Banjo-Tooie XBLA: Why Bottles' Revenge Was Cut & What's Included Instead

Bottles' Revenge—the competitive multiplayer mode from the N64 original—is completely absent from the Xbox Live Arcade version of Banjo-Tooie. Here's why, and what you do get.

Why It Was Removed

• Strict Size Limits: XBLA titles originally had a 150–350 MB cap. The mode's assets—character models, AI routines, dedicated maps—pushed against that ceiling.
• Development Priorities: 4J Studios focused on delivering a flawless port of the core adventure. Extra modes risked delays and certification failures.
• Architecture Challenges: Porting N64 microcode-heavy content to the Xbox 360's PowerPC architecture was non-trivial. The mode's unique logic didn't translate cleanly.

What Is Included in the XBLA Version

• The complete single-player campaign: all worlds, Jiggies, moves, and secrets intact
• Stop 'n' Swop connectivity with Banjo-Kazooie (XBLA)—unlocks exclusive content across both games
• Full achievement list, leaderboards, HD rendering (720p), and widescreen support

How to Play Bottles' Revenge Today

You'll need either:

• Original N64 cartridge + GameShark/Action Replay cheat device
• Rare Replay (Xbox One/Series/PC)—includes the original N64 ROM with the mode accessible

The core game remains a masterpiece. For the full multiplayer experience, Rare Replay is your best modern option.