also introduces Pyramid and TriPeaks to Windows for the first time, as well as new daily challenges and themes. It combines the Solitaire, FreeCell and Spider Solitaire titles that were included with previous versions of Windows. It is developed by Next Level Games under the Microsoft Casual Games brand. Microsoft Solitaire Collection is a video game for Microsoft Windows and included with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
