Donkey Kong Swings Back: Bananza Promises a Wild Ride
A Kong-Sized Adventure Awaits
Get ready, gamers! The world of Donkey Kong is about to get a fresh coat of paint with Donkey Kong Bananza. This exciting new 3D platformer, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, promises a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected allies and plenty of banana-fueled action, releasing July 17, 2025.
Unearthing Banandium and New Abilities
The game commences on Ingot Isle. Here, Donkey Kong stumbles upon the coveted Golden Bananas, known as Banandium gems, deep inside a cave system. Suddenly, a mysterious storm conjured by the villainous Voidco throws him into the planet’s core. There, he meets the songstress Pauline, transformed into a singing rock formation. Together, they venture through underground zones, utilizing explosive attacks, vocal magic, and cooperative gameplay.
DK will also acquire new maneuvers throughout the game like the Dive Punch, Turf Surfing, and the traditional Hand Slap, designed to break through obstacles. The real game-changer? Pauline‘s vocal abilities, channeling energy to trigger transformations, including a super-strong version of DK, a speedy Zebra Bananza, and a flight-ready Ostrich Bananza.
Cooperative Play and Creative Modes
Up to two players can join in local co-op mode, each controlling DK and Pauline with individual Joy-Cons. Pauline‘s song-based attacks are unique, and the Gameshare feature allows local play even if only one player owns the game. For those who prefer a less frenetic pace, creative modes like photo mode and DK Artist are available, enabling players to create stone reliefs with muscular control and banana-inspired special effects.
Collector’s will also be thrilled by the availability of Banandium Gems, Chips, and Gold, three different currencies that unlock skills, cosmetic items, and character upgrades. In addition, it is possible to find fossils, which can be exchanged for costumes for both DK and Pauline with functional benefits and style points on the purchase.
Familiar Faces and New Foes
The game also boasts Amiibo support with figures of Donkey Kong and Pauline releasing alongside the game. These figures will unlock exclusive items like the Diva Dress and explosive Kong Trays. Other Amiibo also will work, giving helpful resources throughout the adventure. Fans can be excited to see both Cranky Kong and Rambi return, along with new characters such as Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and Void Kong, the game’s mysterious antagonist.
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Donkey Kong Bananza will be released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.
