Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza: Rare Veterans Applaud Latest Nintendo Switch Hit

Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza Continues Legacy, Earning Rare Developers’ Seal of Approval Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza has taken the Nintendo Switch community by storm, drawing rave reviews and strong sales figures since its debut.

As the latest installment in the legendary Donkey Kong franchise, this title not only brings back classic platforming gameplay but also breathes fresh life into one of Nintendo’s oldest mascots.

Developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza follows a lineage dating back to the 1994 SNES hit Donkey Kong Country, cementing the series' importance in Nintendo’s storied history. With the game's enormous popularity—demonstrated by its rapid ascent on the eShop charts—many long-time fans are curious about the opinions of those who originally redefined Donkey Kong in the ‘90s.

Notably, Kev Bayliss, the artist responsible for Donkey Kong's iconic redesign in Donkey Kong Country, has openly expressed his delight with the latest entry.

After playing the game for the first time in years alongside his son, Bayliss shared, “It’s been a long while since I got to play as Donkey Kong with my son, and it was an incredibly fun experience.” Kev Bayliss’s contribution to Rare's success cannot be overstated.

Joining the developer at a young age, Bayliss worked on a slew of NES classics such as Battletoads, WWF WrestleMania, Cobra Triangle, and Time Lord, before revitalizing Donkey Kong’s look for the SNES era.

He is also the creator of Diddy Kong and was instrumental in shaping other Rare hits like Killer Instinct, Diddy Kong Racing, and Star Fox Adventures.

After departing Rare in 2005, Bayliss joined Playtonic in 2015, a studio built by fellow Rare alumni. Steve Mayles, another veteran artist behind the SNES Donkey Kong trilogy, also praised Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza.

Currently a co-founder of Playtonic, Mayles boasts credits on beloved titles Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise.

Like Bayliss, Mayles' positive reaction underscores the game's respectful homage to its roots while integrating modern innovations that appeal to new and returning fans alike. Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza is available now on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 platforms, marking another collaborative victory for Nintendo and its community of classic developers.

For players diving into Kong’s latest adventure, additional tips and guides can be found on leading Nintendo news platforms like Nintendo Life, ensuring every fan, new or old, can join in the celebration of this timeless ape’s vibrant comeback.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Rare Switch developers Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza Banana Kev Bayliss Donkey Kong Country Playtonic Switch 2 Steve Mayles