Donkey Kong Bananza is set to open a completely new chapter in one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises ever! Here’s everything you need to know about it right now.
Anyone who eagerly anticipated the Nintendo Direct on April 2 probably had a lot of expectations: a full reveal of all the Switch 2 features, a clear roadmap for Nintendo’s direction in the coming year, and a glimpse at the games meant to convince us to buy the new console.
But what hardly anyone had on their radar was a brand-new Donkey Kong title.
Well, the signs were there – what stuck with most people after the very first Switch 2 trailer was the newly redesigned ape, seen riding behind Mario in his own kart.
Still, the fact that this new version of Donkey Kong would not only appear in Mario Kart World, but also debut in his own mainline title, came as quite a surprise – especially because this new game looks SO different!
That’s why we’ve gathered everything currently known about Donkey Kong Bananza right here.
When Will Donkey Kong Bananza Be Released?
As announced by Nintendo during the Switch 2 Direct, Donkey Kong Bananza will be released as a 3D platformer exclusively for the new console. It’s set to launch around six weeks after the Switch 2 itself – on July 17, 2025.
What’s Different About Donkey Kong Bananza?
The first and most obvious change compared to previous games is, of course, Donkey Kong’s appearance. Mario’s original rival hasn’t just received a general makeover and now looks much more like the version from The Super Mario Bros. Movie – he’s also been given a brand-new outfit.
Don’t worry – the iconic red tie is still very much part of the look. But for Bananza, the big ape is also slipping into a stylish pair of pants. Whether these pants are purely for fashion or come with special abilities – like Mario’s hat in Odyssey – remains to be seen.
But the gameplay itself also seems to differ greatly from what we’ve come to expect from recent Kong games.
Bananza won’t just switch between the classic side-scrolling format and a 3D open world – the environment itself is now made up of much more than a few exploding barrels and climbable palm trees.
As DK digs his way through the underground, the entire world around him becomes destructible
Players will punch, roll, climb, and kick their way through a world where large chunks of terrain can be smashed apart or torn away.
This not only opens up new paths – it offers a completely new way to explore the world around you.
A purple stone golem perched on Donkey’s shoulder is also one of the game’s brand-new features.
Although it’s still unclear exactly what this glittering companion is or what kind of abilities it grants DK, it’s already obvious that he’s adding some new tricks to the King of the Kongs’ nonexistent sleeves (though hey, at least now he has pant legs).
How Much Will Donkey Kong Bananza Cost?
Unfortunately, one bit of bad news dampening the seemingly endless excitement after the Nintendo Direct also affects Donkey Kong Bananza: Switch 2 games are expected to be noticeably more expensive than they were for the previous console generation.
The digital version of the game is currently priced at around $70, while the physical edition can be pre-ordered for $80. Whether these prices will change is still unclear.
What do you think of Donkey’s new look? And do you feel the price is justified?