Donkey Kong Bananza: First Look at Nintendo's New 3D DK Adventure for Switch 2

Donkey Kong Bananza: First Look at Nintendo's New 3D DK Adventure for Switch 2 As anticipation boiled over for Nintendo’s latest hardware reveal, fans tuned in to the recent Nintendo Direct expecting major announcements.

Among the highlights, Nintendo delivered by unveiling Donkey Kong Bananza—a brand-new 3D platformer featuring their iconic ape, exclusively for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

This marks the return of Donkey Kong to the 3D platforming spotlight, and early footage showcases the series’ most visually detailed presentation yet. Announced on April 3, 2025, during the widely watched Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Donkey Kong Bananza immediately drew comparisons to recent 3D Mario entries.

However, eager fans were greeted instead with a vivid trailer centered on Donkey Kong’s underground adventure.

Nintendo has since shared an expanded set of screenshots, giving players a closer look at the next-generation enhancements powered by the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware. The newly released images put Donkey Kong front and center, showing off a highly-detailed character model that leverages the improved graphical capabilities of the Switch 2.

Along with DK himself, fans get a glimpse at the game’s brand new antagonists, the shadowy organization known as VoidCo.

These visuals underscore Nintendo’s commitment to raising the standard for platform game design and presentation. While some of the screenshots highlight carefully composed, cinematic moments, others reveal genuine gameplay sequences.

These action shots provide insight into Bananza’s mix of exploration and platforming mechanics, giving longtime series enthusiasts reasons to be excited about the return to a 3D adventure format.

The underground environments depicted in the media suggest a fresh direction for level design and narrative, further fueling fan interest. In an official statement, Nintendo expressed enthusiasm over Donkey Kong’s new journey, emphasizing that Bananza is engineered to maximize the Switch 2’s capabilities.

The company highlighted the impressive visual detail and dynamic environments players can expect when the game launches. Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled for release on July 2025, launching globally via the Nintendo eShop and at retail alongside the debut of the Nintendo Switch 2 system.

This title continues a legacy begun with classics such as Donkey Kong 64, but with a modern twist aimed at both veterans and new audiences.

As anticipation builds, Donkey Kong Bananza stands poised to be a flagship release in Nintendo’s next era of hardware and software innovation.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Nintendo Direct