After over two decades, Donkey Kong Bananza is set to bring us a new 3D adventure starring the famous tie-wearing gorilla. With plenty of smashing action, lots of bananas, and a little rock companion set to join us as a new sidekick, we got our first first official look at DK's exciting comeback during the big Switch 2 April Direct.
Promising to bring us creative platforming goodness that will play to DK's strength, Nintendo shared lots of details about Donkey Kong Bananza - with a series of Treehouse streams that gave us a closer look at the some the platforming levels, on top of all of the features we can unpack from the initial reveal trailer. Fans have also been keeping their eyes peeled for more on the upcoming Switch 2 game, with many theorizing that it might have multiplayer and possibly be in development from the same team that brought us Mario Odyssey.
With lots of Switch 2 Direct news in recent months - including confirmation of the Switch 2 price and release date - it's an exciting time for Nintendo fans, and DK's return promises to be one of the biggest new games for 2025 that's landing on the new-gen console. For a full recap of everything we know so far about Donkey Kong Bananza, read on below.
Donkey Kong Bananza release date
Nintendo revealed the Donkey Kong Bananza release date is set for July 17, 2025. That means we won't have to wait too long to reunite with the famous ape.
With the Direct confirming the Switch 2 set for launch on June 5, Donkey Kong's upcoming 3D adventure will be one of the earliest releases on the new console, alongside a lineup of Switch 2 launch games.
Donkey Kong Bananza platforms
Nintendo confirmed Donkey Kong Bananza will be coming to the Switch 2 as a console exclusive. Yes, that means it won't also be release on the original Switch among the line up of upcoming Switch games.
The new-gen console will have backwards compatibility and some Switch games will be getting the Switch 2 Edition treatment, but Donkey Kong Bananza is new-gen only.
Donkey Kong Bananza trailer
The Donkey Kong Bananza trailer (which you can watch above) showed off some of the platforming levels that will be in store for us, from icy landscapes to jungle tundra, and more.
As a 3D adventure, it already looks very polished and inviting, and the platforming levels appear to be quite open-zoned in nature - in a similar vein to the likes of Kirby and the Forgotten. We also see plenty of smashing action as DK tears up the landscape above ground and below it.
Donkey Kong Bananza gameplay
We got to see some glimpses of Donkey Kong Bananza gameplay in the announcement trailer, with DK crashing through the terrain in a variety of ways. From pulling up the earth, to crashing through the ground, and even bashing down below, we got to see some examples of the "groundbreaking exploration" that's in store for us.
Nintendo's official website for the game also sheds light on some gameplay details, including the fact that we'll be helping Donkey Kong make his way "through the depths of the underground world", and the "deeper he goes, the more amazing places he finds." True to his nature, he also wants to get his hands on some shiny golden bananas, but a pesky mysterious group called VoidCo steals them. So, in hot pursuit of the a-peeling treasure, we have to help DK chase them down by heading underground.
Described as a "destructive" adventure, there will be all manner of ways to traverse through the landscape and "pulverize" the environment with our monkey fists. In the trailer, we see lots of examples, from rail kart rides to climbing, rolling, and drilling down into the ground.
In a Nintendo Treehouse stream following the Switch 2 Direct, we got to take a closer look at some Donkey Bananza gameplay, which took us underground in a mining area. From seeing DK slap the ground to collect nearby items, to using chunks of terrain to clear obstacles, and break up the environment, we were also introduced to a new sidekick in the form of a little purple rock known as Odd Rock.
Every so often, you come across hazards such a Void terrain that's resistant to your smashing powers, but that's where Odd Rock comes in. Together, the little rock can help you clear the root cause of the Void terrain in order to clear it, and you also sing with your companion to find your way if you're not sure where to go next.
While we're still waiting to learn more about what other characters we may meet during DK's smashing adventure, curiously, a supposed leak suggests a younger Pauline may also factor into the game.
During our time playing the demo at the Switch 2 Experience, we also learned that you'll be able to smash the terrain around you using motion controls as well. There is also a 3D map that will reflect all your ape destruction as well, updating as you change the world around you. And if you were planning to destroy the map completely, don't worry: there's a handy "reset terrain" feature that will make sure you never get stuck or miss out on anything either.
Can I pre-order Donkey Kong Bananza?
With Switch 2 pre-orders live, you can also now pre-order Donkey Kong Bananza ahead of its launch this July. Both the digital and physical versions are available to purchase for the $69.99 from the official Nintendo store. Digital copies in the UK retail at £58.99, while the physical version clocks in at £66.99. Pre-orders are also live at some of the biggest retailers.
While we wait for this new adventure to arrive, look back on the previous consoles highlights with our pick of the best Switch exclusives.
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