Donkey Kong Bananza vs. Super Mario Odyssey: Nintendo Switch Platformer Showdown

Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest 3D platformer from Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, has been available for just over a month and has quickly garnered widespread acclaim.

The game has not only met the high expectations set by its legacy but has also sparked lively debate among fans and critics: Is Donkey Kong Bananza better than Super Mario Odyssey? Both games, hailing from some of the same creative teams within Nintendo, represent the gold standard for 3D platformers on the Switch.

This in-depth analysis examines the two juggernauts side by side, taking into account their movement mechanics, world design, audio, story, collectibles, and more, to determine their individual strengths and overall impact on the genre. **Movement and Controls** One of the most celebrated features both titles share is their refined movement systems.

In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario’s moveset—powered by his companion Cappy—allows for creative platforming that enables players to chain jumps, rolls, bounces, and more.

Advanced techniques let players bypass entire sections, a favorite tactic for speedrunners.

Some advanced maneuvers even require the use of motion controls, which can be less convenient in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch. Donkey Kong Bananza, meanwhile, forgoes an external partner mechanic but compensates with DK's wide array of satisfying abilities, including rolls, helicopter jumps, Bananza forms, aerial hand slaps, and Turf Surf.

Notably, Donkey Kong Bananza never forces players to use motion controls, making all abilities accessible regardless of playstyle.

Early impressions suggest Bananza’s skill ceiling rivals—and perhaps slightly surpasses—Odyssey, particularly thanks to its freedom from control constraints. **Level Design and Structure** Structurally, both titles present expansive, intricately designed worlds: kingdoms in Odyssey, and layers in Bananza.

Odyssey’s kingdoms, like the lively Metro Kingdom and the dinosaur-adorned Cascade Kingdom, are memorable not just for their size but their distinctive themes and innovative twists.

Bananza’s layers may appear more conventional at first glance, but they make up for this through sheer scale and complexity—many environments include sublayers to broaden the sense of discovery. **Music and Atmosphere** Super Mario Odyssey’s music remains an industry benchmark, with standout tracks such as "Jump Up, Super Star!" and evocative kingdom themes.

Every area features instantly recognizable melodies, contributing to the game’s overall charm and replay value.

Donkey Kong Bananza’s soundtrack, while more atmospheric and less melodic in some areas, pays homage to its roots through remixes like Stickerbrush Symphony and fresh tracks for levels such as Lagoon Layer and Planet Core.

While some critics claim Bananza’s musical selections are less memorable, others appreciate their immersive quality—aligning with the game’s focus on exploration and wilderness. **Storytelling and Antagonists** For narrative, Donkey Kong Bananza distinguishes itself with higher stakes and more nuanced character development.

The storyline centers on Void Kong’s quest to reach the Earth’s core, with a pivotal kidnapping of Pauline and the ominous re-emergence of King K.

Rool as a major antagonist.

The stakes escalate as DK races to thwart K.

Rool’s potentially disastrous wish, culminating in a multi-phase final boss in New Donk City—one of the most impactful finales in the series.

Conversely, Odyssey’s story, hinging on Bowser’s wedding scheme, shines during sequences like the New Donk City festival, but its climax—despite a memorable playable Bowser moment—doesn’t quite achieve the same scale or emotional weight. **Collectibles and Progression** Both games center progression around collectible objectives: Power Moons in Odyssey and Banandium Gems in Bananza.

While Odyssey offers Power Moons in abundance—partly to suit quick, portable sessions on the Switch—some have criticized the repetitive nature of certain tasks.

Bananza counters with more thoughtfully hidden Banandium Gems, rewarding exploration and skill over repetition, and introduces a more flexible progression system without locking players into minimum collection thresholds for advancement. **Art Direction and Consistency** Artistically, Donkey Kong Bananza presents a cohesive, wilderness-inspired visual style, populated with creative NPCs and environmental designs.

Odyssey, celebrated for its graphical fidelity and variety, intentionally juxtaposes contrasting elements—like the realistic Metro Kingdom and the fantastical Cap Kingdom—creating both memorable highlights and stylistic dissonance.

This willingness to experiment keeps Odyssey feeling fresh, though some players prefer Bananza’s more unified approach. **Postgame Content and Replay Value** Both games feature substantial postgame content, with Odyssey boasting the nostalgia-laden Mushroom Kingdom and a total of 880 unique Power Moons, while Bananza offers Ingot Isle and 777 Banandium Gems.

Odyssey’s postgame is enhanced by unlockable references and the ability to play as Yoshi, whereas Bananza structures additional challenges into a familiar environment with new twists. **The Final Verdict** Comparing Super Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong Bananza is a complex task for any seasoned Nintendo fan.

Odyssey excels in boss design, musical consistency, and level memorability; Bananza makes its mark through expansive levels, detailed storytelling, rewarding collectibles, and robust movement mechanics.

Ultimately, both represent landmark achievements for 3D platformers on the Nintendo Switch and are essential experiences for fans.

Whether one emerges as the definitive favorite is a matter of personal preference, but together, they underscore Nintendo’s ongoing innovation and mastery in the genre.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Mario Switch Super Mario Bananza King K. Rool Pauline Void Kong Banandium Gems Power Moons Nintendo Direct Nintendo eShop Cappy Metro Kingdom New Donk City