Donkey Kong Bananza: Super Mario Odyssey Developers Bring New Adventure to Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has officially confirmed that Donkey Kong Bananza, one of the most anticipated titles of the year, is being developed by the same acclaimed team responsible for the beloved Super Mario Odyssey.

This exciting announcement was made during a special preview event attended by select media outlets, including Eurogamer, and has generated significant buzz within the gaming industry.

Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.

This latest installment marks a major milestone for the Donkey Kong franchise, bringing it onto Nintendo's next-generation hardware with the expertise of the company’s renowned Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) group.

Nintendo EPD is known for creating some of Nintendo’s most celebrated titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the critically acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey, which set a new benchmark for 3D platformers on the original Nintendo Switch. In a statement shared during the preview event, Nintendo representatives clarified, “The development team working on Donkey Kong Bananza is the same group behind Super Mario Odyssey.” This strategic move demonstrates Nintendo's ongoing commitment to quality and innovation, entrusting their cherished Donkey Kong IP to a team with a world-class reputation in crafting captivating and imaginative 3D adventures. Since its introduction in the early 1980s, Donkey Kong has remained one of Nintendo’s cornerstone franchises.

However, Donkey Kong Bananza represents the series’ first major 3D outing since Donkey Kong 64 on the Nintendo 64, making its return particularly significant for fans and industry observers alike.

The involvement of the EPD team only heightens expectations, as their previous work on Super Mario Odyssey propelled it to over 24 million copies sold worldwide and widespread critical acclaim, cementing its status as a must-have for the Nintendo Switch library. The debut of Donkey Kong Bananza also carries strategic significance as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, positioned to drive adoption of Nintendo’s new generation console.

With the July 17 release date fast approaching, anticipation continues to build, especially among longtime fans eager to experience a new Donkey Kong adventure crafted by Nintendo’s finest.

Stay tuned to future Nintendo Direct presentations and the Nintendo eShop for upcoming announcements, pre-order information, and additional gameplay reveals as the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza nears.

Nintendo’s decision to unify its top-tier development talent with one of its legacy franchises signals a bold new era for both Donkey Kong and the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

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