Last year, Nintendo introduced the Expansion Pack for their Nintendo Switch Online service. This higher tier of subscription grants users access to a library of emulated Nintendo 64 games and Sega Genesis games, as well as access to the DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The worth of this subscription has been a topic of debate, as many of the emulated Nintendo 64 games have been criticized for their performance issues, making the pricing of the Expansion Pack a concern for many. However, a new addition to the lineup is set to change opinions.
Nintendo recently announced that on January 20, the Nintendo 64 library available through the Expansion Pack membership will welcome a new game: the 1998 classic Banjo-Kazooie. Developed by Rare, this 3D collect-a-thon platformer features the iconic duo of a bear and bird on a quest through whimsical and witty worlds to save a captured sibling. Banjo-Kazooie holds a special place as one of the most cherished games on the N64, even though it has been absent from Nintendo consoles for a considerable period due to Rare being owned by Microsoft.
Embark on a wild quest with an unlikely pair! The adventures of Banjo and Kazooie begin here!
Banjo-Kazooie is coming to #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members on 1/20! #Nintendo64 pic.twitter.com/R349r8gbvD
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 19, 2022
With Banjo and Kazooie also joining the roster of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo has shown successful collaboration with Microsoft and Rare, indicating the potential for sharing intellectual properties under the right circumstances. The main concern now is whether the game will perform well on the Switch. If it does, it could attract a new wave of Expansion Pack subscribers. If not, there’s always the option of enjoying Rare Replay.
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