Nintendo Switch 2 owners are hyped for ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ after new video

Switch 2 owners are calling Donkey Kong Bananza “amazing” after Nintendo shared a proper look at the new 3D platformer.

• READ MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 review: easy to pick up, almost impossible to put down

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released last month alongside launch title Mario Kart World. No new Mario platformer has been announced for the new console but Nintendo did confirm that a new 3D Donkey Kong title was on the way.

Now the company has given fans a proper look at Donkey Kong Bananza via a 15-minute Direct and fans are excited. 

Due to launch July 17, Donkey Kong Bananza will see DK team up with a young Pauline. Pauline was first seen in the original Donkey Kong game as the damsel in distress but was replaced by Princess Peach for the Super Mario series. She’s starred in a number of spin-off titles and was mayor of New Donk City in 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey. 

Together, they must get to the core of Ingot Isle to defeat the nefarious Void Company, who want to mine the natural resources from the land. Pauline is an aspiring singer who can use the power of music to transform Donkey Kong into different forms, each with their own unique power. Kong Bananza has super strength, Zebra Bananza is very quick while Ostrich Bananza can fly and drop eggs on enemies. 

Donkey Kong himself can use his impressive physical strength to tear through the destructive environment, but can also use boulders to build, destroy and ride. As the video explained, “destruction can lead to discoveries” with a number of hidden and collectible items hidden about the land. 

The game will also support two-player co-op and make use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s new mouse control. It will also be GameShare and GameChat compatible, meaning only one person needs to own the game to play it in multiplayer.

FULL VOICE ACTING??

A FULL SONG??

Diddy Kong, Cranky, Dixie??

Donkey Kong Bananza is GOTY material!! pic.twitter.com/2IBpIcidXs

— AS112 (@AS_12239) June 18, 2025

“This looks amazing. So much more than I expected,” one surprised fan wrote on Reddit. “I was very underwhelmed by what was shown for DK Bananza in the past, but now I’m all in. Definitely getting it on launch day. If it is as fun as Mario Odyssey, it’ll be worth every penny,” said another. “This looks phenomenal and will be the true display of what the Switch 2 is capable of,” added a third. 

When Donkey Kong Bananza was announced I thought it looked cool but lowkey wished it was 3D Mario. This Direct COMPLETELY changed everything

There’s actually a story, voice acted cutscenes & skill trees to level up??

Okay I’m pre-ordering. If King K Rool is in too it’s a 10/10 pic.twitter.com/udgDhVF5bg

— Aero (@ActualAero) June 18, 2025

Donkey Kong Bananza will cost £66.99 for the physical game, while a digital version is available for £58.99. Pre-orders are live here.

In other news, Bruno Mars has been confirmed as the next Fornite Festival Icon, taking over from Sabrina Carpenter – and fans aren’t happy.

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