N64 classic is coming to Nintendo Switch: Release date and launch time for Banjo-Kazooie

Nintendo Switch owners are counting down to the launch of Banjo-Kazooie.

Originally released in 1998, Banjo-Kazooie is one of the finest games to ever appear on the Nintendo 64.

The Nintendo Switch version of Banjo-Kazooie has a January 21 release date. There’s no official launch time, although new Nintendo games often go live at around 3pm GMT.

Unfortunately, however, Banjo-Kazooie won’t be available to purchase in the traditional sense.

Instead, Banjo-Kazooie will launch as part of the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, specifically the premium Expansion Pack tier.

“The iconic bear and bird duo are raring to go on Nintendo Switch! Banjo-Kazooie joins the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack line-up on 21/01,” Nintendo explains.

As a reminder, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs £34.99 for an annual membership, or £59.99 as part of a Family membership.

As part of the subscription, members can play a selection of N64 and Sega Mega Drive games, as well as the SNES and NES titles available in the standard tier.

Games include Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64 and Sin and Punishment on N64, as well as Zelda Ocarina of Time and Mario Tennis.

On the Mega Drive side of things, games include Streets of Rage 2, Gunstar Heroes and Phantasy Star 4.

Nintendo Switch Online also gives subscribers access to online multiplayer, as well as cloud saves.

Additional games will be released in the coming months, such as Majora’s Mask and F-Zero X.

Unfortunately, there’s no sign of Goldeneye, although rumours suggest the classic shooter may come to Xbox.

N64 Games Coming Soon to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack

• Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask

• Mario Golf

• Pokemon Snap

• F-Zero X

• Kirby 64

• Paper Mario

• Banjo-Kazooie