Donkey Kong Bananza Fan's Yellow Cartridge DIY Ends in Nintendo Switch 2 Mishap

Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest entry in Nintendo's storied Donkey Kong franchise, has sparked nostalgia among longtime fans due to its red Nintendo Switch 2 cartridge—a notable departure from the iconic yellow shells of Donkey Kong 64 and Donkey Kong Land.

Recently, one ambitious fan, inspired by the classic aesthetics, attempted to recreate the familiar yellow look at home, only for his nostalgic endeavor to end in disaster on the Nintendo Switch 2. This unusual incident was spotlighted by the gaming news site Dexerto and chronicled on TikTok by the fan himself, who documented the process from inspiration to mishap.

In a video posted to his TikTok account, the user, Gardner, highlighted his fondness for the bright yellow Donkey Kong cartridges from past Nintendo generations.

“If you look at Donkey Kong Land or Donkey Kong 64, you’ll see they both have these vibrant yellow cartridges,” Gardner explained.

"I just can't bring myself to play Bananza knowing that I’m putting a red cartridge in my Switch." Driven by nostalgia, Gardner decided to spray paint his Donkey Kong Bananza cartridge a vibrant shade of yellow, aiming to match the look of the beloved classic titles.

However, after applying the paint and modifying the labeling, the cartridge would no longer fit smoothly into his Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Attempts to insert the altered card led to it becoming lodged inside the hardware.

When standard removal efforts failed, the situation escalated to using pliers, resulting in the cartridge breaking off while still inside the console. In a follow-up on TikTok, Gardner addressed comments and gentle ribbing from viewers, sharing how he ultimately removed the stuck cartridge safely after the incident.

The story serves as a clear lesson for Nintendo fans: while custom modifications might look appealing, they pose significant risks to both the game cards and the console hardware.

Nintendo advises users to avoid altering or painting official products, as modifications can void warranties and potentially damage devices. Donkey Kong Bananza, developed and published by Nintendo, continues the legacy of the franchise on the Nintendo Switch 2, but this fan’s misadventure underscores the importance of cherishing your hardware just as it comes out of the box.

As Nintendo maintains its reputation for iconic design and build quality, users are encouraged to express their fandom through official merchandise rather than risky DIY modifications.

For more stories on Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo Switch 2 news, and community highlights, stay tuned to the eShop and Nintendo Direct announcements.

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