Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Recap: New 3D Platformer Leaps onto Nintendo Switch 2 July 17

Nintendo has officially unveiled Donkey Kong Bananza, a brand new 3D platformer, during today’s highly anticipated Donkey Kong Bananza Direct presentation.

Launching exclusively on July 17, 2025, for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, Donkey Kong Bananza promises to deliver an adrenaline-filled adventure marked by inventive gameplay, vast underground worlds, and a slew of fresh features designed to thrill both fans and newcomers to the franchise.

Developed by Nintendo, Donkey Kong Bananza marks a major return for the iconic ape in a full-fledged 3D action adventure.

The game’s journey begins on Ingot Isle, where Donkey Kong stumbles upon the discovery of golden bananas deep within its caverns.

However, a sudden tempest thrusts Donkey Kong deeper underground, initiating an expedition where he teams up with a new ally—Odd Rock, who is soon revealed to be Pauline, the celebrated singer.

Together, players will explore the Underground World by smashing obstacles, solving mysteries, and taking on musical challenges.

The campaign supports both solo and local cooperative play, allowing two players to control Donkey Kong and Pauline individually by sharing Joy-Con 2 controllers. According to Nintendo’s summary, Donkey Kong Bananza introduces an array of dynamic abilities.

Players can perform Dive Punches, roll through barriers, and execute powerful Hand Slaps to unearth hidden secrets.

Turf Surfing and other techniques enable a fusion of moves, letting adventurous players experiment for creative outcomes.

Collecting gold throughout the game increases Pauline’s Bananergy, unlocking special transformations: Kong Bananza for super strength, Zebra Bananza for enhanced speed and dashing, and Ostrich Bananza, which grants flying abilities and aerial egg-dropping attacks.

Cooperative modes are a significant highlight.

Notably, the GameShare1 feature allows local co-op even if only one player owns a copy of the game, while GameChat2 supports inviting friends to join remotely via voice or video chat.

These options aim to foster both local and online multiplayer experiences on Nintendo Switch 2.

On their journey to the Planet Core—a fabled location rumored to fulfill one's deepest wishes—Donkey Kong and Pauline must race against Void Company, an antagonistic mining organization responsible for the maelstrom and Pauline’s transformation into Odd Rock.

Along the way, familiar faces like Cranky Kong and Rambi make appearances, alongside new characters such as Grumpy Kong and Poppy Kong, who are tangentially involved with Void Company’s schemes.

Collectibles play a core role in Donkey Kong Bananza.

Players will discover Banandium Gems, which serve as the key to powering up Donkey Kong’s abilities and unlocking new skills.

Further, Banandium Chips and Banandium Gold can be exchanged for valuable items and enhancements, while Fossils found during exploration unlock alternative costumes and benefits for both Donkey Kong and Pauline. Fans can also expect a suite of creative game modes, including a robust Photo Mode for capturing in-game moments and a DK Artist feature leveraging Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for artistic stone carvings.

Amiibo support is confirmed: the Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo launching alongside the game can unlock exclusive digital bonuses, such as Pauline’s Diva Dress costume and explosive KONG tiles.

Additional Donkey Kong series amiibo and even generic amiibo grant further rewards, expanding the ways players can customize their journey. Donkey Kong Bananza will be available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

This release underscores Nintendo's ongoing commitment to innovative first-party experiences on the new hardware, solidifying Donkey Kong’s return as a major highlight in the company’s upcoming software lineup.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo Switch 2 Switch platformer Pauline Void Company Banandium Gems Cranky Kong Rambi