“I’ve said it before … but .. I have zero hope for another Banjo game, plus all you die hard fans would instantly hate it and slag it off no matter how good it was, it never works,” posted Kirkhope on X.

For context, Kirkhope has been involved with the Banjo franchise since the first game, having worked on music for the original Banjo-Kazooie, the sequel Banjo-Tooie, as well as Xbox 360 title Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts. His comments on a potential sequel not happening came after answering a fan’s question on whether he would be open to working on a new game’s soundtrack. “Of course,” he responded.

This isn’t the first time that Kirkhope has spoken about how there will likely not be a new Banjo-Kazooie game. The composer revealed in an interview back in 2023 that the studio that originally made the game would be open to it if it had the right team for it, “but I don’t feel like that team exists,” said Kirkhope. “Also, I’m not convince the audience is there either.”

While no real news about a potential new Banjo-Kazooie sequel has popped up, Xbox executive Aaron Greenberg spoke about the franchise back in October, mentioning that he understands how much the franchise means to its fans. However, despite this statement, Microsoft has been quiet about the title despite having owned the IP for quite some time now. The most we’ve seen about Banjo-Kazooie is the inclusion of the first two titles to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, allowing players to play classic Nintendo 64 titles.

There have been rumours, however, that indicated that a new Banjo game might be in the works. These rumours stated that the new game would be a reboot of the original, with a complete overhaul of vision and scope. There has been no official word, however, and even rumours haven’t been able to speculate about what studio would be working on the title.

July 2024, however, brought about a new rumour that might dash the hopes of Banjo fans. The rumour indicated there is no Banjo-Kazooie game in the works. This is despite the fact that an earlier rumour stated that a Banjo project had been greenlit back in 2022. Interestingly, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has also spoken about Banjo-Kazooie back in 2023, also stating that the title would work “when we find the right team, and the right opportunity”.

In the mean time, aside from replaying the originals, the closest Banjo fans can get to experience the same kind of gameplay would be to either go with other titles like Yooka-Laylee, or perhaps go the Nintendo route with its Mario titles. Fans of the characters might also want to look at Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where Banjo-Kazooie were added to the platform fighter’s roster.

Of course

— Grant Kirkhope (@grantkirkhope) January 22, 2025

I’ve said it before … but .. I have zero hope for another Banjo game, plus all you die hard fans would instantly hate it and slag it off no matter how good it was , it never works.

— Grant Kirkhope (@grantkirkhope) January 23, 2025

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Four Swords is a port of the classic Super NES title to the Game Boy Advance but adds a brand-new four-player co-op adventure in Four Swords. Metroid: Zero Mission, meanwhile, is a remake of the first game in the series with revamped visuals and the new Zero Suit.

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter is the first game in its series and finally brings the dino-slaying first-person shooter to the Switch in its original Nintendo 64 glory. Finally, there’s Perfect Dark, Rare’s pinnacle first-person shooter. If you’re interested in the upcoming reboot by The Initiative, then the first game is a must-play.

While finding an audience for a new game in the franchise would be difficult, Kirkhope also believes that a new Banjo-Kazooie game would need the right team to make it work.

“I feel like you’d have to get a team with the humour that we had back then and that’s hard to replicate,” said Kirkhope. “I think Rare would be open to somebody if they found the right team, but I don’t feel like that team exists. Also, I’m not convinced the audience is there either.”

The Banjo-Kazooie franchise has been largely dormant since the release of Rare Replay back in 2015. While Rare Replay was a collection of remastered older games, however, the most recent “new” Banjo-Kazooie game would be Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, which was released back in 2008 on the Xbox 360.

Over time, rumours have swirled around of a potential revival of the iconic 3D platforming franchise, especially in light of the success of Spyro: Reignited Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time.

The only ways to play Banjo-Kazooie on modern system would be to either subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online to play the original Nintendo 64 version, or to grab Rare Replay on Xbox One to play a remaster.

Mario Party is the first game in the long-running series, having first launched in 1999 for the Nintendo 64. It features nine Adventure Boards, 56 mini-games and support for up to four players. Solo play is also supported, though. Mario Party 2 was first released in 2000 and adds new Adventure Boards (with unique themes), mini-games and costumes.

Both titles support online multiplayer so you can play together with friends online. Stay tuned for more details when they launch next month. Those looking to experience past Mario Party mini-games with more contemporary visuals can look into Mario Party Superstars, which was released in October 2021 for Nintendo Switch and has sold 6.88 million units as of March 31st, 2022. For more details, head here.

First released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, Pilotwings 64 is a flight simulator game with six playable characters piloting different crafts like a gyrocopter, hang glider and so on in 3D environments. The goal is to complete flight tests and earn a flight badge. You can also access minigames like Cannonball and Sky Diving in addition to numerous challenges.

Praised for its visuals and concept, Pilotwings 64 was one of three launch titles for the console. It sold over one million units and even received a sequel, Pilotwings Resort, on the Nintendo 3DS. Stay tuned for more details when it goes live on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack next week.

First released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, Wave Race 64 is a jetski racing title. It features four different racers with unique abilities and styles along with modes like Championship, Time Trials, Stunt Mode and 2P VS. Mode. There are nine courses to race on, from gorgeous beaches and city waterfronts to glacial waters. Depending on the conditions, there may be different effects (like fog) which affect how the waves move.

Wave Race 64 received overwhelmingly positive reviews at launch for its visuals, controls and depth. As such, it’s a worthy addition to Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo 64 catalogue. The service is currently available for $49.99 per 12 months. Along with Nintendo 64 titles, it includes Sega Genesis games and access to DLC like Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.

First released in March 2000 for the console, Pokemon Puzzle League is, obviously, a puzzle title. Players must connect three or more of the same block types to clear them. Successive chains of clears result in garbage blocks on your opponent’s side. There are 15 Pokemon Trainers to take on with modes like Main Stadium, Marathon Field, Puzzle University, Time Zone and the Spa.

One can play against the AI or friends and opt for 2D or 3D modes. Collect all of the Badges, take on the Puzzle Master and dominate the rest of the world. Pokemon Puzzle League will be available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which costs $50 for a one-year subscription. Stay tuned for more details on other additions to the library in the coming months.

As the precursor to New Pokemon Snap, the title sees players hopping in the ZERO-ONE and embarking on an adventure to capture pictures of Pokemon on Pokemon Island. It’s on rails and features 63 Pokemon from Generation 1. Environments on the island include the beach, a valley, a volcano, caves and more.

Based on the quality of pictures, players are graded by Professor Oak and can eventually unlock new accessories. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to print the photos as stickers like with the original release. Stay tuned for more details when Pokemon Snap goes live. In the meantime, check out our review for New Pokemon Snap on the Nintendo Switch here.

Nintendo is aware of the bug and promised a patch soon. “A bug has been found in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards for Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online that can prevent players from progressing under a certain condition. A patch will be released early next week to fix this. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack has had its share of criticisms since release, primarily due to the price, and such issues don’t help. With Game Boy and Game Boy Advance emulators also reportedly leaked for the service, one has to wonder about their quality. Stay tuned for more details on that in the coming months.

Other titles added to the base subscription recently include Congo’s Caper and Rival Turf! for the SNES and Pinball for the NES. Learn more about them here.

A bug has been found in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards for Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online that can prevent players from progressing under a certain condition. A patch will be released early next week to fix this. We apologise for the inconvenience.

— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) May 27, 2022

Originally released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, the title sees Kirby battling against Dark Matter with the help of Adeleine, Waddle Dee and King Dedede. Players will venture to six different planets, ranging from a futuristic factory where candy is made to a desolate landscape brimming with lava, to retrieve the Crystal Shards. Kirby is still capable of copying enemy abilities but can also steal weapons from foes as well.

This allows for combining the two into a range of new techniques. Along with the single-player campaign, there are three multiplayer mini-games to play through like 100-Yard Hop, Bumper Crop Bump and Checkerboard Chase with support for up to four players.

In the meantime, those looking for some more contemporary Kirby platforming fun can check out Kirby and the Forgotten Land. It’s currently available for Nintendo Switch.