Donkey Kong Bananza Expands 3D Platforming on Nintendo Switch 2: New Modes, Features, and Characters Revealed

Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest 3D platformer from Nintendo, made a major splash during the recent Nintendo Direct broadcast on June 18, 2025.

Generating considerable excitement ahead of its official release on July 25, 2025, Donkey Kong Bananza looks set to become one of the standout games of this summer for the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

The presentation offered a comprehensive look at new modes, gameplay innovations, familiar faces, and creative customization options set to energize the legendary franchise. A highlight from the showcase is DK Artist, an innovative mode that empowers players to sculpt 3D creations using the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers.

Players will be able to carve assets from rock, add whimsical banana-inspired ornamentation, and even adjust the lighting to perfect their artwork.

For those wishing to capture their creativity or in-game action, a robust Photo Mode was also unveiled, allowing snapshots of Donkey Kong in motion or during epic moments. Traversal in Donkey Kong Bananza introduces a unique twist through Eelevators—mechanized eels that transport Donkey Kong swiftly between levels of the sprawling subterranean world.

The broadcast also detailed "Getaways," areas where Donkey Kong can restore his health and enjoy music, further deepening the exploration process.

Environmental interactivity allows players to carve pathways and discovery points, enhancing replayability and immersion. Longtime fans will spot both classic and fresh characters: Cranky Kong and the beloved Rambi received direct focus, while Diddy and Dixie Kong appeared briefly in the background, hinting at deeper connections yet to be fully detailed.

This adventure mainly centers on the duo Donkey Kong and Pauline, marking Pauline’s expanded role as a partner.

On the opposing side, the villainous VoidCo company takes the stage, featuring antagonists such as Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and their leader, Void Kong. One of Donkey Kong Bananza’s headline features is the Bananza Transformation mechanic.

Powered by Pauline, Donkey Kong can tap into new forms—Kong Bananza, Zebra Bananza, and Ostrich Bananza—that grant distinct abilities.

Collecting a resource called Bananergy will be essential for unlocking these transformations and progressing through the adventure. Another notable innovation is the introduction of a Skill Tree system for Donkey Kong.

For the first time in the series, players can allocate Skill Points to enhance various attributes and unlock new moves.

These points are earned by gathering Banandium Gems throughout the game, while Banandium Chips and Banandium Gold serve as additional collectible resources for trading and obtaining special items. Customization has also been elevated to new heights.

Drawing inspiration from Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong and Pauline can now equip various clothing items—unlocked by finding Fossils during exploration—that provide gameplay benefits.

Players can even alter Donkey Kong’s fur color, including a classic style reminiscent of his original arcade appearance. Rounding out Donkey Kong’s expanded move set are techniques like Dive Punch, used to burrow through earth and maneuver past obstacles; Hand Slap, which uncovers hidden secrets; and Turf Surfing, where DK surfs on environmental debris.

These capabilities promise to deliver a dynamic and engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Donkey Kong Bananza launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 25, 2025.

With fresh modes, character-driven power-ups, and robust customization, this new entry stands poised to push the boundaries of Nintendo’s beloved platforming legacy.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Direct Donkey Kong Bananza Switch 2 Switch Pauline Rambi Cranky Kong Diddy Kong Dixie Kong VoidCo Grumpy Kong Poppy Kong Void Kong Super Mario Odyssey