Nintendo Confirms Super Mario Odyssey Team Behind Donkey Kong Bananza for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has put months of speculation to rest by officially confirming that the development team behind the critically acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey is responsible for its upcoming title, Donkey Kong Bananza, set to release exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

This major announcement cements Nintendo Entertainment Planning and Development (EPD), with support from 1-UP Studio, as the creative forces driving the next evolution of the Donkey Kong franchise. Super Mario Odyssey, released in October 2017, was a landmark 3D platformer—earning widespread praise for its inventive gameplay and selling over 26 million copies worldwide as of 2024.

The game's legacy has stoked excitement in the Nintendo community, and fans have eagerly awaited news of the Odyssey team's next project.

Now, that anticipation turns to Donkey Kong Bananza: a high-energy adventure designed to harness the power and innovative features of Nintendo Switch 2. Set deep underground, Donkey Kong Bananza challenges players to help Donkey Kong navigate a labyrinthine world while competing to gather Golden Bananas before a shadowy group called VoidCo can seize them.

Nintendo describes the game as an adventure packed with mayhem, surprises, and, true to the brand, an abundance of bananas.

Players will be able to crash, bash, and climb through destructible landscapes, using Donkey Kong's iconic strength to alter terrain, swing from debris, and unveil hidden secrets. A Nintendo spokesperson put it succinctly: the more players smash and break with Donkey Kong’s formidable punches, the more the underground realm opens up—revealing fresh paths, hidden areas, and rewarding secrets for those willing to explore every nook and cranny.

This dynamic gameplay is poised to offer both longtime fans and newcomers a revitalized Donkey Kong experience, building on the platforming innovation seen in Super Mario Odyssey. Donkey Kong Bananza will be released globally at retail and via the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

The confirmation of the Odyssey team's involvement has further elevated expectations for the game, ensuring that Donkey Kong’s latest adventure will be among the most anticipated titles featured in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and headlines throughout the gaming industry. With a legacy of memorable platformers and millions of players worldwide, Nintendo’s EPD division—alongside 1-UP Studio—continues to showcase its expertise in pushing the boundaries of game design on new hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2.

For those tracking Nintendo’s first-party roadmap, Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be a defining release in 2025.

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