Editing Banjo

{{Infobox character
|image=[[File:Banjo B-T solo artwork.png|200px]]<br>Artwork of Banjo from ''[[Banjo-Tooie]]''
|species=Honey Bear
|game=''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]<br>[[Banjo-Kazooie]]<br>[[Banjo-Tooie]]<br>[[Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge]]<br>[[Banjo-Pilot]]<br>[[Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts]]<br>[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing with Banjo-Kazooie]]<br>[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
|world=[[Spiral Mountain]]
|voice_actor=[[Chris Sutherland]]<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20141207230814/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/188055/interviews/banjo-kazooie-nuts-and-bolts-qa/ ComputerAndVideoGames: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts Q&A]</ref>
|icon='''Nintendo 64:'''<br>[[File:BK Banjo icon.png]]<br>'''Grunty's Revenge:'''<br>[[File:GR Banjo icon.png]]<br>'''Xbox Live Arcade:'''<br>[[File:BK XBLA Banjo icon.png]]
}}
{{quote|It's [[Toxic Gas Cave|moments like this]] that make adventuring worthwhile...|[[Banjo]]|[[Banjo-Tooie]]}}

'''Banjo''' is one of the two eponymous stars of the [[Banjo-Kazooie (series)|''Banjo-Kazooie'' series]], along with [[Kazooie]], and is a playable character in every game. Banjo is a brown Honey Bear who lives in a [[Banjo's House|house]] on [[Spiral Mountain]] with his friend Kazooie and younger sister [[Tooty]]. He is named after the [[wikipedia:banjo|banjo]], a musical instrument which he also plays. However, Banjo could possibly be named after former Nintendo president [[wikipedia:Hiroshi Yamauchi|Hiroshi Yamauchi]]'s grandchild, Banjo.<ref>[https://twitter.com/AndyPlaytonic/status/1104730618158493696 Tweet from AndyPlaytonic (Andy Robinson)]</ref>

==History==
===''Dream: Land of Giants''===
Banjo was originally planned as a supporting character in the cancelled {{wp|Super Nintendo Entertainment System}} game, ''[[Dream: Land of Giants]]''. Shortly shifting development to the [[Nintendo 64]], the developers felt the main character, [[Edson]], was "losing his edge". One of their considerations for a main character was a rabbit, but they eventually decided on Banjo. Early sketches showed Banjo with a sword and another in a sleeveless shirt.

===''Diddy Kong Racing''===
[[File:DKR Banjo Car.png|thumb|left|200px|''Diddy Kong Racing'' artwork]]
Banjo's official debut was as one of the playable characters in ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''. He was among the characters who responded to [[mariowiki:Timber|Timber]]'s call for help in banishing [[mariowiki:Wizpig|Wizpig]] out from [[mariowiki:Timber's Island|Timber's Island]]. Banjo competes in races and world challenges to decide who can ultimately compete against Wizpig. Banjo is in the heavyweight class and has slow acceleration, but compensates it with a high top speed. He also has average handling capabilities. Banjo's top speed without [[mariowiki:Banana|banana]]s is 57mph.

Banjo's theme instrument is the banjo, which is also his theme instrument in his own series. Banjo and [[conkerwiki:Conker the Squirrel|Conker]] did not return in ''[[mariowiki:Diddy Kong Racing DS|Diddy Kong Racing DS]]'' as a result of [[Microsoft]]'s 2002 acquisition of [[Rare]], although the remake's main theme still features his theme instrument, the banjo. Statistically, Banjo was replaced with [[mariowiki:Tiny Kong|Tiny Kong]].

===''Banjo-Kazooie''===
[[File:BK Banjo Kazooie artwork.jpg|thumb|200x200px|''Banjo-Kazooie'' artwork]]
Banjo's first debut as the protagonist of the main series was in the Nintendo 64 title ''[[Banjo-Kazooie]]''. Jealous of Banjo's younger sister, Tooty's good looks, Gruntilda steals her away, wishing to steal her beauty for herself. Banjo and Kazooie immediately head out to rescue her, but before heading out to save her, the duo stumble upon their long-time friend, [[Bottles]], whose role is teaching [[Ability|abilities]] to the duo throughout the game. After learning a few moves in Spiral Mountain, the duo cross over a drawbridge to enter into [[Gruntilda's Lair]], where most of the game takes place, leading into the nine levels hosted within.

Along their journey, aside from learning more moves from Bottles, the duo meet a shaman named [[Mumbo Jumbo]], whose role is transforming Banjo into another object or creature in exchange for [[Mumbo Token]]s. The main collectibles are [[Jiggy]]s, which are required for Banjo and Kazooie to unlock later levels. They must also free five [[Jinjo]]s in each level, and collect [[Musical Note]]s to access paths in Gruntilda's Lair that were previously blocked off by [[Note Door]]s.

Banjo and Kazooie slowly travel up higher into Gruntilda's Lair as they unlock new levels. After finishing all nine levels, Banjo and Kazooie engage in a final battle against Gruntilda from the [[Top of the Tower]]. With the help of [[The Mighty Jinjonator]], Gruntilda collapses from the tower, crashes into the ground, and becomes trapped beneath a large boulder.

As shown in the game intro, Banjo is capable of playing the banjo instrument.

===''Banjo-Tooie''===
Two years later, in ''[[Banjo-Tooie]]'', Gruntilda is freed from under her boulder by her sisters, [[Blobbelda]] and [[Mingella]]. Meanwhile, Banjo and his friends are playing poker. Mumbo finds out about the witches and tries warns the others to escape from [[Banjo's house]]. Gruntilda, after noticing Mumbo, starts to chase him and fires a powerful spell, destroying Banjo's House and killing Bottles.

Because Gruntilda is skeletal due to the amount of time she spent trapped under the boulder, she and her sisters use their newly-invented [[Big-O-Blaster]] to suck the life force out of the residents of the various worlds in the [[Isle O' Hags]] to restore Gruntilda to her former appearance. Banjo and Kazooie head on another adventure to stop Gruntilda. Since Bottles died, Banjo and Kazooie learn new abilities from Bottles' brother, [[Jamjars]]. They can enter new worlds by returning Jiggies to [[Jiggywiggy's Temple]]. Banjo and Kazooie also make use of the [[Split-Up Pad]]s, which allow them to explore areas by themselves.

Before engaging in a final battle against Grunty, Banjo and Kazooie use the Big-O-Blaster to revive [[King Jingaling]] and Bottles. Eventually, the duo defeat Gruntilda and destroy the Hag 1 in battle. The ending shows Banjo and Kazooie celebrating at [[Bottles' House]] with the other characters.

===''Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge''===
''[[Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge]]'' takes place two months after the events of the original game, ''Banjo-Kazooie''. Banjo and Kazooie are setting up a barbeque, but meanwhile, after unsuccessful attempts to free Gruntilda, [[Klungo]] designs a new mechanical suit, [[Mecha-Grunty]], transporting Gruntilda's spirit into it. Mumbo Jumbo catches wind of this plan by hiding behind a bush nearby, and immediately tells Banjo - but right before he's able to react, Mecha-Grunty kidnaps Kazooie and travels back in time, in an attempt to prevent Banjo and Kazooie from ever meeting. Mumbo Jumbo then uses his magical power to send Banjo to the same point where Gruntilda traveled, to save his friend Kazooie. Banjo would relearn his moves from Bottles' ancestor, [[Bozzeye]], since he forgot them while traveling to the past, and travels by himself for the first world of the game.

In the second world, [[Breegull Beach]], Banjo found Kazooie imprisoned by Mecha-Grunty. After defeating her, Banjo reunites with Kazooie, and they work together to prevent Gruntilda's scheme. The duo eventually enter [[Grunty's Castle]], where they fight Mecha-Grunty for a last time. Collaboratively, Banjo and Kazooie destroy Mecha-Grunty's suit, causing her spirit to return back into her normal body, under the large boulder.

===''Banjo-Pilot''===
[[File:Banjo B-P art.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Banjo-Pilot'' artwork]]
Banjo appears as the titular character of the racing spin-off title, ''[[Banjo-Pilot]]''. He has arguably the most average stats in the game, aside from possibly [[Mumbo Jumbo]]. Banjo is the champion of Beehive Cup, where the player competes against him at the end, in the dogfight match "Banjo Brawl". Like the other characters, when Banjo is flying in front in a dogfight match, he drops behind a unique object that functions similarly to [[Ice Egg]]s. In his case, he leaves behind [[Washing Machine]]s, which are each hanging from a parachute. Banjo's Top Speed is 3/5, his Acceleration is 3/5, and his Handling is 2/5.

===''Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts''===
[[File:N&B Banjo Kazooie.jpg|thumb|200px|Banjo and Kazooie, as they appear in ''Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts'']]
In the eight years leading up to ''[[Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts]]'', Banjo and Kazooie become obese, as they spend most of their days eating pizza, playing games, and sleeping. Eventually, they get in a feud with Grunty over who claims ownership over Spiral Mountain, in which [[Lord of Games|L.O.G.]] starts a competition over. Unlike his previous adventures, Banjo would utilize vehicles for most of his adventure, instead of using the abilities he forgot over time. Banjo eventually wins the challenge and gains access to the deeds to Spiral Mountain.

===''Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing with Banjo-Kazooie''===
Both Banjo and Kazooie appear as playable racers in ''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing with Banjo-Kazooie]]'', making it their second appearance in a crossover game, after Diddy Kong Racing.

Banjo and Kazooie race together in a vehicle named the [[Bolt Bucket]], which is based on the vehicles in ''Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts''. They have an All-Star Move named "[[Jiggy Rain]]", where Kazooie pokes her head out of Banjo's backpack, pecks on Banjo, and utilizes [[Mumbo's Wrench]] to rain Jiggies down from the sky.

===''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''===
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Banjo and Kazooie were released as the third DLC character for Fighters Pass, and the fourth DLC character overall. This is the first game since ''[[Banjo-Pilot]]'' where Banjo and Kazooie appear on a [[Nintendo]] system.

===Other appearances===
{{Main|References to the Banjo-Kazooie series}}
Artwork of Banjo's ''Diddy Kong Racing'' appearance was featured in ''[[mariowiki:Mario Artist: Paint Studio|Mario Artist: Paint Studio]]''.

In ''[[conkerwiki:Conker's Bad Fur Day|Conker's Bad Fur Day]]'' and its remake, ''[[conkerwiki:Conker: Live & Reloaded|Conker: Live & Reloaded]]'', a mounted head of Banjo appears over the fireplace in The Cock and Plucker.

In ''[[wikipedia:Minecraft|Minecraft]]'', a skin based on Banjo was added alongside 44 other skins in the Skin Pack 1 DLC released on July 16, 2012 for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One for $2.99 USD.

In ''[[rarewiki:Viva Piñata|Viva Piñata]]'', there are multiple references to Banjo. An accessory called the "Breegull Carrier" is modeled after Banjo's backpack (which can be worn by several piñatas, including the Fizzlybear species that use Jiggies in one of their attacks) and also references Kazooie's species, the [[Breegull]].

In ''[[rarewiki:Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise|Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise]]'', a statue of Banjo and Kazooie can be placed at the garden.

==General information==
===Physical appearance===
Banjo is a brown, stocky honey bear with blue eyes, a large round nose and a bare chest. He is always shown wearing a pair of yellow shorts with a black belt, a shark tooth necklace and a blue backpack, even while under the spell of a transformation. The Rare logo appears on his backpack, as shown in various artworks.

In ''Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts'', Banjo was redesigned to have a more block-shaped appearance, and his fur became animated. His backpack's design was also overhauled, now opening with a zipper across the top, and stitches to reflect age.

In ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', Banjo was redesigned with a mix of his design from ''Banjo-Kazooie'', ''Banjo-Tooie'' and official artwork. His body is now back to a rounder appearance and his body ratio has been tweaked to make his head slightly smaller. His backpack now has red accents and a bottom flap, per concept and promotional artwork from those games, and is crested with a Rare logo pin. The design is meant to better fit Rare and Nintendo's original design used in ''Diddy Kong Racing''.

===Personality===
{{quote|Leave sssarcasssm to bird, bear not good at it.|[[Klungo]]|[[Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts]]}}
Banjo's personality is very different from that of [[Kazooie]]'s. Banjo is a well-mannered, easygoing bear with a fondness for an easy life with little hardships. He uses "Mr." or "Mrs." when speaking to people and generally likes to help people out, which contradicts Kazooie's brash attitude. While he always means well, he sometimes comes off as a bit dimwitted and gullible. Banjo wanes a bit when it comes to his bravery - at times he will jump into a situation quickly, but other times he acts timid and doesn't want to commit. In all cases, however, he would much rather sit down and have either honey, pizza or a nap, suggesting he is somewhat lazy and is not searching for trouble. Throughout the series (mostly in ''Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts''), many characters including Banjo's allies have referred to Banjo as "stupid" and "fat", to which Banjo does not seem to mind due to his patience and manners. Banjo seems to have also picked up some of Kazooie's personality, as he occasionally uses insults and will sometimes makes sarcastic remarks (in ''Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts'' for the most part).

Banjo's relationship with his younger sister [[Tooty]] probably hints that he cares for her deep down inside, since he did ask about her whereabouts when she was captured and the fact that of all the prizes won at the Furnace Fun in ''[[Banjo-Kazooie]]'', it was her he cared the most about taking. Banjo doesn't at all seem to mind Tooty's company, since he saw no problem when she began her flute solo in the opening of Banjo-Kazooie.

Banjo's relationship with Kazooie is tightly-knit and nearly inseparable, despite at times feeling exasperated by her attitude and brash remarks towards the rest of the game cast. He can sometimes get fairly annoyed by her constant heckling and lets out small bursts of temper against her, such as when he growls angrily and attempts to pull her out of her pack during an idle animation in Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, though he's always quick to forgive her and apologize or shrug it off as an accident. He is constantly either apologizing to others on Kazooie's behalf or scolding her for being insensitive, (Most of these times exclaiming: "Kazooie!") such as when Kazooie remarked that Bottles wasn't a favorite character in Banjo-Kazooie after he had died by Grunty's magic hands.

Banjo very clearly has a dislike for Gruntilda, as she has attempted to murder, kidnap and torture him for the sake of completing her own selfish goals. He remains calm and level-headed, though often can be cocky in later games when seeing her. Banjo seems to have a mutual respect for Gruntilda and her powers, but is not afraid to stand up to her in most situations.

===Abilities===
[[File:B-T Banjo Kazooie art 5.png|thumb|200px|Banjo and Kazooie often utilize an ability together, such as Egg Aiming]]
Banjo cannot run very fast and his jumping often requires some bird-enabled help. When Kazooie leaves the safety of his backpack, Banjo can use it in a variety of ways, such as an [[Snooze Pack|impromptu sleeping bag]] or a [[Sack Pack|potato sack]], not to mention his [[Pack Whack]]. The backpack also seems to have an infinite storage capacity, containing most items with ease. Banjo, being a bear, is an excellent swimmer and has learned how to paddle faster and hold his breath longer. Unlike Kazooie, Banjo has the ability to [[Climb|climb structures]] and [[Grip Grab|grasp ledges]] with his fingers, allowing access to difficult to reach spots on the duo's adventures.

When Banjo is paired with Kazooie, he has a lot more skills at his disposal. The duo can perform a [[Forward Roll]] while running to attack enemies; Kazooie can use Banjo as leverage to perform the [[Rat-a-tat Rap]]; they can [[Flight|fly]] through the use of [[Flight Pad|flight pads]] and utilize Kazooie's ability to fire different types of [[eggs]].

Banjo receives assistance from two shamans, [[Mumbo Jumbo]] and [[Humba Wumba]], who are able to transform him into various creatures and objects. Each [[transformation]] has its own skills and purpose depending on the level. Notably, in ''Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge'', Banjo can use any transformation he's unlocked in a previous level in any stage, unlike previous installments, where he could only use the transformation in the level he unlocked it in.

In ''Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts'', Banjo and Kazooie have forgotten their abilities and have become obese over time. If Banjo attempts to jump in this state, he creates a small shockwave, causing the camera to shake a bit as he drops onto the ground. L.O.G. refuses to grant their abilities back, and rather has them compete against Gruntilda by creating awe-inspiring vehicles for all sorts of terrain and conditions. Kazooie is also given the Magic Wrench, which can be used for attacking enemies, carrying objects and turning pipes.

In ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', Banjo is sporting a wealth of moves he and Kazooie had learned from the Mole family, including an upside down [[Bill Drill]] to attack opponents from above and transitioning from shooting eggs to the [[Breegull Blaster]] to become a mobile turret. Banjo has also learned new moves not recognizable against previously learned from ''Banjo-Kazooie'' or ''Banjo-Tooie''. These include the ability to grab a hold of enemies with his claws, a forward haymaker punch, a grounded body slam which attacks from both sides, a high-rise kick (which requires a bit of bird assistance), and learning how to roll, dodge in  the air, and guard against attacks. With Kazooie's help he even gains a third mid-air jump and can use Talon Trot or Wonderwing to get around far quicker than Banjo alone. They utilize [[The Mighty Jinjonator]] as their Final Smash, which barrages the opponents with [[Jinjos|Jinjos]] and finally crashing into the Jinjonator to send them flying.

==Profiles and statistics==
===''Diddy Kong Racing''===
*'''''Diddy Kong Racing'' instruction manual:''' "''(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.''" 
*'''''Diddy Kong Racing'' Official Nintendo Player's Guide:''' "''When Squawks brought Diddy's call for help, Banjo didn't hestitate&ndash;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.''"
*'''Character stats'''
**'''Weight:''' Heavy
**'''Acceleration:''' 2/5
**'''Turning:''' 2/5
**'''Speed:''' 3.5/5
**'''Color:''' Turquoise

===''Banjo-Pilot''===
*'''Character stats'''
**'''Top Speed:''' 3/5
**'''Acceleration:''' 3/5
**'''Handling:''' 2/5

===''Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing with Banjo-Kazooie''===
*'''Instruction Manual'''
**'''Racer Profile:''' "''Banjo, the heroic Honey Bear, and Kazooie, the wisecracking red Breegull will race on their weird and wonderful wheels. Can the duo outperform Sonic and friends for the checkered flag?''"
**'''All-Star Move:''' "''Kazooie pulls out Mumbo's Wrench from Banjo's backpack and waves it towards the heavens sparking a magical light of energy as golden Jiggies rain down.''"
*'''Profile'''
**'''Species:''' Honey Bear
**'''1st appearance:''' [[Diddy Kong Racing]] (1997)
**'''Likes:''' Kazooie
**'''Skills:''' Plays the banjo
**'''Vehicle:''' Bolt Bucket
**'''All-Star Move:''' Jiggy Rain
*'''Description:'''
<blockquote>
"''Banjo and Kazooie are an adventurous bear and bird duo, always on hand to thwart the schemes of their nemesis, the rhyming hag Gruntilda.''

''Banjo himself is a big, amiable Honey Bear, polite and well-mannered — in stark contrast to the Red-Crested Breegull Kazooie who lives in his backpack. Loud, sarcastic and rude, Kazooie's inability to keep her beak shut often lands the pair in trouble...''

''Together they race in the Bolt Bucket, a quirky vehicle custom-built by their longstanding ally (and a real wizard in the garage) Mumbo Jumbo.''"
</blockquote>

===''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''===
====Spirit====
{|class="wikitable" align=center width=100% cellspacing=0 border=1 cellpadding=3 style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse; font-family:Arial; font-size:85%;"
|-
!rowspan=2 width=8%|Name
!rowspan=2 class=unsortable width=10%|Image
!rowspan=2 width=8%|Series / game
!rowspan=2 width=5%|Type
!rowspan=2 width=5%|Class
!rowspan=2 width=8%|Strength / effect(s)
!rowspan=2 width=13%|How to obtain
!colspan=4 width=40%|Spirit battle
|-
!width=7%|Opponent(s)
!class=unsortable width=19%|Battle conditions
!width=7%|Stage
!width=7%|Song
|-
!Banjo & Kazooie
|[[File:SSBU Banjo Kazooie Spirit.png|x100px]]
|''[[Banjo-Kazooie (series)|Banjo-Kazooie]]'' Series
|Fighter
|N/A
|N/A
|Classic Mode as Banjo & Kazooie
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|}

====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!''

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}

==Names in other languages==
{{Foreign names
|Chi=阿邦
|ChiR=
|ChiM=
|Dut=Banjo
|DutM=-
|Fra=Banjo
|FraM=-
|Ger=Banjo
|GerM=-
|Ita=Banjo
|ItaM=-
|Jap=バンジョー
|JapR=Banjō
|JapM=Banjo
|Kor=반조
|KorR=Banjo
|KorM=Banjo
|Rus=Банджо
|RusR=Bandzho
|RusM=Banjo
|Spa=Banjo
|SpaM=-
}}

==Trivia==
*An early screenshot of ''[[mariowiki:Donkey Kong 64|Donkey Kong 64]]'' revealed that Banjo and Kazooie's heads would appear on a shower stall in Donkey Kong's Treehouse.
*In promotional material, Banjo states that his shorts "are a family heirloom" and that he needs "to patch them up every so often when bits start to fall off", and as a consequence of this, "there’s not much of the original material left".<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/BanjoKazooie/comments/5s2fna/banjokazooie_facebook_qas/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share Archive on Reddit of the Banjo-Kazooie Facebook Q&A]</ref>
*Banjo, along with [[Mumbo Jumbo]] and [[Tiptup]], were considered playable for ''[[mariowiki:Diddy Kong Racing Adventure|Diddy Kong Racing Adventure]]'', a rejected pitch made by {{wp|Climax Group}} for the {{wp|Nintendo GameCube}}.<ref>PtoPOnline. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6d5IbpzFtw Diddy Kong Racing Adventure : The Undeveloped Gamecube Racer]. YouTube.</ref>

==References==
<references/>
{{BK}}
{{BT}}
{{GR}}
{{BP}}
{{N&B}}
[[Category:Bears]]
[[Category:Characters in Banjo-Kazooie]]
[[Category:Characters in Banjo-Tooie]]
[[Category:Characters in Grunty's Revenge]]
[[Category:Characters in Banjo-Pilot]]
[[Category:Characters in Nuts & Bolts]]
[[Category:Males]]
[[Category:Mammals]]