The bear and bird are a classic retro duo that, at one point, ruled the 3D platformer collectible genre during the N64 era back when times were good. And then suddenly, one buyout later, the duo have been sidelined after a disastrous motorized sequel that left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
ForBanjo-Kazooiefans, it really does feel like the beloved characters and their world have been left behind by Xbox, alongside other Rare classics like Conker. And honestly, I think enough is enough; there should be something new for the duo out by now, outside of constant re-releases on older games.
A newBanjo-Kazooiegame is something I have been dying for for quite a while now, and after the inclusion of Banjo Kazooie as a DLC Smash Bros. character, I’d have thought Microsoft would use the opportunity of that hype to release something, even if it weas a remake of the original games on new systems. But alas—nothing came from it.
The thought of a new game has been on my mind a lot recently after playing the hilariously funNostalgia 64fan game, which drops Banjo and Kazooie into Nintendo 64-themed worlds and tickles my itch for a new game in the series for now. But it also left me wanting more.
It feels like a no-brainer to me, and I’m sure other fans of all the classic, rare games that hiring a company like Toys for Bob to remake the classic games for a new audience could revitalize the brand and lead to better things. It’s a beloved IP that still has lots of fans today, that is just sitting there wasting away, on top of other Xbox-owned IPs that we could write a whole article about.
Sure, there have been some rare games likeBattletoadsandMortal Kombatthat saw some great releases by other developers, but when it comes to the bear and bird, why is the only recent game the disastrousNuts and Boltson the Xbox 360?
The bear and bird deserve something, and with Xbox teasing some big returners for its anniversary in 2026, I’m hopeful that the duo can finally get the spotlight again and be given a new lease of life.
