Donkey Kong Bananza Launches to Critical Acclaim with Metacritic Score of 91 on Nintendo Switch 2

Donkey Kong Bananza Launches to Critical Acclaim with Metacritic Score of 91 on Nintendo Switch 2 In a defining moment for Nintendo and fans of 3D platformers, Donkey Kong Bananza has debuted to universal acclaim among critics.

With the official release set for tomorrow, the game has already amassed 86 critic reviews on Metacritic, resulting in an impressive Metascore of 91.

This score places Donkey Kong Bananza squarely in the "Universal Acclaim" category, reflecting overwhelmingly positive early reception and marking a significant milestone for Nintendo’s mascot franchise on the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Developed by Nintendo, Donkey Kong Bananza represents the iconic character’s return to the 3D platforming spotlight.

Nintendo’s decision to introduce the Switch 2’s first major platformer as a Donkey Kong title, rather than as another Mario installment, was viewed as bold by industry observers.

This gamble appears to have paid off, with reviewers highlighting the game’s inventive mechanics, narrative depth, and technical achievements unique to the Switch 2 platform.

For reference, the genre-defining Super Mario Odyssey holds a Metacritic score of 97, further contextualizing the remarkable accomplishments of Bananza. Review Analysis IGN awarded Donkey Kong Bananza a perfect 100, praising its dynamic movement, innovative mechanics, and the richness of its destructible environments.

According to IGN’s summary, the creative risks taken by Nintendo result in a groundbreaking adventure, making the Switch 2’s debut 3D platformer a must-experience title.

With a campaign that continuously evolves over roughly 20 hours of gameplay, the review calls Donkey Kong Bananza a true masterpiece and an early flagship for Nintendo’s new console generation. Siliconera echoed these sentiments with its own score of 100, noting that Bananza is a series of memorable surprises and a showcase of what the Switch 2 hardware is capable of delivering. Nintendo Life rated the game a 90, describing it as an "almighty re-introduction" for Donkey Kong in the 3D platforming genre and emphasizing its inventive mechanics and overall originality.

The review underscored the game’s ability to keep gameplay fresh through creative transformations and clever level design, making it the Switch 2’s first must-play platformer. Destructoid also gave Donkey Kong Bananza a score of 90, highlighting its blend of heartfelt storytelling, exploration opportunities, and visually stunning presentation.

While minor repetitive elements were mentioned, the review concluded that these are far outweighed by the game’s charm and playability. VGC and Eurogamer provided scores of 80, remarking that while Bananza may not reach the same creative heights as Super Mario Odyssey, it stands out with compelling core mechanics, an engaging central character, and strong design twists that ensure a memorable experience. Platform Impact and Legacy Donkey Kong Bananza’s critical success firmly establishes the game as a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch 2 and for the Donkey Kong franchise’s future.

While it faces comparisons to Mario’s recent 3D outings, Bananza is carving out its own legacy, standing as a pivotal demonstration of both Nintendo’s creative risk-taking and the Switch 2’s capabilities. As Nintendo continues to expand its portfolio of exclusive titles for the Switch 2 and attract new players with high-profile releases, Donkey Kong Bananza reaffirms the enduring appeal of its beloved characters and innovative platformer design.

With universally positive critical consensus and anticipation building just ahead of release, Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to become a standout entry in Nintendo’s storied platforming history.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Switch 2 Switch Universal Metacritic Acclaim platformer Bananza Super Mario Odyssey IGN Siliconera Nintendo Life Destructoid VGC Eurogamer