The gaming world is about to go bananas as Donkey Kong makes his triumphant return to 3D platforming with Donkey Kong Bananza, launching July 17th, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. After a 26-year hiatus, Nintendo’s iconic ape embarks on a brand-new underground adventure to recover stolen golden bananas from the dastardly Void Company.
Smash, Transform, and Explore
Donkey Kong Bananza promises an exhilarating gameplay experience, with key features that set it apart from previous entries:
- Smashable Environments: Players can bash through walls and carve tunnels, unlocking new areas through environmental destruction, encouraging exploration.
- Bananza Transformations: Donkey Kong gains unique abilities like smashing obstacles as Kong form or galloping at high speed as a Zebra, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Two-Player Co-Op: Team up locally with a friend, with one player controlling Donkey Kong and the other as Pauline. Pauline can blast foes with her voice, combining their distinct skills for cooperative gameplay.
- Diverse Underground Worlds: Explore varied underground settings like forests, canyons, and lagoons while racing against Void Kong to reach the planet’s core first, promising diverse gameplay experiences.
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“The More You Smash, the More Areas Open Up”
As a showcase title for Nintendo’s next-gen hardware, Donkey Kong Bananza leverages the Switch 2’s enhanced performance for expansive worlds and dynamic interactions. According to developers, the game emphasizes nostalgic appeal and innovative mechanics through player-driven exploration: “The more you smash, the more areas open up to you.”
With its emphasis on environmental destruction, transformation abilities, and cooperative gameplay, Donkey Kong Bananza promises a fresh take on the classic platformer genre. As Nintendo’s iconic ape swings back into action, players can pre-order their copy and prepare to go bananas on July 17th, 2025.
