Donkey Kong Bananza: Behind the Scenes of Nintendo Switch 2’s Groundbreaking Adventure

Nintendo’s iconic ape returns in an all-new adventure with Donkey Kong Bananza, releasing globally for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.

Developed by Nintendo’s seasoned team, this ambitious entry not only continues the beloved platforming legacy, but reimagines it with fresh mechanics, innovative music design, and a richly detailed Underground World—underscoring the company's ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of their classic franchises. The latest feature in Nintendo’s ongoing “Ask the Developer” interview series offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind Donkey Kong Bananza, spotlighting the unique challenges and inspirations that shaped the project’s core elements. Distinct Layered Worlds and Gameplay Innovation Takahashi, one of the lead developers, explained that each Underground World Layer was carefully crafted with its own theme, gameplay mechanics, and visual aesthetics.

Starting with basic concepts like ice, lava, or rolling hills, the team used voxel-based technology to let players interact with and even ride portions of the environment.

“With every new Layer, we wanted to deliver an experience that feels both surprising and unique,” he said, emphasizing the team’s effort to ensure every environment stands apart from the next. Drawing from Legacy While Forging a New Path Motokura, involved in the project’s direction, noted that Donkey Kong’s world was initially inspired by New York City’s distinctive energy.

"The original arcade game drew from bright neon lights and urban steel structures, a vision that informed the new visuals and inspired familiar color cues like pink and light-blue neon—directly referencing the evocative look of the series’ origins." Watanabe, another key developer, added, "Every Layer in Donkey Kong Bananza is meant to feel like part of a different civilization, breaking from previous entries to establish something refreshingly original, while still celebrating the heritage imagined by Miyamoto-san." A Musical Journey Composer Kubo described how music was designed to match the game's dynamic environments, striking a balance between groove and atmosphere.

"As players enter a new Layer, the soundtrack is tailored to set the perfect mood, differentiating between tension-building and dreamlike moments,” Kubo stated.

The inclusion of Bananza’s signature transformation mechanic also led the team to compose entirely new tracks, along with playful arrangements from earlier series entries. Pauline's Expanded Role and Co-op Gameplay A highlight is the inclusion of Pauline, a character beloved for her roles in both the Donkey Kong and Super Mario series.

As development evolved, director Motokura saw an opportunity to have Pauline perform unique vocal tracks during Donkey Kong’s transformations.

This not only added a memorable layer of audio, but also allowed for innovative gameplay features—such as using Pauline's singing to unlock paths or solve puzzles. Bananza’s co-op play further enhances its appeal.

Utilizing GameShare or a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, a second player can step in as Pauline, harnessing vocal blasts in combat or using Nintendo Switch 2’s new mouse controls.

“It’s a unique cooperative experience accessible even to those new to video games,” said Tanaka, another developer on the team. Core Design Philosophy and Lasting Impact The development team stressed their commitment to player freedom and creativity, a philosophy reflected in the game’s open-ended progression, experimental use of destructible environments, and careful pacing to avoid player fatigue.

“Donkey Kong Bananza is designed so that players can experiment and break away from traditional boundaries,” Takahashi explained, noting that the lack of restrictive barriers opens up new forms of play. Concluding the interview, Motokura expressed pride in the project’s culmination, stating, "We built Donkey Kong Bananza with the same spirit that has underpinned Nintendo’s legacy: instinctual, inclusive fun that stands the test of time." Donkey Kong Bananza launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, promising fans both new and old an unprecedented journey full of destruction, discovery, and dynamic innovation.

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