Nintendo is growing itsSwitch Onlineservice by offering an “Expansion Pack” that includesNintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. The company has yet to announce how much this new option will cost, but the list of games being added from each console should be more than enough of a selling point for some. Among the N64 games coming to Switch some time after the Expansion Pack launches in late October is Rare’s classic 1998 3D platformerBanjo-Kazooie.
One of the most exciting things aboutBanjo-Kazooiecoming toNintendo Switch Onlineis it means Microsoft has given its blessing to include titles published by its now-subsidiary. Microsoft purchased Rare in 2002, making it one of many first-party developers under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. However, before that Rare was largely known for its Nintendo games. With the exception ofBanjo-Kazooie, there are 10 Rare N64 titles ripe for the Switch Online library.
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Killer Instinct Gold (1996)
Rare’s output on the N64 is notable for its 3D platformers, shooters, and racing games.Killer Instinct Goldstands out as its only fighting game on that console, which makes it perfect to appear in Nintendo Switch Online. That being said, theKiller Instinctfranchise has continued on Xbox platforms, so it seems less likely Microsoft would relinquish the game.
Blast Corps (1997)
UnlikeKiller Instinct,Blast Corpsis not part of a larger franchise, making it more likely to be seen again. Even if it is more obscure now compared to all-time hits likeGoldenEye 007andBanjo-Kazooie,Blast Corpswas an innovative game about demolishing buildings and solving environmental puzzles to clear the way for a nuclear missile carrier. It released to critical acclaim in the late-1990s, and deserves another shot at stardom.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
If there’s any game out of Rare’s Nintendo 64 library that needs no introduction,GoldenEye 007is probably it. The licensed first-person shooter revolutionized the genre, paving the way for future games likeHaloto become blockbuster franchises. It was reimagined in 2010 with a Wii game of the same name, one that later came to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 asGoldenEye 007: Reloaded. With James Bond’s next adventureNo Time to Diereleasing soon and agame by IO Interactivein development, there’s still interest in the franchise that Nintendo could capitalize on.
Diddy Kong Racing (1997)
Rare’sDonkey Kong Countryseries was a massive success on the SNES, revamping a classic Nintendo character with a whole new universe all his own that continues influencing games to this day. Thus, it made sense to see Diddy Kong get his own racing game spin-off in the vein ofMario Kart. Many considerDiddy Kong Racingto be a better version ofMario Kart, and it’s one of the N64’s best-selling games. It would be a shame not to see it appear in Nintendo Switch Online, andleaks suggestDiddy Kong Racingis on the way.
Jet Force Gemini (1999)
Following the breakout success ofBanjo-Kazooie, Rare returned to the shooter genre with its third-person shooterJet Force Gemini. The sci-fi game follows its titular galactic law enforcement team as they take on a race of giant, aggressive insects. As with many of Rare’s N64 games,Jet Force Geminiincludes multiplayer that would be fun to try usingNintendo’s modern-day online service.
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Donkey Kong 64 (1999)
Diddy Kong returned to the fold ofDonkey Kong Country’s expanding continuity withDonkey Kong 64, a 3D platformer akin toBanjo-Kazooiein which the DK Crew sets out to stop another plot by the nefarious King K. Rool. It’s a controversial game compared toBanjo, with many decrying the decision to have each Kong gather their own unique collectibles across each stage. Many also remember the game for itsDK Rap, which composer Grant Kirkhope thinks is “bloody awful.”
Perfect Dark (2000)
Of every game in Rare’s N64 library,Perfect Darkis the hardest to judge regarding how likely a reappearance might be. On one hand, it’s an acclaimed first-person shooter that spawned a whole franchise withiconic protagonist Joanna Dark. In fact, a reboot ofPerfect Darkis coming to Xbox Series X, developed by The Initiative, so Microsoft may want the extra advertising. However, this continuation within Xbox’s sphere of influence is perhaps reason to expect Nintendo may be out of luck.
Mickey’s Speedway USA (2000)
GoldenEye 007is not the only licensed game Rare put out on the Nintendo 64.Mickey’s Speedway USAis another racing game in the style ofMario KartorDiddy Kong Racing, but with far fewer accolades to its name. There was also aGame Boy Color versionreleased in 2001, though given both are under the Disney license it’s less likely Nintendo will be able to re-release them through Switch Online.
Banjo-Tooie (2000)
If Nintendo is releasingBanjo-Kazooievia Nintendo Switch Online, it would be remiss not to also release the game’s sequel,Banjo-Tooie. WithBanjo and Kazooie becoming DLC fighters inSmash Ultimate, it’s likely Microsoft will be willing to let the N64 franchise thrive on Nintendo hardware in full - especially after the middling reception toBanjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Boltson Xbox 360.
Conker’s Bad Fur Dayis perhaps the game many fans of Rare would be most excited to see release through Nintendo Switch Online.Conker’scelebrated its 20th anniversary this year, and it has become a cult-classic 3D platformer thanks to its raunchy, irreverent, and deeply British sense of humor. That being said, the game’s infamy is reason to believe it will never be touched by Nintendo again.
Even so it is a possibility given Nintendo publishedConker’s Bad Fur Dayin the first place. Hopefully it or other Rare-developed games appear via Switch Online in the future, but even if they do not there are still ways to play many of them through Xbox channels.Rare Replayoffers a collection with quality-of-life updates, and there are the occassional revivals or remakes likeConker: Live & Reloaded. Still, it would be fun to see these games return to Nintendo’s tent as part of the widerNintendo Switch OnlineN64 library.
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