Banjo-Kazooie Confirmed For Super Smash Bros. Ultimate This Fall

An amazing dream has come true today. I wonder what went on behind the scenes to make this happen. Maybe it's "simply" a miracle.

This is wonderful news. They were smart to lead with The Hero first and the come back to this. Poor Dragon Quest got overshadowed heavily. Here’s hoping they port the original two BK games to Switch sometime in the future. I loved those games so much and spent days finishing them to 100%. Seeing that duo restored to HD and not all unsettlingly angular like they were in Nuts and Bolts is like a dream come true.

I was almost certain we were going to see Steve before this, due to Sakurai’s obsession with Minecraft and that game’s massive popularity, but I’m glad I was proven wrong. This also marks the first western characters in smash that are not affiliated with a pre-existing Japanese franchise. A true and momentous first. That spinning Spiral Mountain stage, and the potential for remixes of the original music! I didn’t realize how much I missed the bear and bird until seeing them in action again. Fall can’t come soon enough.

Haha did not expect this!

Good stuff seems like a great fit.

I literally got goosebumps when they revealed Banjo. This and Breath of the Wild sequel were the highlights for me.

The entire direct was fantastic, though.

Now everyone can shut up about it. Finally.

Yes!!! Smash is now complete for me!!

Take that you unoriginal, uninspired and generic Steve!!!

I was kicking out of happiness like a little boy

It would be awesome if Rare Replay came on Switch, but let's not jump the gun like we did with Persona 5.

As an extension of the K. Rool trailer, it was absolutely fantastic. Doubted that Banjo-Kazooie would come to Smash but this was definitely one of the highlights of an otherwise decent Direct.

I don't think I ever smiled so hard watching a trailer. I was legit freaking out like a child. Loved it so much and can't wait to play as Banjo!

Eh. Glad to expand the Smash roster, but pretty much everyone I could realistically want is already there.

Welcome home! Should've been in Smash since N64

Finally Finally Finally!
Waited these two to join smash for way too many years!
I think I had the dumbest-happiest smile ever while watching the reveal XD

Shadow fighters of Duck Hunt? What on earth gives you that idea?

Looks fantastic, but its just a cheap Microsoft promotion if there isn't a new Banjokazooie on Switch!

First reaction: "AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Second reaction: "Huh ...Neat."

That trailer was trolly but my new main is here!!!

Hmmm conflicted about this as it only seems as promotion for Microsoft at the moment to me.Still will enjoy using him in smash bros

i can’t believe this. those who predicted/wished for this were called idiots, and rightfully so. this was, from our perspective, a one in a million chance at least. i can’t believe this is happening! amazing things nowadays. this combined with the dark crystal game just might make my dad buy a switch, lol.

@Henmii Bringing the previous BK titles or Rare Replay to Switch would suffice if not now for a new title.

@Arnold-Kage its a celebration of Banjo-Kazooie, a character on N64.

Rareware was Nintendo back then. Banjo is as Nintendo as Donkey Kong.

Also: Nintendo has made clear that Smash is a celebration of video games and not just Nintendo.

The absolute mad men!

I'm going to get the fighters pass due to this announcement. Hopefully Master Chief is the next one.

Loved the trailer. Never played the BK games but still have fond memories of them. Definitely don’t think they’ll be an echo of Duck Hunt!

Shadow? You mean Echo?

I am SO HAPPY RN! No way we would ignore Rare’s contributions in the NES-N64 days. I was hyped on sight! Glorious comeback! WELCOME BACK HOME, BANJO AND KAZOOIE! WE MISSED YOU!

As soon as that puzzle piece dropped...

In all honesty, I can’t remember a Smash reveal better than this. Just seeing Nintendo and Rare doing something together again- it’s surreal.

We love you, Microsoft.

Dreams do come true. Think about the glorious music

It's not an Echo of Duck Hunt. If you see the trailer it already has many different moves.

The first Smash DLC character I will buy, so awesome! What would make you think anyone would buy a DLC shadow fighter, like what's the point?

Wow, Sakurai is really ignoring his fanbase.
Literally the only people who wanted that dead game guy are 30 year old virgins.
Also as I expected, the move set is as bad as possible, only some punches, duck-I mean bird attacks and nothing more.
Dissapointment 1000

To the people complaining about the Dragon Quest Hero being in Smash: you can now shut up.

"Banjo-Kazooie are Rare-ing to Go!"

I take back every bit of doubt I had over these two.

I'm going to cry. This is a giant bright spot in a sea of mess that has been life, lately. I'd give them a bear hug, if I could!
Also, this feels like it's foreshadowing an N64 Classic.

@gloom Not yet, still people crying about Waluigi

Not only Banjo is a great achievement, but he is the first Smash Fighter who is not owned by a Japanese Company.

Diddy Kong and K. Rool were created by Rare, a British company, and Dark Samus was created by Retro Studios, an American company, however, those characters are owned by Nintendo, Banjo and Kazooie are not only created by Rare, but owned by Microsoft, an American company.

Welcome home, old friend

An instant new main! 😀

@Trajan While I agree that Banjo and Kazooie absolutely have merit as Smash fighters due to their N64 games and legacy, saying “Banjo is as Nintendo as Donkey Kong” is a massive stretch and ridiculously untrue. They belong to another console manufacturer and have only appeared on XBox for over a decade.

Yup.. The bear/bird combo right hand to Duck Hunt.

@Trajan At least the Direct showed more Microsoft support in the form of Super Lucky's Tale.

Welp there go my plans to "put less than 500 hours into this iteration of smash"

@Kacper42PL go choke on a jiggy, you doddering Diggit.

N1ntendodo,

Rare replay would be appreciated. But I want everything on the card!

@Trajan

I hear you , but just think the other company gets more out of it then Nintendo or it players

@thesilverbrick In the 90s at least. No one remembers them for the game or two that was on Xbox. Whole reason MS bought Rare is because they couldn't buy Nintendo so they wanted to hurt them. They both fought for second place that gen. Rare was really important for Nintendo culture in the 90s. Loosing them led to the "soulless" feel during the GameCube era.

@Grumblevolcano I don't even know what that is, but I really just want modern Perfect Dark. Goldeneye is a fantasy too, but that game runs better than PD anyway.

I'll probably get a used xb1 in 2 years when they're cheap just for Rare Replay.

@Arnold-Kage I think it's both, but in general if your favorite game is represented in Smash it isn't going to make you go out and buy a console for a genre of game you might not even like. Joker definitely advertised PS4s potential GOTY 2017. But then again Nintendo isn't competing with the other consoles so it could appeal to people that own a Switch and a PS4.

This addition was all I've drramed and wished for so many years, aside from Mega Man. Literally cried like a grown-up baby in absolute happiness!

@Trajan Platformer that Microsoft released for XB1 and PC in 2017.

@Arnold-Kage who cares?

That’s like saying ... this pizza store gets more out my purchase than me eating the pizza.

Just Enjoy it. Who cares if MS benefits from it?

“I won’t play video games because the companies benefit from it” 😒

@Kacper42PL
Low quality bait

Super hyped. It was my favorite part of the direct. I do hope this means Rare Replay is coming to Switch. I've been holding back from buying it on my Xbox hoping it will come to Switch.

“Possibly as a shadow fighter of duck hunt duo”
First of all, echo fighter.
Second of all, it was confirmed when the fighter pass was announced that all fighters would be 100% unique, no echo’s would be in the pass.

First place, BOTW 2 in development and in second place, the bear and bird are back!. 3rd place...THE BEAR AND BIRD ARE BACK!

Wooooooooooaaaaaah!

I never thought I would live to see the bear and bird be playable in Smash. This literally made my day.

Duck hunt trolling us in HD!

sigh
I never played a Banjo Kazooie game
covers head...then peeks out
Yeah. I never played a banjo game so I'm unfamilar how he plays but, I know how popular and beloved this two bozo are. Sakurai, you have made many a rare fan very happy.

All that left is startropics...or captain toad. But mostly, pick me sakurai.

@Trajan Again, I agree that their most iconic and memorable appearances were with Nintendo, and for that reason alone they fit in nicely into Smash, but they’re not “as Nintendo as Donkey Kong.” That’s just patently false.

When the Fighter Pass was first announced Sakurai said that the new fighters would be completely new from the ground up with whole new move sets and not echo fighters.

Can't wait

This was one of the highlights during the presentation for me, along with the spyro reveal and release date, and luigi mansion 3 having online co-op

Ok, then, left 2 characters unknown to us in this dlc pack, I still hope that one or the 2 remaining characters are some that I hope are there (deservedly of course).
If not, I hope a second DLC pack, well, we'll have to wait.

I'm so happy. I love this so much.

@thesilverbrick I had my fingers crossed for an "available now on the store" for banjo and tooie but alas it wasnt to be.

@Kriven it doesn't look like a hybrid to me, if anything it's the opposite. https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/vsdebating/images/1/1f/Banjo_Kazooie.png/revision/latest?cb=20170217205012
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/de/d7/64/ded764ac19248435cc2bb3c64cb0b0f3.jpg

I finally have a reason to use the Fighters Pass! Oh my freakin God he's here!!!!!

@Kidfunkadelic83 Same! I expect we’ll see them released on Switch sometime soon. Fingers still crossed!

This was the biggest Nintendo E3 thing for me, even bigger than BOTW sequel.

Nice to have them back, kinda wish Conker would cameo in their stage too though whether as an assist trophy or a spirit.

I swear, every bit of Smash news has me hope for Spring Man, but I'm never left disappointed. I'm not into Dragon Quest, but I know it's got a strong following and could get some well deserved attention from this (and probably the best Echo Fighter set yet), plus Banjo and Kazooie just feel so right. Rare was a big part of the N64's success, and pretty much defined the direction for the Donkey Kong series, plus they created a bunch of characters, including Diddy and K. Rool. Heck, Banjo and Kazooie were initially considered for Smash years ago!

As it stands, I really do think that the most demanded characters for Smash have been put into the game. No idea if Geno's being considered, but at this point, I wouldn't be shocked. Maybe Steve, but I can't realy see him working with Smash' aesthetics. Oh well, we'll wait and see (he says as he hopes for ARMS representation)

Sakurai promised the DLC fighters wouldn’t be echoes. And indeed, Banjo is listed as fighter 73 on the official website. Also, what’s King K. Rool doing hanging out in DK’s treehouse?

Banjo hd collection please

I know a lot of people are hyped for this, and I'm glad they're happy, but I just don't like non-Nintendo characters in Smash, or ones that aren't even important to gaming like Snake, Sonic, & Ryu. Dragon Quest pretty much invented a bunch of the tropes in JRPGs, so I'm (begrudgingly) fine with it having a rep. in Smash, but Persona & Banjo-Kazooie? No, just... no.

Edit: I worded things poorly, as I was using Snake, Sonic, & Ryu as example of characters IMPORTANT to gaming, not unimportant. I know SF2's importance to the Fighting Game genre, that MGS invented the Stealth genre, & that Sonic at one point as big as Mario.

Amazing! I never thought it will ever happen.

Well then! Two more to go! Wonder who'll they'll be?

@Euler Indeed! A shame that his profile isn't clickable, though. Naturally since he's not 100% ready yet, of course.

Smart money is on a new Pokémon for at least one of them.

@shoeses I'd say Snake, Sonic and Ryu's games are pretty important to gaming. Metal Gear Solid showed how cinematic games could be, Street Fighter 2 changed fighting games and arguably competitive games as a whole, and Sonic showed that other companies could go up against Nintendo in the 90s, and even win in some cases.

@AxeltheCorvikni I know - I was actually using them as an example of the important ones. But I suck at writing so I'm not surprised I worded it poorly.

Really awesome, and since we are getting Banjo, I hope Fulgore from Killer Instinct comes as a mii outfit.

@shoeses Street Fighter 2 literally reinvented the fighting game genre as a whole. And Banjo Kazooie showed that platformers could be just as good or even better than just Mario

@thesilverbrick In the 90s Banjo was advertised as an equal amongst mascots. That all died in the 6th gen as gaming "grew up".

@Trajan That still doesn’t make him “as Nintendo as Donkey Kong.” Donkey Kong is wholly owned by Nintendo and has appeared on upwards of ten different Nintendo consoles and handhelds, and never anywhere else. Banjo has two games on N64 and one on GBA and since has only appeared on Microsoft consoles, and even then, he hasn’t had a new game in over ten years. Saying his affiliation to Nintendo is the same as DK’s is ridiculous.

I am delighted to see so many Banjo fans here. Keep supporting me and my cheeky friend! We can't wait to be in a new adventure!

Seriously, I want a new Banjo-Kazooie game, please.

@thesilverbrick In Japan I’m sure the reactions were opposite lol. People are probably going nuts for the DQ heroes over there. I’m personally more excited for DQ Hero as I love Dragon Quest but I’m just overall hyped for it all! We fans are the winners here

@Kacper42PL Yes I am taking the bait, but I am curious.

What does Sakurai's fanbase want as DLC? What do you believe that answer is?

@drewber2635 Haha, I was thinking that. Japan loves Dragon Quest so much.

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/banjo-kazooies-creators-discuss-smash-bros-inclusion/

Nice interview.

Now this makes the Fighter's Pass worth it.

@Doger Jesus Christ, yes I KNOW that it's important - I was referring to those 3 AS IMPORTANT, and I'm going to add an edit to stop getting these replies. But no, no one can convince me freaking Banjo Kazooie is as important to gaming as Metal Gear Solid or Dragon Quest.

While I am E X P O N E N T I A L L Y hyped for the bear and bird, please respect DQ and Minecraft fans y'all.

Wow, this is kind of surreal. Have not seen the direct yet and took a little while for this to sink in as a non-troll post. Awesome choice, and it makes me very happy to see them given so e recognition after so much time in obscurity. I hope they're built as an interesting character, because this certainly makes me want to buy the fighter pass.

I'm no smash player, but I'm living in hope that the original BK can now return to Nintendo.

Can you imagine if they never got rid of Rare to start with?

To everyone that thinks Banjo should or shouldn’t be in, here’s a few things to remember;
1) This is a game that celebrates video games and their characters
2) It’s ok to enjoy or not enjoy something without trying to brush off or minimize others’ opinions
3) ROB and Duck Hunt are in the game 😂

Welcome back, old friend.

@Kacper42PL
"Wow, Sakurai is really ignoring his fanbase.
Literally the only people who wanted that dead game guy are 30 year old virgins.
Also as I expected, the move set is as bad as possible, only some punches, duck-I mean bird attacks and nothing more.
Dissapointment 1000"
No, the people who wanted this character are people who experienced the N64 while it was new. Banjo Kazooie is one of the best games on the system and arguably better than Mario 64 in many ways.
Are those people thirty-somethings? Absolutely. Most of us have families at this point.
I get your perspective. I just wanted you to know how things actually are so you're more informed next time you comment.

@shoeses Whoa buddy, no need to get feisty. Also, im kinda confused. what is the point you're trying to strew together? That a character shouldn't be in smash if its not important to gaming? Cause I mean like Ice Climbers had 1 game, and they were still put in so i dont really see what the point your trying to get at is.

Something about Banjo looks off. Perhaps I'm just too used to his blocky N64 look and the plastic-looking boxart renders, but he looks a bit too soft. His eyes in particular bug me.

Cool since it's a MS IP nowadays, but my roster only needed 2 characters.
Ice Climbers and Bayonetta.

OMG YESSSSSSS!!! Was hoping they would bring Banjo Kazooie to Smash Bros and they have, it's so Awesome!!! Can't wait!!!

Having never played the original, I didn't understand a single word in this article, but I DO understand that it's pretty big news for a lot of other people, which is pretty cool. Plus, they're not Firekemon Pokemblem and/or don't use a sword so I'm pretty happy with this addition.

All the character reveal movies are awesome. Nintendo really should add those movies to the game in one of their updates!

You remember NYC that day? Good times!