3D Action ADV "Yooka-Laylee" Released Today. Latest Game from Studio Founded by Former Rare Developers Behind "Banjo-Kazooie"

Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/806/G080632/20251008033/

Editorial Department: Chihiro | 2025/10/09 07:00 (UTC)

PM Studios and Playtonic have released Yooka-Replaylee on October 9, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch 2 / PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X|S / PC (※).
※ The PC version will be released at 23:00 on October 9.

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.008 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

This title is a remake of the 2017 3D action adventure game Yooka-Laylee, developed by Playtonic—a studio founded by former Rare staff who worked on iconic series such as “Banjo-Kazooie” and “Super Donkey Kong.”

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.001 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

The new remake features enhanced graphics, brand-new actions designed to deliver fresh experiences, additional areas, and meticulous refinements across every detail—making it a fully reimagined original title. The price is 3,400 yen (tax included), with a 10% discount on launch for first-time players.

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.005 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie” Thumbnail image for Gallery No.006 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

<Below is the official press release text, reproduced as-is>


A nostalgic yet fresh adventure with a loyal duo!
“Yooka-Replaylee” launches today on PC, PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.008 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

On October 9, 2025, developer Playtonic and publisher PM Studios are proud to announce the worldwide simultaneous release of “Yooka-Replaylee” on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2.

This open-world 3D platform adventure reimagines the acclaimed game “Yooka-Laylee,” created by key staff who previously worked on titles like “Banjo-Kazooie” and “Super Donkey Kong.” Beyond upgraded graphics, it’s a completely new experience featuring brand-new actions, additional areas and elements, and thorough refinements across every detail—designed to deliver something truly fresh.

The base price is 3,400 yen on all platforms. A special 10% launch discount is available for first-time players. Additionally, those who already own the original “Yooka-Laylee” on Steam, PS4, or Xbox One can get a 30% discount when purchasing the digital version of “Yooka-Replaylee” on the same platform (PS4 owners receive the PS5 version discount; Xbox One owners get the Xbox Series version discount).

Trailer: https://youtu.be/spXZHz4ZXUY

From Gavin Price, Director at Playtonic:
“We wanted to return to where Yooka and Laylee’s journey began—but not just with a polished-up version. We aimed to give players something more than nostalgia. ‘Yooka-Replaylee’ offers a fresh experience: every mechanic, world, and encounter has been reimagined from the ground up to deliver surprise and discovery. For those who played the original, it will feel familiar yet full of delight; for newcomers, this is the perfect time to dive in.”

From Michael Yum, CEO at PM Studios:
“Today is a fantastic day. We’re thrilled to celebrate the release of ‘Yooka-Replaylee’ alongside Playtonic—a legendary team that helped define this genre. This launch goes beyond just another game—it’s an opportunity for players worldwide—whether new or long-time fans—to rediscover the joy of platform adventure. We’re proud to offer both digital and physical versions (※), reflecting our commitment to supporting great games across all generations.”

※ A Japanese physical edition is planned, with further details announced later.

■ About “Yooka-Replaylee”

  • A brand-new experience in action, content, and even translation!
    This game is not merely a graphical upgrade of the 3D adventure “Yooka-Laylee,” created by key staff behind “Banjo-Kazooie” and “Super Donkey Kong.” It’s an entirely new title featuring double the content, brand-new areas, challenges, collectibles (including twice as many Pajies!), customization options, and newly added actions and combos—all crafted to deliver a complete reimagining. Additionally, the Japanese translation has been completely redone from scratch.

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.001 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.002 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie” Thumbnail image for Gallery No.003 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

  • A story re-told
    Watch as cheeky embellishments appear when Yooka and Laylee recall their adventure! The narrative unfolds in a brand-new, storybook-style format enhanced by newly introduced sequences throughout the game.

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.004 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

  • Complete gameplay overhaul
    To deliver fluid, expressive action, entirely new moves and combos have been introduced. Other actions have also been fine-tuned and upgraded for improved feel and precision. Enhanced camera controls make timing your maneuvers easier than ever.

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.005 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie” Thumbnail image for Gallery No.006 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

An orchestral soundtrack fit for a dream
The legendary compositions by David Wise (“Super Donkey Kong”), Grant Kirkhope (“Banjo-Kazooie”), and Steve Burke (“Kameo: Elements of Power”) return, beautifully arranged in lush orchestral scores. Plus, new tracks composed by Dan Murdoch and Matt Griffin are included. It’s time to clean your ears before the game begins.

Additionally, enjoy a brand-new in-game arcade game, a fresh currency system with mini-challenges, an expanded world navigation system that helps you find 300 Pajies, and exciting new items provided by VENDI—there’s more than enough reason to call this a truly new experience.

Thumbnail image for Gallery No.007 / 3D Action Adventure “Yooka-Replaylee” released today. Latest title from the studio formed by former Rare staff who worked on “Banjo-Kazooie”

For the latest updates, follow our official social media channels.

Product Information
Title: Yooka-Replaylee
Genre: Open-world 3D Platform Adventure
Players: 1
Platforms: Steam / Nintendo Switch 2 / PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series
Release Date: October 9, 2025 (JST) – 23:00 on Steam, 16:00 on consoles
Price: 3,400 yen (includes launch sale and discounts for previous owners of the original game on Steam, PS4, and Xbox One. The Switch 2 version includes only a 10% launch discount)
Developed by: Playtonic Games
Published by: PM Studios, Inc., Playtonic Friends
Languages Supported: Japanese / English / French / Italian / German / Spanish / Korean / Russian / Simplified Chinese / Portuguese