Donkey Kong Bananza Brings Fresh Adventure to Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date, Gameplay Details, and New Features

Donkey Kong Bananza Brings Fresh Adventure to Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date, Gameplay Details, and New Features Nintendo fans have a major reason to celebrate, as Donkey Kong Bananza is set to swing onto the Nintendo Switch 2 this summer.

Developed by Nintendo, this long-awaited title marks Donkey Kong's triumphant return to a mainline adventure after a 26-year gap since Donkey Kong 64.

The game will be available worldwide on July 17, 2025, at both retail outlets and digitally via the Nintendo eShop. A New Chapter for Donkey Kong on Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Bananza transports players far from the familiar DK Island to Ingot Isle, where the mysterious Banandium—a material capable of forming edible banana-shaped gems—has been unearthed.

The story quickly escalates when Donkey Kong, alongside a crew of prospector monkeys, encounters the corporate villainy of VoidCo.

After VoidCo seizes the precious Banandium Gems and triggers a seismic calamity, plunging Ingot Isle beneath the surface, players must guide Donkey Kong in a mission to recover the stolen treasures and confront new underground threats. Innovative Gameplay Fueled by Expressive Animation After a hands-on demo of Donkey Kong Bananza, it's clear that the design team has injected fresh energy and creativity into this classic franchise.

Donkey Kong himself is more expressive than ever.

The character animation brings out his goofy charm—whether he's hungrily eyeing Banandium Gems with his tongue out, carrying heavy objects with a fierce determination, or playfully beating his chest in response to controller shakes.

This emphasis on character animation and personality further immerses players in the action and humor that the series is known for. The gameplay offers a blend of simplicity and versatility, emphasizing Donkey Kong's robust moveset.

Players can execute upward, forward, and downward punches (mapped to different buttons), unleash a powerful Dive Punch from midair, perform the classic Hand Slap to gather nearby items, and even tear up the environment to use as weapons or aids.

The destructible terrain introduces dynamic interactions—damp dirt can adhere to other surfaces, gold terrain creates explosive opportunities, and specialized materials like boomrocks are required to overcome tougher obstacles.

This puzzle-like approach rewards problem-solving and discovery, capturing a sense of playful experimentation reminiscent of celebrated Nintendo titles like Super Mario Odyssey. Vibrant, Open-Ended Worlds and Collectible Rewards Donkey Kong Bananza encourages exploration through open-ended areas such as the Lagoon Layer.

These sandbox environments provide freedom to pursue diverse objectives—smashing through obstacles for Banandium Gems, challenging yourself with timed courses, or interacting with memorable side characters like Cranky Kong.

Collectibles are more than just numbers: gold serves as lives, Banandium Chips can be exchanged for bananas, and Fossils unlock cosmetic upgrades at the Style Shop. A Distinctive Soundtrack and Musical Mechanics Music is woven deeply into the gameplay experience.

Tuning forks double as teleportation checkpoints, while Odd Rock—a new companion adorned with VoidCo branding—supports Donkey Kong's journey with song.

Players can whistle to encourage Odd Rock to sing, revealing new pathways or breaking through obstacles sealed by VoidCo's machinery.

This integration of music and mechanics underlines Nintendo's reputation for innovative design. Countdown to July 17, 2025 With a release date set for July 17, 2025, on Nintendo Switch 2, excitement for Donkey Kong Bananza is building rapidly.

The demo has revealed a title brimming with character, tightly crafted mechanics, and a wealth of secrets to discover.

Whether you're a longtime Donkey Kong fan or a newcomer, there is much to look forward to from this vibrant addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 library.

Keep an eye on Nintendo Direct announcements and the eShop for further updates as launch day approaches.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Switch 2 Switch VoidCo Ingot Isle Banandium Gems Cranky Kong eShop