Summary
Banjo-Kazooiewas introduced to the Nintendo Switch Online servicein 2022, with many gamers glad to see Rare’s bear and bird on Nintendo’s console after years of being an Xbox exclusive title. Since then, some of Rare’s N64 titles, likeGoldeneye 007andPerfect Dark, have also been added to the service. Many fans expected that other classic Rareware titles likeBanjo-TooieandConker’s Bad Fur Daywould make an appearance as well.
In a surprise announcement, it was revealed thatBanjo-Kazooie’s sequel will be added to NSO on June 10, 2025. Nintendo’s new trailer forBanjo-Tooiehighlights how thevillainous Gruntilda is back after her defeat at the end ofBanjo-Kazooie, now a skeletal witch. The trailer also shines a spotlight on the many characters that Banjo and Kazooie will meet in the game, along with the new gameplay mechanics, such as Kazooie splitting off from Banjo. Other things like the new transformations provided by Huma Wumba and cutscenes from the game were shown off in this trailer as well.
When Is Banjo-Tooie Coming to Nintendo Switch Online?
As the sequel toBanjo-Kazooie,Banjo-Tooieis considered much larger than its predecessorin terms of the world’s scale, where they are physically connected to each other at multiple points.Banjo-Tooieis still the same collect-a-thon as its predecessor, having roughly the same amount of collectible items asKazooiebut hidden behind more complex puzzles.Banjo-Tooiealso features a multiplayer mode, where players can compete in a deathmatch-esque mode.
With these factors put together,Banjo-Tooieis considered one of the best platformers on the Nintendo 64, though whether it is better or worse than its predecessor is a contentious topic among fans. Regardless, many are glad to seeBanjo-Tooieon Nintendo hardware again. The NSO port marks the first time thatTooiehas been released on a Nintendo console in nearly 24 years since its original N64 launch back in 2000. WithBanjo-Tooienow a part of the NSO service, many are hoping thatDonkey Kong 64andConker’s Bad Fur Daywill also make the jump to Switch soon as well.
Banjo-Tooie
WHERE TO PLAY
The bear and bird’s second outing available in full. Loads of rollicking fun to be had here and with the legendary Stop N Swap feature reinstated. The best use of a backpack in a game ever!
