Donkey Kong Bananza: New Nintendo Footage Hints at Rambi Return and Classic Lore

Nintendo has a long and storied history with the Donkey Kong franchise, captivating generations of gamers with its iconic characters and engaging platforming adventures.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch title, Donkey Kong Bananza, dedicated fans and gaming industry insiders alike are poring over every official update and teaser for clues about what this new entry might offer. Donkey Kong Bananza has already generated considerable excitement for its promise of deep DK and Mario lore, spanning multiple decades of Nintendo history.

The latest buzz comes from a recent video on the Nintendo Today! mobile app, which reveals fresh footage of Donkey Kong's expressive facial animations.

Notably, the background music in this preview appears to be the memorable Rambi theme, first featured in the Nintendo 64 classic, Donkey Kong 64. While Nintendo has not yet made an official announcement regarding the return of Rambi—the beloved rhinoceros companion originally introduced in 1994's Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo—fans are pointing to this musical cue as mounting evidence.

The significance of Rambi is not lost on the Donkey Kong community.

Veteran composer Grant Kirkhope, who worked on Donkey Kong 64, acknowledged the callback to his original Rambi theme on social media, further fanning the flames of speculation about the anticipated animal buddy's presence in the upcoming game. Additional details have surfaced from earlier gameplay clips, which purport to show in-game dialogue where Cranky Kong references Donkey Kong's animal companion.

In one such moment, players report seeing a symbol associated with Rambi accompanying Cranky Kong’s dialogue, lending more weight to rumors of Rambi’s return in some capacity.

GameXplain’s coverage and other reliable Nintendo news sources have noted these subtle hints, reinforcing speculation backed by solid in-game material, rather than conjecture. Outside of gameplay teases, Donkey Kong Bananza’s official artwork on Nintendo’s website has fueled further discussion.

Promotional images reportedly feature a character who has not yet been officially introduced, underscoring the developer’s intent to pack this new release with surprises and nostalgic nods for long-time fans. As Nintendo continues its measured rollout of Donkey Kong Bananza information—presumably saving major announcements for future Nintendo Direct presentations or eShop updates—fans are keenly analyzing every detail.

The franchise’s enduring popularity, together with Nintendo Switch’s massive install base, positions Donkey Kong Bananza to become a significant addition to Nintendo’s 2024 lineup.

For now, the evidence suggests Rambi and other classic elements are primed for a return, ensuring Donkey Kong Bananza stays top-of-mind for platforming enthusiasts awaiting its official release date.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Switch