After Nearly 20 Years, New Banjo-Kazooie Might Finally Be Happening

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, an iconic video game of yesteryear, may finally be primed to make a grand return as rumors allege a new game in the long-dormant franchise may be in development. The previous installment in the franchise,, is 16 years old in 2024 and while Rare's beloved collectathon series has inspired numerous spiritual successors since then, there's been no effort to continue the adventures of Banjo and his sidekick. Fortunately, with Microsoft looking to draw players back to Xbox after a tumultuous few months, now might be the perfect time to resurrect the duo.

Over on X (formerly Twitter), a group of reputable leakers including JezCorden and Parris Lilly, have been dropping several hints that a some kind of announcement pertaining to could present itself in the near future.

While Xbox and Microsoft have yet to address the rumors, the upcoming showcase scheduled for June 9 could be the day the pair return from the dead for a new game or, potentially, a remake of the original titles. Fans have long-since called for a new game but creator Rare has been too busy working on and its long-in-development project

Banjo-Kazooie is an icon of the Nintendo 64 era but it might not be quite the masterpiece everyone remembers.

While nothing is yet confirmed, it's worth noting that Microsoft recently signed a contract with the studio Toys for Bob, a currently independent developer known for their remakes of the original trilogy and. It could be possible that Xbox is looking to rekindle interest in with Toys for Bob's assistance given the company's experience reworking older titles. This remains pure speculation at this time, but it's not difficult to see that being the case.

Most fans may fondly remember the original games from the Nintendo 64 era but the series most recent, and underrated, entry actually released on the Xbox 360 in 2008. may have failed to impress veterans with its shift away from exploration but others found its vehicle construction mechanic to be a highlight. One has