Banjo-Kazooie has the potential to “rival 3D Mario,” says Ori Dev
Banjo-Kazooie - Smash Bros.
Image: Nintendo

At one time, Banjo-Kazooie was rightfully considered a close rival Super Mario franchise when Rare launched two outstanding entries on the N64 in the form of the self-titled debut and its sequel, Banjo-Tooie.

That was a long time ago though. While Microsoft flirted with the idea of ​​growing the franchise in 2008, it was rather divisive Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Boltsthe publisher didn't touch it for years after that. According to the director of Moon Studios (Ori and the Blind Forest, Will of the Wisps) Thomas Mahler on social networkshowever, this may have been the wrong move, and Microsoft may be sitting on something that, with the right treatment, could rival the 3D Mario games on modern consoles (thanks, Pure Xbox):

“They were sitting on Banjo Kazooie and nothing was happening there even though a really talented developer could probably make a Banjo game that could compete with 3D Mario and probably sell similar numbers.”

He also goes on to say that “Xbox doesn't really have any family titles right now, at least nothing of quality that they're known for.” Meanwhile, Sony made waves in 2024 with the launch Astro Botan exceptional 3D platformer that many compared to some of Nintendo's best. Perhaps this success could give Microsoft the push it needs to get going on a new Banjo game.

If Microsoft works to revive Banjo-Kazooie in the coming years, one wonders if it will come to Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 alongside the Xbox. There are rumors that the company wants to bring Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Flight simulatorand Diablo IV to the console, and with Banjo's history with Nintendo, we honestly wouldn't be surprised to see him.

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