Summary
Banjo-Kazooie, an iconic video game of yesteryear, may finally be primed to make a grand return asrumors allege a new game in the long-dormant franchise may be in development. The previous installment in the franchise,Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, is 16 years old in 2024 and while Rare’s beloved collectathon series has inspired numerous spiritual successors since then, there’s been no effort to continue the adventures of Banjo and his sidekick. Fortunately, with Microsoft looking to draw players back to Xbox after a tumultuous few months, now might be the perfect time to resurrect the duo.
Over on X (formerly Twitter), a group of reputable leakers includingJezCordenandParris Lilly, have been dropping several hints that a some kind of announcement pertaining toBanjo-Kazooiecould present itselfin the near future.
While Xbox and Microsoft have yet to address the rumors, the upcoming showcase scheduled for June 9 could be the day the pair return from the dead for a new game or, potentially, a remakeof the original titles. Fans have long-since called for a newBanjogame but creator Rare has been too busy working onSea of Thievesand its long-in-development projectEverwild.
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While nothing is yet confirmed, it’s worth noting thatMicrosoft recently signed a contract with the studio Toys for Bob, a currently independent developer known for their remakes of the originalCrash BandicoottrilogyandSpyro the Dragon. It could be possible that Xbox is looking torekindle interest inBanjo-Kazooiewith Toys for Bob’s assistance given the company’s experience reworking older titles. This remains pure speculation at this time, but it’s not difficult to see that being the case.
Most fansmay fondly remember the originalBanjo-Kazooiegamesfrom the Nintendo 64 era but the series most recent, and underrated, entry actually released on the Xbox 360 in 2008.Nuts & Boltsmay have failed to impress veterans with its shift away from explorationbut others found its vehicle construction mechanic to be a highlight. One has to imagine that reboot would return to the series' roots rather than further venturing down the path established in the most recent game.
IfBanjo-Kazooiedoes make a grand returnthere’s a distinct possibility that Microsoft opts to use a multi-platform approachwhen it comes to the launch. With Xbox releasing some of its most impactful exclusives onPlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, it could be the case that such a revered classic similarly drop on multiple devices. There’s already somewhat of a precedent for this as the originalBanjo-Kazooiegames arealready playable on Nintendo Switchthrough the console’s online subscription package.
