Banjo-Kazooie is part of Rare’s golden age, and a beloved classic for most that grew up with the Nintendo 64. Despite its enduring popularity as a nostalgic treat that aged surprisingly well, the series it spawned has been dormant for 15 years. This is mainly due to Microsoft’s acquisition of Rare and its criticized take on the Banjo universe with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts. Despite pleas from fans, Microsoft did not do anything more with the bear and bird until 2019 when they made their debut as DLC characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Now that they have re-entered the public consciousness, Banjo and Kazooie’s debut game also became available on Nintendo platforms through the Nintendo 64 branch of the Switch’s online services. This is a bright spot for the series, and it might hint at something bigger. Considering Microsoft’s purchase of Activision-Blizzard will make the company own franchises similar to Banjo-Kazooie, this could be used as an excuse to greenlight a new Banjo game.
Nintendo Series Making Comebacks
The rise of the Internet led to demands from Nintendo fans to have the company focus on series that are not big moneymakers like Super Mario, Pokemon, and The Legend of Zelda. When it comes to more obscure properties, Nintendo is often silent. However, sometimes it gives a smaller series a chance, even if the results are underwhelming like with Star Fox Zero. Other times, the new game ends up like Kid Icarus: Uprising or Metroid Dread, a fresh take on a classic series that satisfies older fans and brings new fans into the mix with its contemporary identity.
Although never a first-party property, Banjo-Kazooie fits within this paradigm. Within a certain demographic, one could argue that it is more popular than some series Nintendo has brought back like Star Fox and Kid Icarus. There is no shortage of Banjo fans who would be delighted to see a proper return to the old format, with similar aesthetics but a modern coat of paint. With Super Smash Bros. Ultimate providing a template for contemporary, faithful character designs and the first Banjo game being available on a Nintendo system again, this opens doors for a proper revival.
Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Acquisitions
Microsoft buying Rare in the early 2000s wasn't a perfect move for the company’s image. The colorful collectathon platformers that Rare became known for were falling to the wayside as a mainstream genre, and the series Rare spawned were becoming mere remnants of gaming culture at the turn of the millennium. With Microsoft getting even more franchises by purchasing Activision Blizzard, things could look bleak for those familiar with Rare’s fate in the sixth console generation.
That being said, Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon are among the series whose rights will be owned by Microsoft. Similar to Banjo, both Crash and Spyro are 3D platformers from the 1990s, and the source of nostalgia for many. Although their series were left behind by the end of the 2000s, they both made a comeback with huge remakes.
While there is no future guaranteed right now, these series' soon-to-be presence in the Microsoft line-up might inspire a shift in priorities. They could lead Microsoft to give the bear and bird another chance. A remake of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, or a brand-new platformer altogether, are possible. No matter what happens, fans may be hopeful for Banjo-Kazooie’s future.
Banjo-Kazooie is available now for Nintendo Switch Online - Expansion Pack owners.