Explore every Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, ranked from Cranky to Donkey Kong, in this new Nintendo Switch 2 adventure.
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Keyword: Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza, launched on July 17, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch 2, brings a fresh 3D open-world adventure to the iconic franchise. This game stands apart from the Donkey Kong Country series and Donkey Kong 64, introducing new characters and familiar faces in a mining-themed underground world. With a cast of Kongs, from heroes to villains, each plays a unique role in the story and gameplay. Below, every Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza is ranked based on their impact, utility, and presence in the game. For players looking to enhance their gaming experience, PlaySwap offers a trusted marketplace for buying, selling, and trading gaming accounts and in-game items, including those for Donkey Kong Bananza. Explore more about the game on PlaySwap’s blog.
Role: Supporting Character
Cranky Kong, the wise elder of the Kong family, makes a brief but nostalgic appearance in Donkey Kong Bananza. Known as the original Donkey Kong from the 1981 arcade classic, he rides into the Underground World on Rambi, offering tidbits of lore and a single Banandium Gem as a reward. While his presence ties the game to its roots, his limited role lands him at the bottom of the rankings. His grumpy charm and historical significance are appreciated, but more involvement could have elevated his impact.
Role: Cameo Racers
The dynamic duo of Diddy and Dixie Kong, beloved from Donkey Kong Country and its sequels, appears in the Racing Layer for a thrilling Rambi Rumble race against Donkey Kong. Their energy and chemistry, seen in games like Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, shine briefly, but their contribution is confined to this single event. A mention of Candy Kong by Dixie hints at deeper lore, yet their minimal screen time keeps them lower on the list. More races or interactions could have boosted their ranking.
Role: Mystical Guide
Among the five Elders granting Bananza transformations, the Kong Elder stands out for providing the Kong Bananza form, turning Donkey Kong into a hulking powerhouse capable of smashing through nearly anything. This transformation, fueled by Bananergy collected from gold, enhances gameplay significantly. While not a traditional Kong, the Kong Elder’s ape-like nature and pivotal role in unlocking Donkey Kong’s strength earn a mid-tier spot. Limited backstory and screen time prevent a higher placement.
Role: Villain-Turned-Ally
Poppy Kong, a new face in the VoidCo syndicate, brings a stealthy flair as a corporate spy wielding invisibility potions. Her ninja-like abilities make her battles intriguing, though she faces Donkey Kong less frequently than other villains. Her eventual shift to an ally, aiding Donkey Kong’s escape from a VoidCo trap, adds depth to her character. While her behind-the-scenes role is compelling, more direct confrontations could have pushed her higher in the rankings.
Role: Villainous Engineer
Grumpy Kong, another VoidCo newcomer, serves as the mastermind behind the syndicate’s mechanical enemies and bosses. His technical prowess makes him a formidable foe, clashing with Donkey Kong multiple times across the Underground World. True to his name, his surly attitude contrasts with his passion for engineering, making him a standout. His post-game return as an ally adds a surprising twist, securing his high ranking for both impact and frequency.
Role: Protagonist
Donkey Kong takes center stage as the heart of Donkey Kong Bananza, delivering a performance that redefines the character. His enhanced strength allows terrain-shattering gameplay, a step up from previous titles like Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong 64. Expressive animations convey his personality without dialogue, while his partnership with Pauline adds emotional depth. This game showcases Donkey Kong as a true powerhouse, making him the undeniable top Kong in both story and gameplay.
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Donkey Kong Bananza
