Donkey Kong Bananza: Nintendo Reveals New Character Designs and Release Date for Switch 2

Nintendo of America has released new high-resolution renders showcasing the redesigned looks of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, building anticipation for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title, Donkey Kong Bananza.

This latest reveal gives fans a closer look at how Nintendo has updated the classic characters for both Donkey Kong Bananza and their racing debut in Mario Kart World. Donkey Kong Bananza is a new action-adventure game developed specifically for Nintendo Switch 2, set for release on July 17, 2025.

The game will be available both at retail locations and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.

Players will guide Donkey Kong through a sprawling subterranean world, racing against a mysterious group known as VoidCo to collect coveted Golden Bananas.

The gameplay promises an electrifying mix of "mayhem, surprises, and bananas," with players able to crash, smash, and climb nearly every surface in sight.

Donkey Kong’s signature power punches help forge new paths, while uncovering secrets and unlocking additional areas as players progress. While Nintendo has not confirmed if Diddy Kong will take a starring role in either Donkey Kong Bananza or Mario Kart World, the presence of classic series characters is already assured.

According to coverage from Nintendo Treehouse Live, Cranky Kong is featured early in the game, signaling the likelihood of more familiar faces making an appearance as the adventure unfolds.

The updated character designs reflect Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to invigorating its beloved franchises for new hardware.

The vivid renders highlight Donkey Kong’s robust look and Diddy Kong’s energetic personality, marking their first major visual refresh for Nintendo Switch 2.

This redesign complements gameplay innovations and the enhanced graphics capabilities of the next-generation platform. Donkey Kong Bananza will mark the series’ return to home consoles since the release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, a critically acclaimed title that sold over 2.2 million copies worldwide according to Nintendo’s financial reports.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 launch expected to draw strong engagement, expectations are high for Donkey Kong Bananza’s commercial and critical performance. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Donkey Kong Bananza looks to deliver a fresh yet familiar platforming experience this July, pushing the boundaries of the franchise on Nintendo Switch 2.

Stay tuned for further updates as the release date approaches, and catch all the latest news through the Nintendo eShop or upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza eShop Switch 2 Switch Diddy Kong Nintendo Treehouse Live VoidCo Cranky Kong Mario Kart World