There is a lot of exciting new information about the Nintendo Switch 2, but one of the most exciting is the announcement of Donkey Kong Bananza. Donkey Kong often feels underserved by Nintendo, so it's a huge treat to see him getting his own game. From what we saw in the preview, it also looks like the game is going to be a lot of fun, and add some new mechanics to one of my favorite genres. It also looks somewhat similar to one of my favorite games from last year.
I can see some players maybe being a bit put off by some aspects of Donkey Kong Bananza. Aesthetically, it is a huge departure from some of DK's previous games, and even Donkey Kong himself looks relatively different. Some main aspects of Donkey Kong games, like DK's typical antagonist, King K. Rool, also seem to be missing. That said, Donkey Kong Bananza looks like it will be a lot of fun, and change isn't necessarily a bad thing if the end product is still a good game.
Donkey Kong Bananza Release Date & Price
Donkey Kong Bananza Will Be Released On July 17, 2025
Donkey Kong Bananza will be released on July 17, 2025. This is a little over a month and a week after the Nintendo Switch 2 is released on June 5, so while it isn't exactly a launch title, you won't have to wait long to get your hands on it after the Switch 2 comes out. Donkey Kong Bananza will cost $69.99, which is on par with a lot of current AAA titles, though it might sound like a deal soon.
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The Mario Kart World, which is releasing alongside the Switch 2, will reportedly cost $79.99 for the digital form, and $89.99 for a physical copy. This, coupled with rumors that GTA 6 may bring the new standard price for AAA games up to $100, could make Donkey Kong Bananza's $69.99 price tag sound cheap. The Switch 2 itself is significantly more expensive than the previous Switch, so it looks like inflation is hitting the gaming industry in all areas. That said, the Switch 2 is at least still slightly less expensive than other home consoles were when they came out.
Donkey Kong Bananza Platform
Donkey Kong Bananza Is A Switch 2 Exclusive
Donkey Kong Bananza will be one of the biggest early titles for the Switch 2. Although there will be plenty of games on the Switch 2 at launch, and likely more shortly after like this one, Donkey Kong Bananza stands out because it is an exclusive title, not a port of a previously released game. It's also a big deal since it is a new release in one of Nintendo's ongoing franchises, and a unique one at that. It's been a while since the last Donkey Kong 3D platformer came out, and I'm excited to see the series' evolution.
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Because Donkey Kong Bananza is a Switch 2 exclusive, it has the opportunity to really take advantage of the system's unique new features. While I don't expect Donkey Kong Bananza to be overly gimmicky in the way something like 1-2-Switch was for the original Nintendo Switch, I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo used it as an opportunity to show off what the Switch 2 can do. At the very least, as a platformer, I would guess the game will benefit from the new smoother control sticks on the Switch 2's Joy-Cons as they could allow for more precise movement.
Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay Details
Donkey Kong Bananza Is A 3D Platformer With A Twist
Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D platformer, but it looks pretty different from something like Super Mario Odyssey. From the previews, it looks like the game will take place in larger environments, and have more of an emphasis on moving through levels as opposed to doing a series of tasks in the same limited space. The previews reminded me of Sony's surprise hit Astro Bot, and I would not be at all disappointed if Donkey Kong Bananza was somewhat similar. That said, there is one respect in which Donkey Kong Bananza feels wholly unique.
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Pardon the pun, but it looks like Donkney Kong Bananza will be breaking new ground. It's clear from the trailer on Nintendo's YouTube channel, and the information on their website, that Donkey Kong Bananza will place a big emphasis on its destructible terrain. The gameplay footage shows Donkey Kong smashing through rock faces, tunneling under the ground, and picking up chunks of earth to use as a tool or weapon. I'm excited to see to what extent the terrain is destructible, and how it will shape the gameplay. This game looks like a compelling reason to pick up Switch 2.
Source: Nintendo/YouTube
