Rare’s N64 classic Banjo-Kazooie is officially coming to Nintendo Switch.
During its latestNintendo Directbroadcast on Thursday,Nintendoconfirmed thatN64 titles would be coming to its Switch Online libraryin October.
In a montage of games shown as part of the stream,Banjo-Kazooiewas shown as one of the games coming to the subscription service:
Here’s a sneak peek at the Nintendo 64 games that will be added to#NintendoSwitchOnline+ Expansion Pack after launch.pic.twitter.com/dc2wYrGODs
In a press release issued to VGC after the Direct, Nintendo confirmed that Banjo-Kazooie would be released as part of a future wave ofN64titles, alongside the likes of Paper Mario and F-Zero X.
Banjo-Kazooie’s original developerRaresaid in a statement: “It’s a pleasure to be ushering the bear and bird onto Nintendo’s latest console, offering another modern way (alongside@XboxGamePassand Rare Replay) to savour its many collectibles and googly eyes.”
The addition of Banjo to Nintendo’sSwitchOnline library could indicate that further Rare games might come to the service in the future, although none were announced on Thursday.
Xbox has dabbled in collaborating with Nintendo over the past few years. It published the first Ori game for Nintendo’s platform in September 2019, followed by its sequellast year, as well as another formerXbox Oneexclusive,Cuphead.
Xbox also collaborated with Nintendo to bringBanjo-KazooieandMinecraft characterstoSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.
In 2019,Banjo-Kazooie creatorsGrant Kirkhope,Steve MaylesandChris Sutherlandspoke to VGC about the characters’ addition to Smash Bros. inan interview.
Steve Mayles, the character designer responsible for Banjo and Kazooie, told VGC that he was pleased for the fans who’ve waited many years for a new Banjo-Kazooie appearance.
“It’s wonderful to see Banjo and Kazooie return after 11 years in gaming wilderness, and back to their spiritual home on a Nintendo console no less,” he said.
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“I’m really pleased for all the passionate Banjo fans who never lost faith that their heroes would one day come back! The duo are a great fit for Smash Ultimate – I can’t wait to make them Rat-a-tat-Rap Sonic in the face. Take that hedgehog boy!”
Sakurai has previously spoken of his satisfaction with the result ofGrant Kirkhope’s Smash Bros. music.
