Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct: Key Details and What to Expect from the Upcoming Adventure

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Published on: June 18, 2025

Description

The Donkey Kong franchise is swinging into the spotlight once again, as Nintendo hosts a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation showcasing Donkey Kong Bananza, the upcoming platforming adventure for the Nintendo Switch 2.

As excitement continues to grow around both the new hardware and this highly anticipated title, fans worldwide are tuning in to catch a comprehensive overview and exclusive new footage of the latest Donkey Kong installment.

Scheduled to air at 2pm BST / 6am PDT / 9am EDT / 3pm CEST, the live stream will be available through the Nintendo of America YouTube channel, as well as various regional Nintendo streams.

This 15-minute Nintendo Direct offers an in-depth look at Donkey Kong Bananza, following a series of teasers, Treehouse Live segments, and hands-on previews from the Switch 2 Experience events.

The developer—Nintendo's own acclaimed EPD division—has a legacy of reinventing classic franchises, and Donkey Kong Bananza is primed to bring new excitement to longtime fans and newcomers alike. In previous showings, Donkey Kong Bananza has impressed audiences with its vibrant art direction, creative level design, and the return of iconic platforming mechanics.

The game's reveal during a major Nintendo Direct earlier this year set the stage for widespread anticipation, bolstered by playable demos at industry events.

Early feedback from both critics and the community highlights the game's signature humor, challenging stages, and robust co-op play, promising a worthy successor to Donkey Kong's storied adventures. A Nintendo spokesperson summarized the company's vision for the title, stating that Donkey Kong Bananza represents a "fresh chapter in the Donkey Kong saga, blending time-honored platforming with inventive new gameplay twists designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware." With features tailored to leverage the Switch 2's upgraded performance, fans can expect high-definition visuals, seamless load times, and expanded multiplayer functionalities unique to the new console generation. Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 via the Nintendo eShop, further cementing its role as a flagship title for the platform.

Sales data for the Donkey Kong franchise demonstrates its enduring popularity, with previous entries achieving millions of units sold worldwide across multiple generations of Nintendo consoles.

The game’s release date is eagerly awaited; its prominent placement in this special Nintendo Direct underlines Nintendo's confidence in Donkey Kong Bananza as a major system seller. Whether you’re a veteran Donkey Kong fan or joining the jungle for the first time, today's Nintendo Direct promises a closer look at what could be one of the Nintendo Switch 2's most significant launches.

Stay tuned for post-show analysis and hands-on impressions as they become available.

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Watch: Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct - Live!