I hadn't expected to get some Donkey Kong Bananza news that'd put me in a bad enough mood to rival Cranky Kong this morning, but there we go. What's got me so glum, you ask? Nintendo just pulled back the curtain on some amazing DK-themed merch from the new game, and it looks incredible.
Wait, I hear you ask. Isn't that a good thing? Well, yes. But there's more. You see, it's Japan-exclusive. Any Donkey Kong Bananza fans in the US or UK are unfortunately out of luck if they want to snaffle up this gear. With all the hype surrounding the game now that that the Donkey Kong Bananza review embargo has lifted, many of us would likely have snapped up this merch (which can only be purchased from the Japanese Nintendo Store and includes everything from plushies to keychains) faster than DK can smash apart those crystal bananas. Luckily, there's still some decent Donkey Kong Bananza collectibles available for the rest of us.
The best Donkey Kong merch available now
Top of that list is, of course, the Bananza Amiibo which is available for $29.99 at Amazon (or £16.99 from Nintendo if you're based in the UK). This recreates DK's new look in his now-iconic pose and has him joined by Pauline, who's clinging on to his tie for dear life. Besides being a fetching statue to go on your shelf or desk, it's also got in-game functionality.
In a similar vein, you can also grab a Lego Donkey Kong from Mario Kart for $29.49 at Amazon instead of $34.99 right now. Even though it's not strictly based on his new design, you can't tell because of the figure's bricky nature. There are plenty of other Lego sets on Amazon featuring DK's extended family too, so it's probably the most comprehensive list of merch for anyone bitten by the Bananza bug.
Personally speaking, the thing I'm most disappointed not to have from Japan's Bananza merch is the plush DK with his new design. It's the first plushie I've seen in a while that captures his massive arms, giving him the muscular look he has in the games. Those hand-towels are also very snazzy. Come on Nintendo, can you throw us a bone (or should I say, banana)?
More Nintendo goodies
- See all Donkey Kong merch at Amazon
- Donkey Kong Amiibo: From $18.99 at Amazon
- Hallmark Nintendo ornaments: From $11.99 at Amazon
- Hallmark gaming ornaments: From $5.77 at Amazon
Want to get your new console all ready for vacation? Check out the best Nintendo Switch accessories, or the best Nintendo Switch cases.
