After more than a decade of silence, Donkey Kong returns not with nostalgia, but with a vengeance. Donkey Kong Bananza, launching July 17 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, is not just another platformer — it’s a full-blown reinvention of one of gaming’s most iconic mascots.
Developed by Nintendo EPD, the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza trades jungle vines for subterranean chaos. Players descend into Lingot Island’s underground world, where every wall, floor, and structure is destructible. The deeper you go, the more secrets you uncover — and the more bananas you reclaim from the enigmatic corporate villain, VoidCo
Gameplay That Dares to Break the Mold
Bananza’s core mechanic is destruction. Donkey Kong doesn’t just jump — he pulverizes. With each punch, terrain crumbles, revealing hidden paths and treasures. It’s a tactile, kinetic experience that turns exploration into excavation.
But the real surprise? Pauline, the original damsel from the 1981 arcade game, returns as a playable co-op partner. Her musical abilities trigger transformations, allowing DK to morph into creatures like a zebra or ostrich, each with unique traversal powers
A Platformer With Depth — Literally
Unlike traditional platformers, Bananza introduces verticality and environmental manipulation. Lava hardens on ice. Debris triggers chain reactions. The game’s physics aren’t just aesthetic — they’re strategic.
Players can upgrade abilities using Banandium gems, unlocking new powers via a skill tree that’s refreshingly non-linear. It’s a system that rewards experimentation over grind.
Why This Matters
Bananza isn’t just a game — it’s a statement. Nintendo is signaling that its legacy characters aren’t museum pieces. They’re evolving. And in an industry saturated with remakes and safe sequels, this is a bold move.
Donkey Kong isn’t chasing nostalgia. He’s smashing through it.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 17, 2025 |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Developer | Nintendo EPD (Super Mario Odyssey team) |
| Price | $69.99 digital / $79.99 physical |
| Co-op Mode | Yes — local with Pauline |
| File Size | ~10GB |
| Amiibo Support | Yes — unlocks cosmetic bonuses |
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