Inbizzy, Tokyo, – Nintendo is making waves in the gaming world once again with the upcoming release of Donkey Kong Bananza, a brand-new 3D adventure platformer starring the legendary Donkey Kong. Set for global release on July 17, 2025, the game will launch exclusively on Nintendo’s latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2. With this move, Nintendo aims to reintroduce one of its most iconic characters through modern gameplay, advanced visuals, and innovative mechanics.
A Legendary Return
Donkey Kong, who first appeared in the iconic 1981 arcade game, has long been a symbol of Nintendo’s legacy. However, after his last 3D outing in Donkey Kong 64 for the Nintendo 64, the mighty ape largely disappeared from major solo titles.
With Bananza, Nintendo is not only bringing Donkey Kong back-they’re reinventing him for a new generation. The game is being developed by Nintendo EPD Tokyo, the same team behind the critically acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey.
“This is Donkey Kong like you’ve never seen before,” Nintendo stated in its official press release. Bananza promises expansive exploration, destructible environments, and a new layer of cooperative gameplay.
A New World, New Energy
Set on the mysterious Ingot Isle, players will descend into an underground world teeming with puzzles, hidden paths, and crumbling structures. The story centers around the quest for Banandium Gems, a mysterious energy source now threatened by an evil corporation called VoidCo.
A standout feature is the Bananza transformation mechanic, which allows Donkey Kong to morph into different creatures-like a zebra or a giant ostrich-each with their own unique traversal abilities, powered by a new energy called “Bananergy.”
Cooperative Mode and Creative Interaction
Notably, the game features a co-op mode, where a second player can take on the role of Pauline, who supports Donkey Kong using music-based powers and energy.
Nintendo also introduces an experimental mode called “DK Artist”, allowing players to sculpt or paint in-game environments using the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers. This feature taps into the new capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2, which boasts upgraded graphics and enhanced motion controls.
High Expectations from Fans and Analysts
Since its reveal during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, Donkey Kong Bananza has trended across online platforms including Reddit and YouTube. Analysts have called it a potential “killer app” for the Switch 2’s launch window.
“Bananza may be the exclusive title Nintendo needs to boost early Switch 2 sales,” wrote GamesRadar in a hands-on preview.
Pre-orders are already live, with a retail price of USD $69.99, and collector’s editions reportedly sold out within hours at major retailers.
Donkey Kong Bananza is more than just a nostalgic comeback-it’s a reimagining of a franchise classic for the modern era. Backed by the creative team behind Mario Odyssey and designed to fully utilize the Switch 2’s new hardware, the game has the potential to reignite the legacy of Donkey Kong in the ever-evolving world of 3D platformers.
