Donkey Kong Bananza DLC Easter Egg: Hidden Namco Reference Discovered on Nintendo Switch

The Donkey Kong Bananza DLC, available now on the Nintendo Switch eShop, continues to delight players with its dynamic content and detailed tributes to gaming history.

Developed and published by Nintendo, this latest roguelike expansion invites fans to revisit the beloved DK Island, now expertly reimagined for a new generation, and enjoy the fast-paced Emerald Rush mode that serves as the centerpiece of this major add-on.

While Emerald Rush’s action-packed gameplay and the lush, vibrant redesign of DK Island have drawn much of the spotlight, recent community discoveries have unearthed a charming Easter Egg that pays homage to arcade origins.

The reference was brought to light by modder and gaming enthusiast Christa Lee.

At the conclusion of an Emerald Rush run, players are presented with Donkey Kong’s VoidCo employee card—a screen summarizing their in-game accomplishments and rewards.

Upon closer inspection, sharp-eyed fans noticed the employee number listed as “7650.” This sequence is not arbitrary.

For those familiar with gaming milestones, 7,650 is the highest possible point value a player can earn on a single item in the original Pac-Man arcade game, developed by Namco.

The number 7,650 has become somewhat legendary among classic arcade circles and is incorporated into several Namco-developed titles as a subtle signature, based on a Japanese wordplay called 'gorowase,' where the digits correspond to the syllables in “Namco” (7=Na, 6=Mu, 5=Ko, 0=O). This hidden detail appears to be a knowing nod from Nintendo to the storied history of Namco and its influence on arcade gaming.

Although there is no indication that Bandai Namco was formally involved in the development of the Bananza DLC—as evidenced by a review of the interactive credits—the connection is fitting.

Nintendo has collaborated with Bandai Namco in the past, including notable projects such as the Super Smash Bros.

series and other joint ventures, demonstrating a longstanding relationship between the companies. The clever placement of the 7650 Easter Egg is reminiscent of past Nintendo traditions, like the 'The Big 7650!' event featured in Super Smash Bros.

for Wii U, further underscoring the company’s penchant for honoring gaming history and celebrating high-score legends.

Reception for the Donkey Kong Bananza DLC itself has been positive, with reviewers praising the energetic and replayable Emerald Rush roguelike mode, as well as the attention to visual detail across DK Island.

However, some felt the DLC left them wanting more beyond these standout features.

For dedicated Nintendo Switch gamers and fans of classic arcade lore, the discovery of this subtle Namco tribute adds an extra layer of enjoyment, connecting Donkey Kong’s latest adventure to the rich heritage of video game development. With the continued rollout of creative downloadable content and ongoing support for legacy franchises, Nintendo showcases its commitment to both innovation and tradition on the Nintendo Switch, ensuring that Easter Eggs like this will keep enthusiasts scanning every screen for hidden surprises in the years to come.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Switch Namco Pac-Man DLC Bananza Rush Emerald Rush Bandai Namco VoidCo Christa Lee DK Island Smash Bros