Banjo-Kazooie
News, coverage and analysis tracking Banjo-Kazooie across the outlets.
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The Super Pocket Rare edition reeled me in with Banjo-Kazooie goodness, but the retro handheld also boasts one of my…
The Super Pocket Rare Edition offers a compelling retro handheld experience, particularly for fans of Banjo-Kazooie and Solar Jetman. Despite its budget price and compact size, it successfully emulates N64 titles with impressive frame rates and includes a collection of 14 other classic Rare games. While some control customization options are limited, the ability to play Banjo-Kazooie on the go makes it a worthwhile purchase.
A promising native Banjo-Kazooie PC port is coming next month
A native PC port of Banjo-Kazooie, titled Lighthouse, is set to release in July. This port features a complete decompilation and rewrite of the game's source code, enabling higher resolutions and framerates.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond dev says the "loud and consistent" fans who bought 11 million copies of the Reignited trilogy helped manifest the series' first new game in years
Developers at Toys for Bob discussed their decision to create Spyro: A Realm Beyond, citing the strong and consistent fanbase for the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, which sold over 11 million copies. The studio expressed a desire to continue the Spyro series, seeing it as a reflection of their own underdog journey.
We asked Xbox exec Matt Booty about legacy IP like Banjo-Kazooie: "There's options to do all kinds of things, and we're certainly looking at those all the time"
Xbox executive Matt Booty addressed the possibility of reviving legacy franchises like Banjo-Kazooie, stating that Xbox is always exploring options for its intellectual property. While not confirming any new titles, Booty indicated that the company is open to working with internal and external studios on its back catalog, similar to the upcoming Spyro: A Realm Beyond.
‘Spiny & Chilly’ Platforms to Collect Oddly-Hidden Ice Blocks
Spiny & Chilly is a quirky platformer where players control a penguin with a hedgehog on its head, tasked with collecting stolen ice blocks. Inspired by games like Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64, the game features exploration, puzzles, and secrets across various themed worlds. Currently in development, Spiny & Chilly is available to wishlist on Steam.
The Rayman Legends remake has brought on Banjo Kazooie and DK64 composer Grant Kirkhope, who can apparently spin up gold…
Rayman Legends Retold, a 3D remake of the 2013 platformer, has been announced and will feature a new soundtrack by original composer Christophe Héral and industry veteran Grant Kirkhope. Kirkhope, known for his work on Banjo Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64, is praised for his ability to match the game's humorous tone and his rapid composition speed. The remake was revealed during a PlayStation State of Play event.
The Games That Defined Our Childhood: A Generation-by-Generation Guide | TAG
This guide breaks down distinct gaming generations within the millennial demographic, highlighting the defining consoles, cultural moments, and games for those born between 1984 and 1998. It explores the impact of console wars, the rise of online multiplayer, and the unique experiences of growing up with different gaming eras, from the SNES and Genesis to the N64, PlayStation, PS2, and Wii.
25 '90s Games That Hold Up Perfectly Today (And Where to Play Them) | TAG
This article identifies 25 video games from the 1990s that remain enjoyable for modern players, distinguishing between titles that hold up with no caveats and those that require specific versions or adjustments. It highlights how 2D pixel art generally ages better than early 3D graphics and provides information on where each game can be legally played today.
Donkey Kong 64 is finally coming to Nintendo Switch Online, so you can experience never completing it as an adult either
Donkey Kong 64 is being added to the Nintendo Switch Online service's Nintendo 64 library on June 4, 2026. The game, known for its extreme collectathon gameplay and numerous collectibles, will feature save states and a rewind feature. This marks the first time the 1999 Rare-developed 3D platformer will be playable on a handheld Nintendo console.
The most requested game on Xbox Players Voice is a new Banjo-Kazooie game
Microsoft's Xbox Players Voice platform has revealed that the most requested game is a new Banjo-Kazooie title, surpassing requests for new Halo or Gears of War games. Players are also advocating for Xbox to return to its roots of releasing exclusive titles. The last Banjo-Kazooie game, Nuts & Bolts, was released on the Xbox 360.
Retro Gaming in 2026: The Complete Guide to Playing Classic Games Legally | TAG
This guide explores legal options for playing retro games in 2026, noting that only 13.27% of classic US games released before 2010 are still commercially available. It details subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus Premium, digital storefronts such as GOG and Steam, and physical collector's options including Analogue and Evercade hardware. The article also addresses the legalities of emulation, emphasizing that while emulators are legal, downloading ROMs for games one does not own is copyright infringement.
Switch Retro Spotlight: Banjo-Kazooie 📺
Banjo-Kazooie, a classic Nintendo 64 3D platformer, is now available via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. The game features a bear and bird duo on a quest to rescue Tooty from the evil Gruntilda, offering challenging platforming, puzzle-solving, and humorous characters.
An unofficial PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess just released
An unofficial native PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, named Dusk, has been released. This project, built on a decompilation effort that began in 2020, supports PC, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux, offering features like higher framerates, custom models, and various gameplay tweaks.
Feature: A Look Back At Every Game Nintendo Life Scored 10/10 Over 20 Years
Nintendo Life looks back at the 69 games it has awarded a perfect 10/10 score over its 20-year history. The article details the criteria for a perfect score, emphasizing games that raise genre bars and push industry boundaries, and lists titles from Mega Man 2 to New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Jez Corden: New Metro game is Metro 2039, Nate says announcement next week
Windows Central journalist Jez Corden claims the next Metro game is titled Metro 2039, with leaker NateTheHate corroborating an announcement expected next week. This information surfaced alongside a rumor about a PlayStation State of Play event. Corden also stated that a new Banjo-Kazooie game is not in development and that Microsoft is considering Fable for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Evercade Nexus pre-orders are live, but I'm sad to say the fancy N64 edition is long gone
Pre-orders for the Evercade Nexus retro handheld are now open, with the limited edition Nintendo 64-inspired version selling out instantly. The standard black version, bundled with the Banjo-Kazooie Collection, is still available for $199.99. The Evercade Nexus features dual thumbsticks and a larger screen, making it suitable for fifth-generation games beyond 2D platformers.
Everything Evercade: All the latest cartridge releases and consoles for Blaze's modern retro platform
Blaze's Evercade platform has expanded significantly since its 2020 debut, offering a range of retro consoles from handhelds to arcade machines that utilize physical cartridges. Recent releases include Taito Arcade 3 and The Turrican Collection, with upcoming compilations like Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 and Activision Collection 2 on the horizon. The Evercade Nexus handheld is set to offer enhanced features for early 3D games, while the platform's unique emulation approach prioritizes convenience and accuracy over user customization.
Evercade Nexus is their biggest retro handheld yet
Evercade has announced the Evercade Nexus, their largest retro handheld console to date, set to release in October 2026. The new device features dual analog sticks and includes optimized versions of Banjo Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie with performance improvements and new content. Pre-orders are now open for the handheld, priced at $199.99, with a special N64-themed version already sold out.
New Evercade Nexus Gaming Handheld Launches in October
Blaze Entertainment has announced the new Evercade Nexus handheld gaming device, set to launch in October 2026. It will be available in a standard edition for $199.99, which includes the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack, and a limited 64 Edition bundle for $229.99. The Nexus features a 5.89-inch IPS screen, supports local multiplayer via EverSync, and is compatible with all existing Evercade cartridges.
Blaze announces Evercade Nexus handheld, including enhanced versions of Banjo-Kazooie & Banjo-Tooie
Blaze has announced the Evercade Nexus, a new handheld gaming device. The device will include enhanced versions of Rare's classic titles Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, featuring widescreen support and twin-stick controls.