Nintendo has officially announced a brand new 3D action platform game titled Donkey Kong: Bananza, set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. This exciting announcement was made during the first Nintendo Direct presentation for the new console on April 2, 2025, which also featured a slew of other big reveals, including a new installment in The Legend of Zelda series and a title developed by FromSoftware, the studio behind hits like Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
Donkey Kong: Bananza marks a significant return for the beloved character, as it is the first 3D platformer starring Donkey Kong since the iconic Donkey Kong 64, which debuted in 1999. The game promises to deliver stunning visuals and innovative gameplay, set against beautifully crafted jungle environments. Players will have the opportunity to explore a vast underground world, battling a villainous group known as VoidCo, who have stolen the coveted Golden Bananas.
According to Nintendo, the gameplay experience is designed to be dynamic and interactive. In the trailer, viewers can see Donkey Kong utilizing his strength to tear through terrain, creating new paths and eliminating enemies along the way. The game description emphasizes that players will "crash, bash, and climb through nearly everything in DK’s path and tear off chunks of terrain to swing around and throw in groundbreaking exploration." The more players demolish, the more areas they can uncover, making for an adventure filled with surprises and mayhem.
As Donkey Kong embarks on this journey, he is accompanied by a mysterious new friend—a purple golem whose name has yet to be revealed. Together, they navigate the challenges posed by VoidCo, all while seeking to reclaim the stolen Golden Bananas. This new storyline adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay, providing fans with fresh content while still honoring the franchise's legacy.
The Nintendo Switch 2 itself is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a retail price of $449.99. The console aims to build on the success of its predecessor, which sold over 139 million units worldwide, by offering a robust lineup of first-party titles to entice early adopters. The Donkey Kong: Bananza game will be sold at a price point of $69.99, reflecting the premium nature of this highly anticipated title.
Other notable games confirmed for the Switch 2 include Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Hades 2, Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy, James Bond 007, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, and Borderlands 4. This diverse selection showcases Nintendo's commitment to providing a wide array of gaming experiences for its audience.
The reception of the first Nintendo Direct presentation for the Switch 2 has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing excitement over the new features and capabilities of the console. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated, "Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch. With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches."
With the launch of Donkey Kong: Bananza and the Nintendo Switch 2 just around the corner, fans are eager to see how the franchise evolves while staying true to its roots. The game promises to deliver an engaging mix of nostalgia and innovation, making it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. As more details emerge, the anticipation continues to build for what is sure to be a landmark entry in the Donkey Kong series.
As the release date approaches, players can look forward to further updates from Nintendo, including gameplay reveals and additional features. The excitement surrounding Donkey Kong: Bananza is palpable, and it stands poised to become a highlight of the upcoming gaming landscape. With its captivating storyline, engaging mechanics, and the return of a beloved character, Donkey Kong: Bananza is set to make waves when it launches this summer.
