Donkey Kong: Bananza revealed during Nintendo Switch 2 Direct
For the first time since 1999, Donkey Kong is back for a new 3D platforming adventure. Donkey Kong: Bananza is a fresh take on the popular Nintendo character.
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The final game announcement during today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was not a 3D Mario game. Instead, it was a completely fresh take on a 3D Donkey Kong game, following in the footsteps of Donkey Kong 64. Donkey Kong: Bananza. Eagle-eyed viewers might have noticed that in the January Switch 2 reveal trailer, Donkey Kong looked different than he has usually appeared, now we know why.
Donkey Kong: Bananza, a new 3D Donkey Kong game revealed during Switch 2 Direct
The popular character Donkey Kong has appeared in nearly every Mario spin off imaginable. He is a staple in Mario Kart, including the Mario Kart World, and appears in games like the Mario Party franchise and every Mario sports game. But when it comes to his own games, Donkey Kong has mostly been stuck in the 2D realm. Not since Donkey Kong 64 for the Nintendo 64 in 1999 has the loveable ape appeared in his own 3D world.
Donkey Kong: Bananza takes place in a strange underground world. The trailer shows Donkey Kong explore massive open areas full of strange enemies and atmospheric landscapes. The character appears much more animated and cartoonish than he has in the past, sporting a new design and even a pair of overalls. A large part of the freedom of exploration looks like it will come from destructible environments.
Donkey Kong is shown diving straight into the ground, pounding the ground, and even picking up a piece of rubble and smashing through the landscape. If this mechanic can be applied to almost anywhere in this game, it could be a revolutionary gameplay experience. But Nintendo is known for pulling off things like that already, and it seems the Nintendo Switch 2 will be a strict upgrade from the original console.
We don’t know much about Donkey Kong: Bananza outside of this Super Mario Odyssey’s Cappy. This purple rock-like creature appears to ride around over Donkey Kong’s shoulder. A few moments also showed us glimpses of other characters bursting with personality, and perhaps a glimpse at potential boss fights and major enemies.
Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to know more. Donkey Kong: Bananza will launch just a little over a month after the Nintendo Switch 2, on July 17th, 2025.
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