Get ready to swing into action with Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo’s latest 3D platformer launching on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025! This chaotic, terrain-smashing adventure takes Donkey Kong into a vibrant hollow Earth, blending the open-world magic of Super Mario Odyssey with a destructive twist. After diving into previews, developer insights, and fan buzz, I’m here to break down why this game is a must-play, what makes it unique, and a few quirks to watch for. Plus, there’s a surprise character twist that’s got everyone talking!
Table of Contents:
- 1 What Is Donkey Kong Bananza?
- 2 Gameplay: Smash, Explore, Transform!
- 3 Environments That Pop
- 4 Customization and Extras
- 5 Does Donkey Kong Help Mario?
- 6 What’s the Hardest Level?
- 7 Why Switch 2?
- 8 Potential Hiccups
- 9 Should You Go Bananas?
- 9.1 What is Donkey Kong Bananza?
- 9.2 What is the co-op mode like?
- 9.3 Can I customize my characters?
- 9.4 What is DK Artist mode?
- 9.5 What are voxels?
- 9.6 Are amiibo supported?
- 9.7 What kind of environments can I expect?
- 9.8 How does the two-player co-op work?
- 9.9 What makes this game different from previous Donkey Kong titles?
- 9.10 What is the game’s release date?
What Is Donkey Kong Bananza?
Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D platformer where Donkey Kong, the iconic gorilla who famously eats bananas (his fruit of choice for health and power-ups), teams up with a young Pauline to chase down VoidCo—a gang of villainous apes stealing Banandium Gems, golden banana-shaped diamonds. After a storm sends Donkey Kong crashing into Ingot Isle, you explore layered, underground worlds to reclaim the gems and reach the planet’s core, where a wish might just come true. Developed by Nintendo EPD, the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, this game feels like a bold evolution of the Donkey Kong franchise.
Gameplay: Smash, Explore, Transform!
What makes Bananza different from previous Donkey Kong titles? It’s the first 3D Donkey Kong game since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64, swapping linear platforming for a sandbox-style adventure with destructible environments. Powered by voxel technology—think 3D pixels that let you break and reshape terrain like digital LEGO—Donkey Kong can punch, slap, and tear through walls, floors, and even mountains to uncover secrets, create paths, or chuck debris at enemies. It’s like Red Faction meets Mario, and it’s ridiculously fun.
- Moveset: Donkey Kong rolls, jumps, climbs most surfaces, and throws objects. Classics like the hand slap and roll jump from Donkey Kong Country are back, feeling punchy and precise.
- Bananza Transformations: Collect gold to fill a “Bananergy” meter, letting DK transform into animals via Pauline’s singing. Go beefy Kong for extra strength, speedy Zebra to dash across water, or Ostrich to glide and drop egg bombs. Transformations are time-limited but swappable on the fly.
- Collectibles: Hunt Banandium Gems (like Power Moons) to upgrade skills, plus gold for currency, Banandium Chips for trading, fossils for outfits, and music tracks for an in-game player. Balloons save you from falls, keeping exploration smooth.
- Co-op Mode: The two-player co-op is a blast! Player one controls Donkey Kong, while player two takes Pauline, who blasts explosive projectiles or guides DK with musical paths. It’s available locally or online on Switch 2, and locally on the original Switch. The co-op feels seamless, with Pauline’s abilities complementing DK’s brute force.
Environments That Pop
What kind of environments can you expect? Bananza’s underground layers are a visual feast: lush tropical jungles, fiery lava caverns, icy tundras, and glowing crystal caves. Each world feels alive with NPCs like Cranky Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Rambi, offering missions, tips, or Gems. The art direction bursts with vibrant colors, and Donkey Kong’s redesigned look—thicker fur and expressive eyes inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie—adds charm.
Customization and Extras
Can I customize my characters? Absolutely! Trade fossils for outfits like funky hats, colorful fur, or themed gear for Donkey Kong and Pauline. Some outfits boost stats, like faster swimming or reduced damage, adding a strategic twist.
What is DK Artist Mode? This creative gem lets you carve and paint sculptures using the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls. It’s a fun break from smashing, perfect for crafting banana-shaped masterpieces or quirky designs.
Are Amiibo supported? Yes! Scan Bananza-themed DK and Pauline Amiibo for a special Pauline costume, or use existing DK Amiibo for explosive gold tiles. Other Amiibo summon helpful spheres to aid exploration.
Other extras include:
- Photo Mode: Capture and customize screenshots with a free-moving camera.
- Assist Mode: Guides you to objectives and reduces damage, great for new players.
- Soundtrack: Remixes of classics like “DK Island Swing” and the DK Rap by David Wise and Grant Kirkhope keep the vibes high.
Does Donkey Kong Help Mario?
In Bananza, Mario takes a backseat, but there’s a nod to their history. The game hints at Donkey Kong and Mario’s arcade-era rivalry through lore, with Pauline’s role tying back to the original Donkey Kong game. Donkey Kong doesn’t directly help Mario here, but their shared universe adds fun Easter eggs for longtime fans.
What’s the Hardest Level?
While Donkey Kong Bananza is a new game, fans of the franchise might wonder about tough challenges like those in Donkey Kong Land (a 1995 Game Boy title). In Land, the hardest level is often cited as Construction Site Fight in World 4, with its tricky platforming and relentless enemies. In Bananza, early previews suggest the Magma Core, a late-game stage, could be the toughest, with intense platforming, environmental hazards, and a boss fight requiring precise timing. We’ll need to play the final version to confirm!
Why Switch 2?
Originally planned for the original Switch, Bananza shifted to Switch 2 in 2021 to support its destruction-heavy gameplay. The upgraded hardware handles more objects, smoother visuals, and fewer frame-rate drops (though some persist, per testers). The Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls also enhance co-op and DK Artist Mode.
Potential Hiccups
Bananza isn’t perfect. Some testers reported motion sickness from the chaotic destruction—adjusting sensitivity helps. Performance dips can hit during busy scenes, and the game feels slightly less polished than Odyssey. Early leaks have also spread spoilers online, so dodge social media if you want a fresh experience.
Should You Go Bananas?
Donkey Kong Bananza is a wild, joyous leap for the franchise. Its destructible voxel worlds, quirky transformations, and co-op charm make it a standout for Switch 2. If you loved Super Mario Odyssey or crave a fresh Donkey Kong adventure, pre-order now (available at retailers like Amazon). Hesitant about bugs? Wait for patches post-launch.
This is Nintendo’s love letter to Donkey Kong fans, blending nostalgia with bold new ideas. Just watch out for spoilers, and maybe keep a banana handy for the ride!
What is Donkey Kong Bananza?
It’s a Nintendo Switch 2 game featuring Donkey Kong and Pauline in a subterranean adventure with voxel-based environments.
What is the co-op mode like?
One player controls Donkey Kong, while the other plays as Pauline, who can use vocal blasts and copy terrain for attacks.
Can I customize my characters?
Yes, you can customize Donkey Kong and Pauline with outfits and other cosmetic items, some of which offer stat boosts, like improved swimming or reduced damage.
What is DK Artist mode?
It’s a creative mode where players can sculpt and paint with voxels, allowing for unique creations and artistic expression.
What are voxels?
Voxels are the building blocks of the game’s environments, allowing for flexible and destructible terrain with varying properties.
Are amiibo supported?
Yes, the Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo unlocks the Diva Dress outfit for Pauline.
What kind of environments can I expect?
The game features diverse environments like arid canyons, lush forests, and frigid tundra as you explore the game’s layers.
How does the two-player co-op work?
One player controls Donkey Kong, while the other controls Pauline, who can ride on DK’s shoulder and use her voice to attack enemies and interact with the environment.
What makes this game different from previous Donkey Kong titles?
Bananza introduces voxel-based environments, a focus on co-op gameplay with Pauline, and the DK Artist mode.
What is the game’s release date?
Donkey Kong Bananza is released on Thursday, July 17.
