(Credit: Will Greenwald)
I called it! Nintendo was indeed plotting Donkey Kong's return on Switch 2. Instead of a new mainline Mario game, the console's debut first-party platformer is Donkey Kong Bananza, starring the big ape. Let's cut to the chase: Donkey Kong Bananza was the best game I demoed at Nintendo's Switch 2 event and a reminder that Kong is as much of a star as Mario.
Donkey Kong's New Design
In Bananza, Donkey Kong explodes onto the scene with the redesigned look first seen in the Super Mario Bros. Movie (it's also on display in Mario Kart World). His eyes are expressive, and his fur has a pleasing, almost feather-like texture. The first stage is in a gold mine, so he even wears a cool miner’s outfit.
Kong isn't the game's only attractive element. Both stages I played featured eye-popping colors and detailed particle effects for flying mud, cracking crystals, and sparkly bananas. While it's not confirmed, I highly suspect Nintendo's Tokyo team is developing the game, the same folks behind Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Odyssey, and the extremely underappreciated Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Bananza’s vibrant cartoon world, chock full of life and character, has strong Mario energy. But it’s also chaotic and tactile in ways that scream Donkey Kong, especially when you dig into the gameplay.
Bananza's Big Gameplay
Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D platformer with 2D barrel blast and mine cart sections similar to Donkey Kong Country. However, the demo build emphasized Kong's more muscular offensive actions, not just leaping from platform to platform. If Mario is about legs, Donkey Kong is about fists. Kong can pound and punch his way through materials and crawl through mud to uncover collectibles. The game takes place inside the layers of a hollow earth that's entirely destructible, thanks to Kong's raw strength. Goodies could hide anywhere.
(Credit: Nintendo)That’s not to say the game is Nintendo’s take on brainless violence, though. One level tasked me with ripping chunks from explosive rocks and tossing the makeshift bombs to solve puzzles and beat bad guys. Using this technique, I aimed at a boss' weak, exposed points and tore apart its brittle bones.
Kong can also roll into a ball and climb on surfaces like in Breath of the Wild. I didn't need to use all these skills in the demo, but they felt good. I'm curious to explore them. Kong even gains a cute little talking rock companion, but its function is currently unknown. Note that Donkey Kong Bananza is a Switch 2 exclusive. For more on the Switch 2's power, check out Switch 2 vs. Switch 1: What's the Difference?
Release Date and Price
I'm an absolute sicko for Donkey Kong. For more than 25 years, I've awaited a 3D adventure that washes away Donkey Kong 64's bad taste. Fortunately, Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be that dream game, and we don't need to wait long to play it.
Donkey Kong Bananza hits the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17. The game costs $70, which aligns with current industry trends—unlike Mario Kart World's shocking $80 price tag.