E3: Nintendo, Microsoft Partner for ‘Smash Bros’

Microsoft, Nintendo collaborate to bring sought after character to "Super Smash Bros."

License Global, Content Editor

June 14, 2019

1 Min Read

Nintendo has announced that Banjo and Kazooie will be playable characters in the upcoming installment of the game series “Super Smash Bros.”

This collaboration marks the first time a Microsoft-owned character will be used in a Nintendo property.

Both characters will be available for combat in an upcoming “Smash Ultimate” update later this year. Banjo and Kazooie were the most-requested character additions for the game, according to a fan poll conducted on Twitter.

“Banjo-Kazooie” was initially launched for the N64 in 1998. Developed by Rare Games, the title was originally published by Nintendo until Microsoft acquired Rare in 2002. While Microsoft still owns the property, Rare’s relationship with Nintendo has ensured that characters like Banjo and Kazooie are always on the table for possible licensing deals.

“The licensing relationships between [Nintendo and Microsoft], they’re there and are kind of ongoing,” says Phil Spencer, executive vice-president of gaming, Microsoft, in an interview with Kotaku. “The reason it’s not some interesting, deep conversation is because with us owning Rare and the history between those two things, there are a lot of conversations over the years about, ‘Hey, we want to do “X” is that okay?’”

Nintendo made its announcement during E3 2019. The Los Angeles, Calif.- based event is one of the biggest exhibitions in the video game industry. For more coverage from E3 2019, please visit our E3 page.

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About the Author

License Global

Content Editor, License Global

License Global is the leading news source for the brand licensing industry, delivering award-winning editorial content including news, trends, analysis, and special reports about the global consumer product and retail marketplace.

Through its print edition, website, daily e-newsletter and event publications, License Global reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector’s trade events, which include Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, France Licensing Day, Licensing for Retail, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo Shanghai and the Licensing Leadership Summit.

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