Donkey Kong Bananza Confirmed: Developed by Super Mario Odyssey Team for Nintendo Switch

After considerable anticipation from fans and industry watchers, Nintendo has officially confirmed that "Donkey Kong Bananza" is in active development by the acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey team.

This announcement was made during a recent media preview attended by reputable outlets such as IGN and Video Games Chronicle (VGC), where Nintendo clarified that key personnel from the Super Mario Odyssey project are leading the newest adventure of the beloved ape on the Nintendo Switch.

While Nintendo has not released an exact roster of the developers working on Donkey Kong Bananza, it is likely that prominent names such as Odyssey director Kenta Motokura and producer Yoshiaki Koizumi are involved, given their extensive leadership within Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) division.

During the presentation, Nintendo representatives stated that players can expect the polished 3D platforming experience that has become a hallmark of the EPD team, though they remained tight-lipped about specific staff allocations. Notably, IGN raised a question regarding Yoshiaki Koizumi’s absence from both Donkey Kong Bananza’s promotional materials and recent marketing for the anticipated Switch 2 hardware.

While some in the industry have speculated that Koizumi could be busy with a new 3D Super Mario title—potentially timed for a year-end release—Nintendo has not substantiated these rumors.

Since the worldwide success of 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey, fans have awaited news of a follow-up, but as of now, no official details have emerged. Despite Koizumi’s apparent low profile, all signs from the latest Nintendo Direct point to Donkey Kong Bananza embracing the spirit and technical proficiency of Super Mario Odyssey.

Trailers showcased movement mechanics and level designs reminiscent of the Odyssey’s acclaimed style, making it clear that Nintendo’s internal teams continue to inspire each other across flagship projects. As Donkey Kong Bananza gears up for release on the Nintendo Switch, expectations are high that the title will deliver both nostalgia and innovation.

With the Odyssey team’s track record, the game is well-positioned to become a standout entry in the venerable Donkey Kong franchise, further enhancing Nintendo’s reputation for quality first-party experiences.

Stay tuned for updates via official Nintendo Direct presentations and the Nintendo eShop as more details emerge.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Mario Switch Super Mario Super Mario Odyssey team Kenta Motokura Yoshiaki Koizumi IGN VGC Nintendo Direct Nintendo EPD