Donkey Kong Bananza Announced: Redesigned DK Swings into 3D Platforming on Nintendo Switch 2

Donkey Kong Bananza Announced: Redesigned DK Swings into 3D Platforming on Nintendo Switch 2 After over two decades away from the 3D spotlight, Donkey Kong is set to make a grand return with Donkey Kong Bananza, unveiled during today’s Nintendo Direct.

Launching exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025, this new entry heralds a significant evolution for one of Nintendo’s most iconic mascots, complete with a fresh visual redesign and dynamic gameplay suited for modern audiences. Donkey Kong Bananza marks the revered ape’s first 3D platforming adventure since the acclaimed Donkey Kong 64 in 1999.

The latest title, first teased in early glimpses during the January Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, has now been given a comprehensive showcase, giving fans their most detailed look yet at the new, revitalized direction for both the character and the gameplay.

The reveal trailer, featured prominently in the Nintendo Direct, highlights not only DK’s updated appearance, but also his ability to navigate and demolish richly destructible underground environments—an innovation that promises to reinvent exploration within the series. DK’s updated design is already a talking point within the gaming community.

The character’s appearance first diverged from his classic style during his animated debut in The Super Mario Bros.

Movie, and elements of this change appear to have been thoughtfully integrated into Donkey Kong Bananza.

Speaking during an earlier Nintendo Direct focused on the film, Shigeru Miyamoto explained that the creative team aimed to give DK a more humorous personality and evoke a style reminiscent of his original arcade incarnation.

That reimagined look has now transitioned from the big screen to Nintendo’s latest hardware and continues through his inclusion in Mario Kart World and Bananza. "We wanted to refresh Donkey Kong’s appearance to better reflect both his roots and his appeal to new generations," Miyamoto noted in his comments during the Direct presentation.

This philosophy is evident in Bananza’s bold character model, which brings energy and expressiveness while maintaining the charm that has made DK a household name. The return of Donkey Kong to 3D platforming has been hotly anticipated, given the genre’s resurgence and Nintendo’s track record with critically acclaimed platformers on the eShop and across the Nintendo Switch family.

With a release date set for July 17, 2025, Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to usher DK into a new era for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Stay tuned for further updates, including details on gameplay features, preorder bonuses, and hands-on impressions as Donkey Kong’s latest adventure swings closer to launch on Nintendo Switch 2.

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