Nintendo is bringing back one of its most iconic characters with Donkey Kong Bananza, an action-adventure game set to launch on July 17 for the Switch 2. The game aims to fill a noticeable gap in the console’s lineup by offering players a fresh, first-party exclusive.
Donkey Kong Bananza is the first major Donkey Kong title since Tropical Freeze in 2014 and is being developed by the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey. It introduces a new gameplay style focused on exploration, destruction, and puzzle-solving, all wrapped in a colorful, animated world.
The Switch 2 has seen strong early sales, surpassing 3.5 million units globally in just a few days. However, its game library has mostly relied on third-party titles and backward compatibility with the original Switch. Many players have been waiting for new, exclusive titles that show off what the upgraded console can do.
During a hands-on demo in New York, players explored Bananza’s layered, destructible environments and its co-op mode. Much of the gameplay involves smashing through terrain to uncover hidden items and paths. Donkey Kong’s new partner, Pauline, adds a twist—she rides on DK’s back, uses musical attacks, and can help him transform into other animals like gliding ostriches.
The game includes a light leveling system and playful boss fights, though some players found the controls for Pauline more difficult, especially when using the console’s mouse input. Still, the game’s fast-paced action and creativity stood out.
According to analyst Mat Piscatella, Bananza is a timely addition that should boost the console’s momentum during the slower summer months. However, he notes that Nintendo will need more major releases by the holiday season to keep excitement high, pointing to long-anticipated titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
With its humor, destruction-based gameplay, and classic DK charm, Donkey Kong Bananza may not be a Mario title, but it could be exactly what Nintendo needs to keep the Switch 2’s success rolling.
