In an interview with Windows Central, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer acknowledged the requests from fans for a proper comeback of Rare’s iconic 90s mascots, Banjo-Kazooie. He mentioned that while the company hasn’t touched every franchise, they are open to revisiting characters and stories when the right team and opportunity arises. This comes after Banjo-Kazooie made a return via Nintendo’s Switch Online service and rumors of a possible revival have been circulating.
It’s uncertain if a new Banjo-Kazooie game would be released on a Nintendo platform, but Xbox has a history of collaborations, such as bringing Banjo-Kazooie to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch as a DLC fighter. With Rare’s recent announcement of Jet Force Gemini for Switch Online and Microsoft’s collaboration to bring Call of Duty to multiple platforms including Nintendo systems, there is potential for future collaboration between Xbox and Nintendo. Earlier this year, Xbox also released Minecraft Legends on the Switch, indicating a willingness to work with other platforms.
The statement from Phil Spencer has stirred up excitement and speculation among fans, as they speculate the potential for a new Banjo-Kazooie game and the possibility of it being released on the Nintendo platform, given Xbox’s history of collaborations and Nintendo’s willingness to work with other game developers. The return of Banjo-Kazooie to the gaming landscape could mark an exciting new chapter for the iconic duo and their fans, offering a nostalgic throwback to the 90s while embracing the technological advancements of today’s gaming world.
