Banjo
| Banjo | |
|---|---|
| Banjo holds a checkered flag in Diddy Kong Racing Artwork from Diddy Kong Racing | |
| Full name | Banjo the bear[1] |
| Species | Honey Bear[2] [3] |
| First appearance | Diddy Kong Racing (1997, overall) Banjo-Kazooie (1998, home series) |
| Latest appearance | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Challenger Pack 3) (2019) |
| Portrayed by | Chris Sutherland (Diddy Kong Racing,[4] Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[5] ) |
- “Anybody seen a Red-crested Bree Gull [sic] around here?”
- —Banjo , Nintendo Power , volume 102 (Diddy Kong Racing section)[6]
Banjo is one of the two protagonists of former Nintendo partner Rare's Banjo-Kazooie series, along with his best friend, Kazooie. He is characterized as a honey bear with light-brown fur, tan skin, blue eyes, and a black nose, and he wears a shark-tooth necklace, yellow shorts, and a blue backpack that houses Kazooie. Banjo made his debut, both overall and in the Super Mario franchise, as a playable character in Diddy Kong Racing , and he and his series were owned by Nintendo up until the acquisition of Rare by Microsoft in 2002,[7] with Banjo characters making some appearances in the Super Mario franchise during that period. In exchange for Rare obtaining full rights to Banjo, Nintendo gained full rights to Rare's Donkey Kong additions, such as the various Kong Family members and the Kremlings.[8]
History[edit ]
Diddy Kong Racing[edit ]
Banjo incidentally made his first appearance in Diddy Kong Racing. When Wizpig invaded Timber's Island, Timber calls for Diddy Kong's assistance. In turn, he sends Squawks to contact his friends, one of whom is Banjo. All the characters compete in a variety of racing challenges to liberate the island and decide who would race Wizpig. Eventually, the eight racers, with the help of Taj and T.T., drove Wizpig back to his home planet, Future Fun Land. However, Wizpig returns, and the racers go to his homeworld. At the end of the world, the winning character races Wizpig again, who rides on a rocket missile for the rematch. On the character selection screen, Banjo's theme instrument is the banjo. The menu's theme is re-composed in a banjo when the player highlights him. Like the other characters, Banjo says his name when he is selected. As a heavyweight racer, Banjo has slow acceleration, which is compensated for a high top speed (57 MPH without Bananas). His handling is below-average, but still exceeds Krunch's. Banjo is the seventh character introduced in the game's intro, piloting a plane and knocking Krunch over.
Since Microsoft had direct ownership over Banjo and Conker, both of them do not appear in Diddy Kong Racing DS . Instead, they were replaced with the Nintendo-owned Tiny Kong and Dixie Kong, respectively. Despite this, Banjo's theme instrument was left intact, and it plays both on the character selection and the game's introduction sequence. Banjo's statistics were also retained for Tiny Kong, who was likely redesigned for Banjo's heavyweight feature.
As Banjo is—contrary to urban legend—not a part of the Super Mario universe, his crossover appearance and stated friendship with Diddy Kong has been explained by his creator and Diddy's co-creator Gregg Mayles as being the result of interdimensional travel.[9]
Mario no Bōken Land[edit ]
Banjo makes a small, non-speaking cameo in the Diddy Kong Racing story segment of Mario no Bōken Land , titled "Go Go Diddy!". The comic shows him participating in a race with his friends, with him being in sixth place.
4koma Gag Battle[edit ]
Banjo appears throughout the 4koma Gag Battle manga adaptation of Diddy Kong Racing. A certain four panel comic provides an explanation for what was in his backpack during Diddy Kong Racing, since Kazooie was absent: the backpack was filled with a beehive full of bees.
N-Gang[edit ]
Banjo and Kazooie make a brief cameo at the end of the N-Gang comic "Freeze Frame", where they are seen celebrating alongside many other Nintendo characters.
Banjo appears in the N-Gang comic, "N-Gang vs. Nintendo", where he played on the same soccer camp team with Kazooie, Wario, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, and Lanky Kong. Mario refereed the match.
Banjo makes an appearance in the N-Gang comic "Die Hexe lacht um Mitternacht". After Gruntilda transformed Toni and VIP into hot dogs and leaves to reek havoc into the city, Big B. and Gecko arrives and devise a plan to defeat Gruntilda. They then use VIP's machine to bring Banjo into the real world, and then launches eggs at the witch to defeat her. After that, they all celebrate.
Mario Artist: Paint Studio[edit ]
Banjo appears in some of the character stamps in Mario Artist: Paint Studio , along with other characters from Diddy Kong Racing and Banjo-Kazooie.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit ]
- SmashWiki article: Banjo & Kazooie (SSBU)
Banjo, alongside Kazooie and the heroes of Dragon Quest, were announced as playable fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate during the E3 2019 Nintendo Direct on June 11 (PDT). Banjo & Kazooie were released on September 4, 2019 (PDT) as part of Challenger Pack 3. The duo's moveset and appearances are directly pulled from their first two games, Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie , though they also sport a few original attacks. Spiral Mountain, the location of their home, serves as the representation for their stage. Regarding weight, Banjo & Kazooie are collectively a heavyweight, being heavier than Link, Yoshi, Captain Falcon, Mii Gunner, and Min Min, but lighter than Wario, Ike, Ridley, Simon, and Richter, while having the same weight as Snake and R.O.B. Their special moves are Egg Firing / Breegull Blaster, Wonderwing, Shock Spring Jump, and Rear Egg and their Final Smash is The Mighty Jinjonator.
The reveal trailer for the duo heavily references King K. Rool's original reveal trailer, with Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and King K. Rool looking outside the window of DK's tree house and seeing a silhouette of Banjo & Kazooie. It is then revealed to be Duck Hunt playing a prank, much like how the K. Rool reveal trailer had King Dedede pretending to be King K. Rool. Banjo & Kazooie then appear from the sky and knock Duck Hunt out of frame, with Banjo holding his namesake instrument.
Prior to Banjo's inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, he and Kazooie were among the most requested Super Smash Bros. characters of all time. A Rare employee wrote on their website back in 2009, that although they had not been considered for Super Smash Bros. , many Rare franchise trophies were originally in Super Smash Bros. Melee .[10] Vice President of Microsoft's gaming division, Phil Spencer, made a Tweet in 2015, stating "it would be cool" to see Banjo and Kazooie appear as DLC fighters in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U .[11] He doubled down on the comments in 2018, a year before Banjo and Kazooie's reveal in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.[12]
Banjo and Kazooie's fighter spirit uses their artwork from Banjo-Tooie. The Heroes and Banjo & Kazooie are the only DLC characters to never appear as main opponents in any spirit battle while still appearing in spirit battles (contrasting with Piranha Plant, Terry and Sephiroth, who are the only DLC characters not to appear in spirit battles at all).
Classic Mode route[edit ]
Banjo & Kazooie's Classic Mode route pits them against fighters that work as a team. Their final bosses are Master Hand and Crazy Hand, who both work as a team and are fought in any difficulty.
| Perfect Partners | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Opponent(s) | Stage | Song | |
| 1 | Duck Hunt (brown/red costume) | Spiral Mountain | Main Theme - Banjo-Kazooie | |
| 2 | Rosalina & Luma | Tortimer Island | Treasure Trove Cove | |
| 3 | Ice Climbers | Summit | Freezeezy Peak | |
| 4 | Link, Zelda | Mushroomy Kingdom | Gobi's Valley | |
| 5 | Fox (dark costume), Falco (dark costume) | Luigi's Mansion | Mad Monster Mansion | |
| 6 | Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong | Jungle Japes | Donkey Kong Country Returns | |
| Final | Master Hand, Crazy Hand | Final Destination | Master Hand / Crazy Hand | |
Unused appearances[edit ]
Donkey Kong 64[edit ]
Both Banjo and Kazooie made a cameo in early versions of Donkey Kong 64 , but were ultimately cut from the final game. Their faces were going to appear on a fridge in DK's Tree House used for storing Banjo-Kazooie 's Ice Key after obtaining it via Stop 'N' Swop and using it.[13]
Profiles and statistics[edit ]
Diddy Kong Racing[edit ]
- Character stats
- Weight: Heavy
- Acceleration: 2/5
- Handling: 2/5
- Speed: 3.5/5
- Color: Turquoise
- Instruction booklet bio: (Low acceleration, heavy weight, good handling, high top speed) Even before the start of his future partnership with Kazooie, Banjo isn’t one to turn down the chance of an adventure. So when Squawks brings the message from his pal Diddy Kong, the Honey Bear stuffs a few things into his trusty backpack and takes to his heels.[14]
- Player's Guide: When Squawks brought Diddy’s call for help, Banjo didn’t hesitate—he strapped on his trusty backpack and hit the road immediately. He has also agreed to take on a totally different adventure with his partner, Kazooie, so this busy bear will have a lot to keep him occupied for some time to come.[15]
- Nintendo Power Volume 103: Like Conker, Banjo is sort of hanging out on Timber’s Island while his own game gets polished for release. The happy-go-lucky honey bear has good handling for a heavy guy, but his acceleration is what you would expect from a bear. On the other hand, Banjo has excellent top-end speed for straightaways.[16]
- Diddy's Drivers Ed: Banjo is another heavyweight racer, but his acceleration and handling are acceptable. He's a great choice for piloting a hovercraft. In many instances, Banjo will have to use the sharp turn technique to take corners cleanly.[17]
- Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition Prima's Official Strategy Guide: Banjo is one of the harder characters to control, and his acceleration is low. Of course, his heavier weight also means that, once he builds up some momentum, his top speed is second only to Krunch. On a tightly turning course, however, there’s little chance for his extra speed to come into play: He’s always in the process of accelerating, and then skidding through the next turn.[18]
- Rarewhere: Even before the start of his future partnership with Kazooie, Banjo isn’t one to turn down the chance of an adventure. So when Squawks brings the message from his pal Diddy, the Honey Bear stuffs a few things into his trusty backpack and takes to his heels.[19]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit ]
#1337 Banjo & Kazooie
- Official website: The missing piece of the puzzle is found as Banjo & Kazooie join Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a playable fighter! With Banjo’s bare hands to bruise rivals up close and Kazooie’s egg-cellent shooting skills, your rivals will be singing the blues in no time. For their Final Smash, these perfect partners call upon a flock of Jinjos and the Mighty Jinjonator to deal the final blow to any "feeble jerk" that may stand in their way!
Palutena's Guidance[edit ]
Banjo & Kazooie share this stock conversation with all other Fighters Pass characters. It was originally used for Mewtwo, Lucas, Roy, Ryu, Cloud, Corrin, and Bayonetta in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U , who are downloadable fighters in that game.
- Pit: Who is THAT?
- Palutena: I have no data on this fighter. I can't believe it!
- Viridi: It must be an intruder from another dimension!
- Pit: Whoever it is, the goal remains the same: to fight and win!
List of Super Mario appearances[edit ]
| Title | Role | Release | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diddy Kong Racing | Playable character | 1997 | Nintendo 64 |
| Mario Artist: Paint Studio | Character stamps | 1999 | 64DD |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Playable character via DLC | 2019 | Nintendo Switch |
Gallery[edit ]
- For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Banjo.
"N-Gang vs. Nintendo"
Diddy Kong Racing Japanese commercial
Names in other languages[edit ]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | バンジョー Banjō |
Banjo | According to Gregg Mayles, Banjo's name is based on the name of Banjō Yamauchi, Hiroshi Yamauchi's grandson. | [20] |
| Arabic | بانجو Banju |
Banjo | [21] | |
| Chinese | 阿邦 Ābāng |
In Chinese, adding an 「阿」 in front of a given name makes it a diminutive form. | Translation used since Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts ; reused in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | [22] |
| Korean | 반조 Banjo |
Banjo | Translation used since Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts; reused in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | [23] |
| 반죠 Banjyo |
Diddy Kong Racing | [24] | ||
| Russian | Банджо Bandzho |
Banjo | Translation used since Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts; reused in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | [25] |
Notes[edit ]
- A portrait of Donkey Kong appeared in Banjo's house in prototype versions of Banjo-Kazooie.[26]
External links[edit ]
- Banjo on Jiggywikki
References[edit ]
- ^ Diddy Kong Racing. Nintendo of Australia. Archived February 18, 1999, 06:05:58 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
- ^ Banjo-Kazooie game page. Nintendo of Europe (English). Retrieved May 11, 2024 from nintendo.com (UK & Ireland).
- ^ Rareware (1997). Diddy Kong Racing instruction booklet. Nintendo of America (English). Page 24.
- ^ Niosi, Christopher. Talkin' Rare & Playtonic Games w/ Chris Sutherland (feat. Shadyvox) - Kirblog 6/17/17 (6:37). YouTube (English). Retrieved June 30, 2021.
- ^ Credited in the sound test menu in the Japanese version of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate .
- ^ November 1997. Nintendo Power Volume 102. Nintendo of America (English). Page 29.
- ^ "Diddy Kong, Banjo & Krunch characters licensed by Nintendo." – Japanese cartridge for Diddy Kong Racing.
- ^ "The copyright page in the Donkey Kong 64 Official Player's Guide claims Rare held the trademark to many characters first seen in the game... including 3 Kongs! As Nintendo owned the Banjo-Kazooie characters, these trademarks then swapped with the Microsoft buyout." – dkvine (October 11, 2018). Post. X. Retrieved October 14, 2025. (Archived October 19, 2018, 06:30:01 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^ Mayles, Gregg "Ghoulyboy" (November 3, 2020). Post. X. Retrieved January 14, 2026. (Archived November 3, 2020, 11:44:07 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^ Lerako (September 18, 2009). Rare Scribes. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ Campbell, Evan (April 3, 2015). Xbox Head Xbox Head Phil Spencer Says 'It Would Be Cool' to See Banjo in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. IGN. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Winslett, Ryan (March 21, 2018). Microsoft Is Willing To Put Banjo In Smash Bros.. Cinemablend (English). Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ "Early Christmas present maybe to those that care - it's the 'Coldswap' design (a.k.a. Stop n' Stop) in its full original guise, including the mysterious 'Next N64 Game'" – Mayles, Gregg "ghoulyboy" (December 22, 2025). Post. X. Retrieved December 23, 2025. (Archived February 21, 2026, 11:52:12 UTC via Megalodon.)
- ^ 1997. Diddy Kong Racing instruction booklet. Nintendo of America (English). Page 24.
- ^ Swan, Leslie (1997). Diddy Kong Racing Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (English). Page 7.
- ^ December 1997. Nintendo Power Volume 103. Nintendo of America (English). Page 14.
- ^ Diddy's Driver Ed. Nintendo of America (English). Archived December 6, 1998, 06:57:14 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine.
- ^ Prima Bath (April 7, 1999). Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Prima Games (American English). ISBN 0-7615-2103-7. Page 37.
- ^ DKR Cast List | Banjo. Rarewhere (British English). Archived September 2, 1999, 20:55:40 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Mayles, Gregg "Ghoulyboy" (March 10, 2019). Post. X. Retrieved July 27, 2025. (Archived February 8, 2020, 11:34:00 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^ OldPSGamer (June 23, 2021). فقرة Retro Gaming : الحلقة 69 : Banjo-Kazooie (Xbox 360) (1:25). Arabic. Retrieved March 27, 2026 from YouTube.
- ^ 「曾經有一隻英勇的熊叫「阿邦」,還有一隻相當聒噪的鳥叫「阿 卡」;另外還有討人厭的巫婆「葛蘭蒂」。」– Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Microsoft Game Studios (Traditional Chinese). (Archived via YouTube by NeoGamania 糖吵栗子.)
- ^ Product page for the Korean version of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, showing the game's cover. Danawa (Korean). Retrieved November 20, 2025.
- ^ Diddy Kong Racing instruction booklet. Rareware (Korean). (Archived via Naver by wolf5160.)
- ^ «Давным-давно жили-были героический мишка по имени Банджо, довольно крикливая птица Казуи и очень неприятная ведьма Грунтильда.» – Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Microsoft Game Studios (Russian). (Archived via YouTube by EightBitHD.)
- ^ TCRF. Prerelease:Banjo-Kazooie. The Cutting Room Floor (English). Retrieved May 12, 2024.