Nintendo’s First In-House Donkey Kong Game in Over 20 Years

Donkey Kong Bananza marks the return of Donkey Kong in a mainline title developed internally by Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development division, the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey. This is the first in-house Donkey Kong game since Jungle Beat in 2004.

Official Release Date: July 17, 2025 on Switch 2

The game will be released globally on July 17, 2025, alongside the launch window of the Nintendo Switch 2. Players can preload the game now via digital pre-order, with a file size of approximately 8.6 GB.

Destructible Environments Powered by Voxel Tech

Bananza introduces voxel-based environments, allowing players to destroy walls, create paths, uncover hidden treasure chests, and interact dynamically with the world. This level of interaction is optimized for the hardware power of the Switch 2, which became the main development target after initial testing on the original Switch.

A New Duo: Donkey Kong and Young Pauline

This game introduces a young version of Pauline as Donkey Kong’s companion, nicknamed “Odd Rock.” The inclusion of Pauline is not just cosmetic—she contributes musically and narratively to the adventure, offering new gameplay dynamics and character-driven moments.

A Fresh New Look for Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong receives a design overhaul in Bananza. His height, fur texture, and outfit have all been updated to increase his expressiveness, particularly from behind the character in 3D environments. The redesign aims to reflect both strength and charm.

From Switch 1 to Switch 2: A Technical Leap

Originally prototyped for the first Nintendo Switch, Bananza’s development shifted entirely to Switch 2 in 2021. The new platform allows for 60fps gameplay, detailed destructible mechanics, larger environments, and enhanced features like Joy-Con-supported co-op and a creative mode called “DK Artist.”

The Meaning Behind “Bananza” and Its Soundtrack

The title “Bananza” plays on the words “banana” and “bonanza,” hinting at chaotic fun and treasure-hunting. The soundtrack combines classic Donkey Kong musical themes with new compositions. Iconic tracks like “DK Rap” make a return in a tongue-in-cheek way, keeping the nostalgic vibe alive.

The Beginning of a Big Year for Donkey Kong

2025 is being positioned as the “Year of DK.” In addition to Bananza, Nintendo is collaborating with Universal to develop an animated Donkey Kong movie. The character is also set to appear in more multimedia projects, from theme parks to merchandise, signaling a major push for the franchise across entertainment platforms.

Final Thoughts

Donkey Kong Bananza is more than just another platformer. It’s a celebration of the franchise’s roots combined with bold, modern innovation. With voxel-powered destruction, new companions, and next-gen visuals, this game sets the stage for a massive Donkey Kong revival starting July 17, 2025.

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