The iconic gorilla in a red tie is making a 3D comeback after 20 years in the form of a game titled Donkey Kong Bananza.
Shown off at the April Switch 2 Direct, the game features chaotic platforming, banana collecting, and introduces a new rocky sidekick to help Donkey Kong on his wild journey.
Now, with a focus on creative platforming tailored to Donkey Kong’s skills, Nintendo’s Treehouse streams unveiled more about Donkey Kong Bananza, diving deeper into several platforming areas beyond what was shown in the initial reveal.
The gaming community is buzzing with theories about the Nintendo Switch 2 release, many believing it could have multiplayer options and be in the works from Mario Odyssey’s development team.
With recent Switch 2 Direct events confirming the console’s price and release date, Nintendo fans are gearing up for an exciting year.
Donkey Kong’s comeback is poised to be one of the biggest games for 2025 on the next-gen system. Below is a complete summary of everything known so far about Donkey Kong Bananza.
Donkey Kong Bananza Release Date
The wait is almost over! Nintendo confirmed Donkey Kong Bananza will swing onto the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.
Nintendo’s June 5 launch date for the Switch 2 means that Donkey Kong’s 3D comeback will be one of the first flagship games released on the next-gen system.
What Are the Platforms for Donkey Kong Bananza?
Fans hoping to play Donkey Kong Bananza on the original Switch are out of luck, Nintendo has announced it will be exclusive to the Switch 2.
Even though Switch 2 supports older games and will release updated versions of some, Donkey Kong Bananza is reserved solely for the new generation of Nintendo hardware.
Donkey Kong Bananza Trailer
In the trailer for Donkey Kong Bananza (watch it above), we got a first look at some of the game’s exciting platforming stages — from frosty landscapes to lush jungle zones and beyond.
Well, from the early footage, the game’s 3D visuals look sharp and immersive. Its open-zone level design brings to mind Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and we see DK doing what he does best, smashing through environments both on the surface and underground.
Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay
The Donkey Kong Bananza reveal showed off some creative gameplay moments, with DK breaking through terrain in wild ways — pulling up land, smashing into the depths, and exploring below the surface in what looks like a fresh twist on platforming.
On the official game site, Nintendo teases that players will explore alongside Donkey Kong as he digs deeper into a hidden underground world, uncovering stunning new areas along the way.
Donkey Kong has his eyes on a hoard of golden bananas, but things take a twist when they’re stolen by the elusive VoidCo. Now, DK must go underground in pursuit, and we’re right there with him on the trail.
Nintendo describes the adventure as “destructive,” and the trailer backs that up with scenes of Donkey Kong climbing walls, tearing through the ground, rolling at full speed, and riding mine carts through wild terrain.
Well, after the Switch 2 Direct, the Nintendo Treehouse stream gave us a closer look at Donkey Kong Bananza’s underground mining gameplay, featuring DK slapping the earth to pick up items, breaking obstacles with chunks of terrain, and introducing Odd Rock, a little purple rock who joins as a new sidekick.
Sometimes, hazards like Void terrain stand in your way, impervious to your smashing. Odd Rock aids by clearing the cause of these areas, and you can even sing with your companion to help discover the path forward when you’re stuck.
As the cast of characters remains mostly under wraps, a recent leak has sparked speculation that a younger Pauline may feature in the story.
At the Switch 2 Experience, we learned you can use motion controls to smash terrain in the game. There’s also a 3D map that constantly updates to reflect all the damage you’ve done to the environment.
Thinking of flattening the whole map? The “reset terrain” option makes it easy to revert changes, so you’ll always be able to progress and explore fully.
Is Donkey Kong Bananza Available for Pre-Order?
With the Switch 2 pre-order window open, Donkey Kong Bananza can be reserved ahead of its July launch. Both formats are offered for $69.99 on Nintendo’s store.
UK buyers can get digital copies for £58.99 or physical versions for £66.99. Some of the biggest retailers have also opened pre-orders.
Also Read: Why Multiplayer In Donkey Kong Bananza Makes Perfect Sense After Super Mario Odyssey?
