Donkey Kong Bananza: Miyamoto’s Input Inspires the B Button Dig Mechanic on Nintendo Switch

Donkey Kong Bananza on Nintendo Switch has captivated fans with its fresh approach to classic platforming, distinguishing itself in both gameplay and design.

Developed and published by Nintendo, this latest entry in the storied Donkey Kong franchise continues the company’s legacy of innovation, combining familiar mechanics with new ideas tailored for the current generation hardware.

Players may have noticed a subtle yet significant change in the control scheme—a departure from the long-held Nintendo platformer tradition of making the 'B' button the default for jumping.

Instead, in Donkey Kong Bananza, the 'B' button is mapped to dig, a choice that owes its existence to one of Nintendo’s most legendary game creators. In an interview with Nintendo Dream, Donkey Kong Bananza’s director Kazuya Takahashi shed light on the design decisions behind the game’s controls.

According to Takahashi, it was Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and Donkey Kong, who suggested that the 'B' button should be used for digging rather than jumping.

Historically, the 'B' button has been synonymous with jumping in Nintendo’s platformers, leading many players to instinctively attempt to jump with it when first starting Donkey Kong Bananza. "Miyamoto-san pointed out to me that, for digging downward, wouldn’t the B button be more intuitive?" Takahashi explained during the interview.

Given that the 'B' button is located at the bottom of the Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller’s face button layout, the suggestion aligns with the downward motion required for digging.

Takahashi noted that, after implementing Miyamoto’s advice, the new control scheme felt much more natural during gameplay.

He stated, "When I actually tried it, this key mapping indeed felt more intuitive.

So that was Miyamoto-san’s suggestion." For long-time Nintendo fans who prefer traditional controls, Donkey Kong Bananza includes an option to remap the jump function to the 'B' button, ensuring that all players can tailor the experience to their preference.

This attention to accessibility and player choice is a hallmark of Nintendo’s game design philosophy and reflects the developer’s commitment to enhancing user experience. The interview also revealed additional behind-the-scenes details, such as the attention the development team paid to balancing sound effects—specifically perfecting the contrast between the sound of DK’s footsteps and the environmental destruction he causes.

These insights illustrate the meticulous care that goes into every aspect of a Nintendo production, further cementing the company’s reputation for quality. Donkey Kong Bananza continues to thrive on the Nintendo Switch, joining a platform known for critically acclaimed hits and robust first-party support.

With the involvement of legends like Shigeru Miyamoto and the guidance of director Kazuya Takahashi, the game stands as a testament to Nintendo’s enduring influence in the platformer genre.

As fans embrace both classic and innovative ways to play, Donkey Kong Bananza reinforces the creativity and depth for which Nintendo is celebrated.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Shigeru Miyamoto Switch Kazuya Miyamoto Bananza Kazuya Takahashi Takahashi Nintendo Dream