Banjo-Kazooie Is Finally Coming to Nintendo Switch Online

One of Nintendo's most cherished platformers from the 90s is about to get its second chance on handheld consoles, thanks to the subscription-based Nintendo Switch Online.

As a way to draw more people to the recently released Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, Nintendo is serving up one of the best games to ever grace the 64 system. And before you think it — it isn't another Zelda game. It is, however, a game that sits on the same line, with a similar level of adoring fans all over the globe that would happily give it a homecoming parade.

Yes, it's Banjo-Kazooie. Of course, it was only a matter of time before Nintendo would roll out one of the most-played jewels of the 64 era onto its platform. And after Paper Mario, it certainly is a welcome addition to the library, and one subscribers will definitely get a nostalgic kick out of the moment it lands next month.

Banjo-Kazooie? Never heard of it!

“Trouble brews when Gruntilda the witch captures the unbearably beautiful cub, Tooty. But before the grisly hag can steal the bear's good looks, big brother Banjo and his fine-feathered friend, Kazooie, join forces to stop her,” the pitch reads. “Combining their 24 moves and special powers, Banjo and Kazooie will fend off armies of beasts. Bear and bird must hunt down the 100 puzzle pieces and 900 musical notes that will ultimately lead them to Gruntilda. However, miles of swamp, desert and snow and one bear of an adventure stand in their way.”

Although a January 2022 estimate has been punched in the diary, an official release has yet to be confirmed by Nintendo. So, until the time comes, you'll have to make do with what's already available on the Expansion Pack, I'm afraid. You can subscribe to the service for an annual payment of $79.99, which grants you access to all the online services plus the library of Sega and Nintendo 64 games.

Will you be picking up Banjo-Kazooie when it joins the Expansion Pack library next month? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.