Donkey Kong Bananza: Full Breakdown From Nintendo Direct Ahead of July 2025 Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo unveiled a comprehensive look at Donkey Kong Bananza during its recent Nintendo Direct, setting the stage for the highly anticipated game’s release on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo eShop on July 17, 2025.

Developed in-house by Nintendo, Donkey Kong Bananza reimagines the iconic hero’s adventures with a fresh gameplay experience, dynamic co-op options, and substantial new features. ### New Abilities Reshape Classic Gameplay Donkey Kong Bananza introduces creative new mechanics designed to maximize the power of its central duo.

As Donkey Kong, players can deploy a range of moves—including the Dive Punch for burrowing through earth, signature rolls for traversing obstacles, and the Hand Slap to uncover hidden items.

Soil and debris can be torn up for use in combat or traversal, notably with Turf Surfing that lets Donkey Kong ride atop terrain chunks.

These core abilities are intentionally combinable, letting players create unique solutions to Bananza’s platforming challenges. ### Bananergy Transformations and Musical Partnership In an innovative twist, Pauline’s singing bolsters Donkey Kong’s abilities through a newly revealed transformation system.

By collecting gold to build up Bananergy, Pauline can trigger special forms such as the super-strong Kong Bananza, the speed-boosting Zebra Bananza, or the flight-enabled Ostrich Bananza, which allows players to drop Egg Bombs on enemies.

Each transformation is crafted to address unique gameplay situations and supports creative problem-solving throughout the adventure. ### Co-Op Play and Enhanced Multiplayer Features Expanding on the series’ legacy, Donkey Kong Bananza supports local co-op play via Joy-Con 2 controllers.

Two players can independently control Donkey Kong and Pauline, with unique Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality enabling Pauline’s powerful vocal blasts.

Nintendo also details GameShare functionality, allowing local multiplayer even if only one player owns the game.

Online interaction is streamlined as well, with GameChat supporting seamless voice or video invites for friends. ### Story and Setting: Race to the Planet Core Players find Donkey Kong and Pauline venturing into an Underground World in pursuit of the legendary Planet Core—a destination said to grant wishes.

The Void Company, a villainous mining conglomerate, stands in opposition.

As the nemesis behind Donkey Kong’s subterranean journey and Pauline’s transformation, VoidCo and its leader Void Kong pose a continuous threat, intensifying the narrative drive as they compete for the core’s power. ### Collectibles, Customization, and New Faces Treasure hunters will find numerous collectibles like Banandium Gems—which can be exchanged for new skills and upgrades—as well as Banandium Chips, Gold, and Fossils.

The latter allows for in-depth character customization, including unique outfits and fur colors for Donkey Kong and Pauline, many offering gameplay bonuses.

Side challenges, obstacle courses, and hidden items promote exploration and mastery. Classic characters such as Cranky Kong and Rambi return, joined by newcomers including Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and assorted VoidCo associates, enriching the world and its narrative. ### Quality-of-life Improvements and Extra Modes The Underground World features Getaways—rest points where players regain energy and enjoy custom music selections—as well as Eelevators, eel-based transports for fast travel between layers.

Creative features such as Photo Mode and DK Artist expand what players can do outside of main objectives, with Joy-Con 2 mouse controls allowing for artistic expression in custom stone carvings. ### amiibo Integration Donkey Kong Bananza debuts new amiibo figures for Donkey Kong and Pauline, launching alongside the game on July 17, 2025.

Scanning these amiibo provides early access to exclusive outfits and powerful KONG tiles, with compatibility for other Donkey Kong series amiibo and generic amiibo to unlock additional in-game bonuses. Donkey Kong Bananza will be available at retail and through the Nintendo eShop, optimizing its reach for Nintendo Switch 2 owners worldwide.

With its expansive set of features and Nintendo’s hallmark polish, the game is positioned as a pivotal release for the coming year.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Direct Donkey Kong Bananza eShop Switch 2 Switch Nintendo eShop Pauline Void Company amiibo Joy-Con 2 Cranky Kong Rambi Grumpy Kong Poppy Kong Void Kong