Donkey Kong Bananza Developer Interview: Why Switch 2 is the Perfect Platform

In a recent IGN interview, key developers from Nintendo divulged new details about the development journey of Donkey Kong Bananza, an anticipated entry in the iconic franchise.

Initially conceptualized and developed for the Nintendo Switch, this title has since transitioned to the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

The switch in hardware platforms, developers say, was instrumental in realizing the game's ambitious technological and gameplay goals.

Nintendo's Donkey Kong Bananza follows a lineage of hit platformers and, much like the previously announced Mario Kart World, began production targeting the original Nintendo Switch hardware.

During these early stages, the development team experimented with voxel technology, exploring a wide array of innovative gameplay mechanics that would ultimately shape the title’s core experience.

According to Mr.

Motokura, one of Donkey Kong Bananza's lead developers, the decision to pivot from Nintendo Switch to Switch 2 was driven by the desire to fully harness advanced hardware capabilities.

Motokura noted that while development began on the first iteration of the Switch, the team soon recognized that their evolving ideas—especially those leveraging voxel-based environments—would be far better executed on the new hardware.

"Once Nintendo Switch 2 development became known to us, it was clear that implementing our concepts and technologies would be best achieved on the latest platform," he explained. Mr.

Takahashi, another senior figure on the project, elaborated on how Nintendo Switch 2’s increased processing power and unique features would significantly enhance gameplay, specifically those centered on destruction mechanics.

"The notion of sustained environmental transformation—where players can continually alter and break elements within massive, voxel-rich worlds—became possible thanks to Switch 2," Takahashi remarked.

He emphasized that one of the key moments the team aimed to preserve was the player's sense of curiosity and surprise upon encountering destructible landscapes.

This immersive interaction is, according to Takahashi, perfectly suited to the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware. Beyond just raw performance improvements, the Switch 2 also brings innovative control options that broaden creative co-op experiences.

Notably, the new device introduces support for mouse input, which can be utilized in multiplayer modes; for example, one player can control Pauline’s vocal blasts or engage with the DK Artist mode to manipulate vast voxel structures. Donkey Kong Bananza continues Nintendo’s tradition of leveraging each platform's strengths to reshape established franchises.

With both developer Motokura and Takahashi citing the Switch 2's expanded capabilities as pivotal, fans can look forward to a uniquely rich and interactive experience when the game debuts.

As of this writing, Donkey Kong Bananza remains one of the most anticipated titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, reflecting Nintendo’s commitment to innovation in both hardware and software.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Switch 2 Switch developers Bananza IGN Mario Kart World Motokura Takahashi Pauline