Rare classics heading to Xbox Live Arcade?

Many gamers have been holding on to the hope that Nintendo’s Virtual Console service will one day play host to Rare’s rich catalogue of retro titles – but online rumours suggest that Xbox 360’s Live Arcade might pip it to the post.

Xbox Evolved

claims that a joint agreement between Microsoft, Rare, James Bond movie studio MGM and Bond video game licence holder Activision has paved the way for N64 classic Goldeneye to arrive on Microsoft’s online platform.

It goes on to claim that the release will be timed to coincide with that of Activision’s upcoming new Bond game. There are also claims that the game will undergo a graphical overhaul.

In addition, the site states that a number of Rare’s older titles may also be heading to Live Arcade, naming Perfect Dark and Banjo Kazooie.