Donkey Kong is back—and bigger than ever. Donkey Kong Bananza is set to be one of the standout platforming titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, taking the iconic ape out of traditional side-scrolling environments and dropping him into a vast, semi-open 3D world brimming with exploration, secrets, and classic jungle mayhem.
A New Era of Platforming
For the first time since Donkey Kong 64, players will take full control of DK in a 3D environment designed to encourage free-roaming discovery. Instead of tightly linear levels, the game features massive hubs with branching pathways, hidden objectives, and a wide range of platforming challenges.
From banana-laden treetops and minecart-ridden caves to lava-spewing volcanoes and tropical towns, Bananza captures the essence of classic Donkey Kong with a bold new structure.
Dynamic Movement and Co-op Play
Donkey Kong’s signature movement set returns with expanded mechanics—players can now wall-jump, use vines to swing across massive gaps, and perform charged slams to open up new routes. Diddy Kong also returns as a playable companion, offering local drop-in co-op or AI support for solo players.
Each character features unique abilities: DK handles heavy lifting and brute strength, while Diddy brings agility, jetpack segments, and trick shots with his peanut blasters. Swapping between the two mid-level adds a layer of strategy to puzzles and combat encounters.
A World Full of Bananas—and Danger
In Bananza, collecting bananas isn’t just about high scores. Bananas are used as currency to unlock gear, new areas, and power-ups. Players can upgrade their strength, learn new combos, and craft tools to access secret paths.
The game also introduces wild boss encounters, each featuring unique mechanics tied to the world they inhabit—expect to fight giant jungle beasts, corrupted temple spirits, and pirate Kremlings with oversized weapons.
Designed for Next-Gen Nintendo
Powered by the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, Donkey Kong Bananza runs at a smooth 60 FPS with high-definition textures, dynamic lighting, and fast loading zones. The game also supports quick travel between previously unlocked regions, making exploration seamless.
Expect support for HD rumble, motion-assisted vine swings, and optional touchscreen menus for inventory and map management.
Coming Later This Year
Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled to launch during the 2025 holiday season. With its fresh take on a fan-favorite character and a massive world to explore, it’s already shaping up to be a must-play for platforming fans and long-time DK enthusiasts alike.
