Donkey Kong Bananza Receives High Famitsu Review Scores Ahead of Nintendo Switch Launch

Donkey Kong Bananza has officially received its first wave of critical acclaim ahead of its highly anticipated launch on the Nintendo Switch.

The latest set of Famitsu review scores, published for the week of July 16, 2025, highlight the game's strong reception in Japan’s most respected gaming publication.

Developed by the celebrated team behind Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to become a major talking point for Nintendo and Switch fans this summer. Famitsu, known for its rigorous four-reviewer scoring system, awarded Donkey Kong Bananza impressive scores: 9, 10, 10, and 9 out of 10.

This brings the title to a noteworthy total of 38 points out of a possible 40.

Such a high score not only signals a robust critical response but also places Donkey Kong Bananza just a single point behind Super Mario Odyssey, which received Famitsu’s near-perfect scores of 10, 10, 9, and 10 (39 out of 40) at its 2017 debut. The development team’s heritage is clearly reflected in the game’s quality.

Famitsu reviewers praised the game’s inventive level design, engaging mechanics, and the polished presentation that fans have come to expect from Nintendo’s first-party releases.

Although Famitsu does not provide lengthy reviews per se, their reviewer comments focused on the seamless blend of new ideas with beloved platforming traditions—a trait often highlighted in Super Mario Odyssey, and now, it seems, a hallmark for Donkey Kong Bananza as well. Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled for release on July 17, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

The game will be available both physically and digitally through the Nintendo eShop.

As one of the flagship titles in Nintendo’s 2025 lineup, its imminent launch is anticipated to drive significant traffic and sales on the Switch, building on the success and momentum of previous Donkey Kong entries.

The Donkey Kong series continues to be one of Nintendo’s most enduring franchises, with each new installment garnering significant attention from both critics and dedicated fans.

The involvement of the Super Mario Odyssey team suggests that Donkey Kong Bananza will deliver the kind of creative gameplay and memorable worlds that fans have come to expect from Nintendo’s top-tier titles. Stay tuned to our coverage for further in-depth analyses and updates on Donkey Kong Bananza, including additional international review scores, sales milestones post-launch, and behind-the-scenes insights from the development team.

For a full history of past Famitsu scores and impressions on major Nintendo Switch releases, see our review archives.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Mario Famitsu Switch Super Mario Odyssey team Super Mario Odyssey team Bananza