Donkey Kong Bananza: Super Mario Odyssey Veterans Lead Development for Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive

Nintendo’s upcoming title, Donkey Kong Bananza, is generating major buzz following confirmation of its core development team in a recent interview with IGN.

Scheduled for release exclusively on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 platform on July 17, 2025, the game brings together talented developers who previously contributed significantly to some of Nintendo’s most impactful titles. The development of Donkey Kong Bananza is being led by Kazuya Takahashi as director and Kenta Motokura as producer.

This collaboration unites both fresh and veteran perspectives within Nintendo’s acclaimed development ranks.

Notably, Kenta Motokura has a storied history with Nintendo, having directed the critically acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey as well as having played key roles in the development of Super Mario Sunshine, Pikmin, and Super Mario Galaxy.

Motokura’s influence has consistently shaped the creative direction of flagship Nintendo franchises, bringing extensive experience and vision to his current role overseeing Donkey Kong Bananza. Kazuya Takahashi, the game’s director, joined Nintendo in 2020, bolstering his credentials with expertise from open-world game design.

While his tenure at Nintendo is relatively new, Takahashi’s background is expected to bring innovative approaches to the Donkey Kong series, refreshing the franchise for both longstanding fans and new players alike.

IGN’s recent conversation with Nintendo provided clarity on the project’s leadership and has sparked further anticipation among enthusiasts of the platforming genre. Donkey Kong Bananza is set to be a centerpiece in the initial lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2.

As the next evolution of Nintendo’s hardware offerings, Switch 2 is aimed at delivering enhanced performance and new gaming experiences.

By securing leading talent from the Super Mario Odyssey development team, Nintendo is sending a strong message about its commitment to first-party excellence on their next-generation hardware. To date, Donkey Kong Bananza stands out as one of the highest-profile projects revealed for the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch window.

This alignment of celebrated developers signals Nintendo’s intention to continue elevating its most iconic franchises, ensuring a steady pipeline of innovative, high-quality content will accompany the launch of its new system.

Fans can mark their calendars for July 17, 2025, as Donkey Kong Bananza prepares to bring the classic character to new heights, leveraging both the power of the Switch 2 and the creative might of its esteemed development team. Stay tuned to official Nintendo Direct updates and media coverage for more news on Donkey Kong Bananza as the launch date approaches.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Mario Switch 2 Switch Super Mario Bananza Kazuya Takahashi Kenta Motokura IGN