At the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, widely regarded as one of the gaming industry's most prestigious annual ceremonies, Nintendo made a resounding mark with Donkey Kong Bananza, which secured the coveted Critics’ Choice Award.
This victory highlights not only the enduring popularity of the Donkey Kong franchise on the Nintendo Switch platform, but also Nintendo’s longstanding tradition of delivering innovative and critically acclaimed first-party exclusives. Donkey Kong Bananza, developed and published by Nintendo, is the latest installment in the storied series that has captivated audiences since its arcade origins.
Released to strong commercial and critical success on the Nintendo Switch and via the eShop in 2025, the game was recognized for its inventive design, vibrant visuals, and engaging gameplay, standing out in a year filled with high-profile releases. While Donkey Kong Bananza was the only Nintendo-published game honored at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, its recognition was significant among nominations dominated by a diverse array of studios and genres.
In a ceremony where the majority of awards were determined by public vote, Bananza’s Critics’ Choice Award—as selected by a panel of industry experts—underscored Nintendo's continuous influence and excellence in game development. Speaking on behalf of the selection panel, organizers commented that Donkey Kong Bananza was chosen for its "exemplary craftsmanship, memorable character design, and the creative revitalization of a beloved series." This latest entry continues Nintendo’s tradition of innovation and quality, reinforcing why Donkey Kong remains a flagship franchise for the company. Elsewhere at the awards, Sandfall Interactive emerged as a standout winner, securing Studio of the Year for its ambitious RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The game also took home major accolades including Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, and Best Soundtrack.
Cast members Jennifer English and Ben Starr were celebrated with awards for Best Lead Performer and Best Supporting Performer, respectively, for their roles as Maelle and Verso. The Golden Joystick Awards, established in 1983, continue to reflect the evolving tastes and achievements of the gaming industry, with categories spanning storytelling, multiplayer experiences, visual and audio design, and hardware innovation.
In addition to Donkey Kong Bananza and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, recognized winners this year included Ghost of Yōtei for Best Audio Design and Best Console Game, Hollow Knight: Silksong for Best Indie Game Self Published and PC Game of the Year, and Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2 for Best Game Trailer. As Nintendo celebrates Donkey Kong Bananza’s Critics’ Choice triumph, the game’s success affirms the company’s status as a pioneering force in delivering standout titles on the Nintendo Switch.
With continued support through the eShop and a devoted player base, Nintendo’s legacy of award-winning innovation remains as strong as ever.
This victory highlights not only the enduring popularity of the Donkey Kong franchise on the Nintendo Switch platform, but also Nintendo’s longstanding tradition of delivering innovative and critically acclaimed first-party exclusives. Donkey Kong Bananza, developed and published by Nintendo, is the latest installment in the storied series that has captivated audiences since its arcade origins.
Released to strong commercial and critical success on the Nintendo Switch and via the eShop in 2025, the game was recognized for its inventive design, vibrant visuals, and engaging gameplay, standing out in a year filled with high-profile releases. While Donkey Kong Bananza was the only Nintendo-published game honored at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, its recognition was significant among nominations dominated by a diverse array of studios and genres.
In a ceremony where the majority of awards were determined by public vote, Bananza’s Critics’ Choice Award—as selected by a panel of industry experts—underscored Nintendo's continuous influence and excellence in game development. Speaking on behalf of the selection panel, organizers commented that Donkey Kong Bananza was chosen for its "exemplary craftsmanship, memorable character design, and the creative revitalization of a beloved series." This latest entry continues Nintendo’s tradition of innovation and quality, reinforcing why Donkey Kong remains a flagship franchise for the company. Elsewhere at the awards, Sandfall Interactive emerged as a standout winner, securing Studio of the Year for its ambitious RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The game also took home major accolades including Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, and Best Soundtrack.
Cast members Jennifer English and Ben Starr were celebrated with awards for Best Lead Performer and Best Supporting Performer, respectively, for their roles as Maelle and Verso. The Golden Joystick Awards, established in 1983, continue to reflect the evolving tastes and achievements of the gaming industry, with categories spanning storytelling, multiplayer experiences, visual and audio design, and hardware innovation.
In addition to Donkey Kong Bananza and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, recognized winners this year included Ghost of Yōtei for Best Audio Design and Best Console Game, Hollow Knight: Silksong for Best Indie Game Self Published and PC Game of the Year, and Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2 for Best Game Trailer. As Nintendo celebrates Donkey Kong Bananza’s Critics’ Choice triumph, the game’s success affirms the company’s status as a pioneering force in delivering standout titles on the Nintendo Switch.
With continued support through the eShop and a devoted player base, Nintendo’s legacy of award-winning innovation remains as strong as ever.
