Donkey Kong Bananza: Nintendo Redefines 3D Platforming on Switch 2

Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza arrives as a bold new entry for 3D platformers, serving as a flagship release for the next generation Nintendo Switch 2, launching on July 17, 2025.

Developed and published by Nintendo, this title marks Donkey Kong’s first major 3D adventure in over two decades, since the release of Donkey Kong 64 in 1999.

Coming off the back of Nintendo’s acclaimed 3D platformers like Super Mario Odyssey and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, expectations were high—and Bananza delivers an experience tailored for both genre fans and newcomers. At its core, Donkey Kong Bananza leverages Nintendo’s decades of platforming expertise, pairing the company’s signature polish with inventive mechanics.

The game’s story starts simply enough: Donkey Kong, upon hearing that Ingot Isle is mining rare golden bananas, leaves DK Island for a new adventure.

On arrival, he discovers that antagonist Void Kong has ambitions to drill to the planet’s core, believed to grant wishes.

Along the journey, DK is assisted by a mysterious Odd Rock, later revealed as a young Pauline.

True to the series’ roots, narrative takes a backseat to gameplay, prioritizing exploration and creative action. One of Bananza’s greatest strengths is its player freedom.

Gamers can choose to focus solely on the story or get lost in side activities and collectibles, without being punished for any approach.

The game introduces the unique ability to smash and alter terrain, a feature that’s both enjoyable and integral—destroying environments unveils secret areas, Banandium Gems, and fossil collectibles.

If players ever get stuck, environmental destruction can even yield maps to hidden collectible locations, smoothing the path to 100% completion. Much like the Power Moons in Super Mario Odyssey, Banandium Gems drive exploration in Bananza.

Collecting five grants Donkey Kong skill points, which can be invested in upgrades—enhancing health, punch power, or unlocking traits for new Bananza transformations.

These transformations, earned throughout the adventure, gift DK fresh abilities, amplifying the sense of discovery.

Gold ore, abundant throughout the world, fuels these powers, and players will rarely find themselves limited by resource constraints.

This design decision makes the gameplay feel empowering, though some may find the overall difficulty lower than previous entries.

While early bosses and challenges are on the forgiving side, the post-game ramps up, offering ample content for those seeking a tougher test. Bananza stands out visually and sonically, with environments and music that both pay homage to Donkey Kong’s heritage and push the franchise forward.

The game is loaded with references to Donkey Kong Country and Rare’s classic titles, yet introduces a wealth of original content—characters, locations, and mechanics—that refresh the formula.

With approximately sixteen expansive layers reminiscent of Odyssey’s kingdoms, each area offers a distinct look, feel, and assortment of collectibles.

Nintendo’s talent for varied, engaging level design shines here, keeping gameplay energetic across dozens of hours. Performance on Nintendo Switch 2 largely meets expectations, targeting a steady 60 frames per second.

While most of the game runs smoothly, late-story bosses and sections with heavy particle effects can produce noticeable frame drops.

Navigating the underground can occasionally strain the camera, but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise polished experience.

As one of the platform’s first major exclusives, it’s possible some legacy code from Switch 1 development remains; however, none of these issues significantly impact gameplay or enjoyment. With Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo delivers an exuberant return for the iconic ape, reaffirming their leadership in the 3D platforming genre.

Cementing itself as a standout title for Nintendo Switch 2, Bananza successfully combines nostalgic elements with bold new ideas.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Donkey Kong Country or exploring the franchise for the first time, Donkey Kong Bananza promises a vibrant, memorable journey—a must-play for anyone invested in Nintendo’s rich legacy of platformers.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Switch 2 Switch platformer Bananza Super Mario Odyssey Kirby and the Forgotten Land Donkey Kong Country Void Kong Pauline