Nintendo Maintains Secrecy Around Donkey Kong Bananza Developer Ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 Release

Nintendo Maintains Secrecy Around Donkey Kong Bananza Developer Ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 Release As Nintendo gears up for the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, the company is continuing its pattern of keeping the identities of certain development teams confidential—especially when it comes to its flagship franchises.

Donkey Kong Bananza, the next major title in the iconic Donkey Kong series, is scheduled to release in July 2025 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, but details about its creator remain tightly under wraps. During an interview with IGN, Bill Trinen, vice president of product and player experience at Nintendo of America, directly addressed the ongoing question regarding the game's development team by stating that "fans will have to stay tuned." Neither an official studio nor any internal development group has been confirmed for the upcoming game, demonstrating Nintendo's deliberate approach to keeping this information secret until launch. Efforts by other outlets including VGC to identify the game's developer at the Nintendo Switch 2 press event in early April were also unsuccessful, with Nintendo advising media and fans to "check the credits" when Donkey Kong Bananza launches.

Nintendo's Nate Bihldorff similarly declined to provide comment when approached for clarification.

Despite this, comparisons have surged following media previews and hands-on impressions.

Many have noted that Donkey Kong Bananza shares the design sensibilities and interactive elements found in Super Mario Odyssey—a celebrated title developed by EPD Tokyo under the direction of Yoshiaki Koizumi.

Previews note how Donkey Kong exhibits exceptional agility and movement, with new mechanics such as rock boarding, high-speed rolling, and half-pipe traversal reminiscent of Mario’s dynamic abilities in Odyssey.

"Donkey Kong's nimble gameplay and fluid navigation evoke the same exhilarating freedom as Super Mario Odyssey," stated a journalist after a hands-on session. Rumors over the past few years, particularly since 2021, have linked the development of the next Donkey Kong game to the EPD Tokyo team responsible for Odyssey, but Nintendo has yet to issue any official confirmation.

Attendees at a recent Nintendo Switch 2 experience event in Paris also referenced staff comments associating the Bananza project with the Odyssey team, although these are not considered formal statements. For historical context, the last internally developed Donkey Kong title was Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, directed by Koizumi himself.

More recently, NST was credited for the Mario vs.

Donkey Kong titles.

However, until Donkey Kong Bananza's official credits roll on Switch 2 this July, the identity of the developers will remain a closely guarded secret. Nintendo's decision to withhold this information is consistent with its previous handling of first-party releases on new hardware generations.

As anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 builds and Donkey Kong Bananza nears its eShop debut, fans and industry analysts will continue to speculate about the creative forces driving this high-profile release.

For now, all eyes remain on launch day for not only the gameplay experience but also the revelation of the team behind Nintendo's latest adventure.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Mario Switch 2 Switch Super Mario