Crash Bandicoot 4‘s developer made some head-turning comments recently. For years, fans of the whimsical Banjo-Kazooie series have waited with bated breath for the return of the beloved bear and bird. After a long hibernation under the Xbox umbrella, the franchise has remained mostly silent since the divisive Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts hit consoles in 2008. But now, in a twist as exciting as a Jiggy reveal, a familiar voice has entered the scene—Toys for Bob, the studio behind Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, has publicly expressed interest in bringing Banjo and Kazooie back to life.
A Developer’s Plea
In a recent interview with gaming content creator Canadian Guy Eh, Toys for Bob co-studio head Paul Yan didn’t mince words when asked about potential collaborations:
“One company we’d like to work with is one we’re already working with—Team Xbox. They’ve been a great partner, and they also have a very interesting roster of characters that Toys for Bob could have a lot of fun with. The honey bear is the first one that comes to mind. I think we all can agree Banjo’s been hibernating long enough, right?”
Banjo’s Long Sleep
Banjo and Kazooie first burst onto the scene in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, capturing hearts with their quirky humor, brilliant platforming, and iconic world design. The sequel, Banjo-Kazooie, continued the magic. However, after Microsoft acquired Rare in 2002, the franchise was quietly shelved.
2008’s Nuts & Bolts attempted a new direction, focusing on vehicle building rather than classic platforming—a move that alienated many fans. Since then, the characters have mostly appeared as guests, most notably in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
The Fans React
The reaction to Toys for Bob’s comments has been overwhelmingly positive. On forums, social media, and YouTube, fans are praising the studio’s ambition and track record. Many are calling for Xbox to seize the opportunity and give Banjo the comeback he deserves.
Even with some skepticism—composer Grant Kirkhope, for example, has expressed doubts about how a new Banjo game might be received—there’s a clear momentum building. If Xbox wants to tap into its massive retro-gaming base and score goodwill, now is the time.
Banjo-Kazooie Game Series
| Game Title | Release Year | Platforms Available |
|---|---|---|
| Banjo-Kazooie | 1998 | Nintendo 64, Xbox 360 (XBLA), Xbox One, Xbox Series X |
| Banjo-Tooie | 2000 | Nintendo 64, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X |
| Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty’s Revenge | 2003 | Game Boy Advance |
| Banjo-Pilot | 2005 | Game Boy Advance |
| Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts | 2008 | Xbox 360, Xbox One (via Rare Replay), Xbox Series X |
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