Discover Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest 3D open-world platformer released July 17, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2. Join Donkey Kong and Pauline in an underground quest for Banandium Gems.
Launch Date: July 17, 2025
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence)
Developer: Nintendo EPD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Game Mode: Single-player with optional two-player co-op
Released on July 17, 2025, Donkey Kong Bananza is a vibrant 3D open-world platformer that swings onto the Nintendo Switch 2, marking a significant milestone for the Donkey Kong series. Unveiled during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, this title is the first 3D platformer in the franchise since Donkey Kong 64 and shifts away from the traditional Donkey Kong Country formula. Crafted by Nintendo EPD Tokyo, the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, and overseen by producer Kenta Motokura, the game introduces a mining-themed adventure set in a fantastical underground world.
The story kicks off on Ingot Isle, a remote land rumored to hold Banandium, a coveted resource. Donkey Kong, joined by a team of Prospector Monkeys, ventures into the island’s depths to secure this treasure. Their plans are disrupted when VoidCo, a rogue primate syndicate, steals the Banandium Gems—Golden Bananas with immense power—and triggers a catastrophic cave-in, plunging Donkey Kong into the Underground World. There, he encounters the Odd Rock, a peculiar entity revealed to be Pauline, a 13-year-old singer with a knack for music. Together, they navigate layered subterranean realms, pursuing VoidCo to reclaim the gems and reach the Planet Core, a legendary place said to fulfill desires. The Underground World blends rocky landscapes with surreal open skies, populated by stone-based creatures, from allies to foes, and features the return of King K. Rool as a cunning adversary.
Donkey Kong Bananza delivers sprawling 3D environments packed with collectibles, enemies, and NPCs. Players guide Donkey Kong, whose strength drives the gameplay, allowing him to smash terrain, climb surfaces, and execute moves like the Roll Jump or Hand Slap, which doubles as a sonar to detect hidden items. The game’s stages are highly interactive, with destructible terrain ranging from fragile dirt to tough stone, enabling players to carve paths or uncover secrets. Banandium Gems, similar to Super Mario Odyssey’s Power Moons, are key collectibles tied to missions, while gold is scattered for additional rewards.
Pauline’s musical talents add a unique layer, creating melodic paths to guide players or breaking barriers set by VoidCo. In co-op mode, a second player can control Pauline, who wields terrain-based projectiles. Ancient Elders grant “Bananza powers,” transforming Donkey Kong into forms like the swift Zebra Bananza or the airborne Ostrich Bananza, each offering distinct abilities for exploration and combat.
Collecting Banandium Gems unlocks Skill Points, which players can use to enhance Donkey Kong’s health, attack power, or Bananza form durations via the “Skills” menu. The “Smashin’ Stats” system tracks terrain destruction, rewarding players with gold and gems for milestones. A creative side mode, DK Artist, allows players to sculpt using the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, offering a fun diversion from the main quest.
Donkey Kong leads as the hero, with Pauline, fully voiced as the Odd Rock, as his key companion. VoidCo, led by Void Kong, Grumpy Kong, and Poppy Kong, serves as the primary antagonistic force, with King K. Rool pulling strings in the background. Allies like Cranky Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Rambi make appearances, joined by new characters like the Prospector Monkeys and the Elders. Enemies, often terrain-themed, include Antickoids carrying Banandium, Buzzoids tossing rocks, and Crockoids wielding clubs. Bosses like the Peekabruiser and Inflammonite challenge players across diverse layers like the Lagoon and Freezer Layers.
The game showcases a modernized Donkey Kong design inspired by Shigehisa Nakaue’s 2D artwork, optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2. Full voice acting for Pauline enhances the storytelling. Promoted through Nintendo Treehouse: Live events on April 3–4, 2025, and a dedicated Donkey Kong Bananza Direct on June 18, 2025, the game emphasizes exploration, destruction, and cooperative play in a dynamic world.
Donkey Kong Bananza
