Nintendo is swinging into action with exciting details about amiibo functionality for the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza, set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17th. Headlining the reveal is a brand-new Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo figure, arriving alongside the game.
This highly anticipated figure features Donkey Kong sporting his updated look, recently seen in Mario Kart World. But it’s more than just a collectible – scanning this specific amiibo in Donkey Kong Bananza unlocks exclusive in-game content.
Unlock Special Content with Amiibo
Nintendo outlined a tiered system for how amiibo will interact with the destructive platformer:
The New Donkey Kong & Pauline Amiibo: Scanning this fresh figure grants players access to Pauline’s stylish Diva Dress costume. While this outfit provides a helpful gameplay perk by increasing the likelihood of discs appearing after defeating enemies, reports suggest it may also be unlockable through standard gameplay later on. Beyond the costume, tapping this new amiibo also provides explosive KONG tiles within the game.
Previous Donkey Kong Series Amiibo: Got any older amiibo featuring DK, Diddy, Dixie, or other Kongs? Tapping these figures will yield golden KONG tiles, also possessing explosive power to aid Donkey Kong in his adventure.
Any Other Released Amiibo: Nintendo has confirmed broad compatibility for the vast majority of existing amiibo figures. Scanning any other* amiibo you own will provide various special items, often described as elemental spheres or useful terrain material. These can have unique effects, potentially used for combat, solving environmental puzzles, or even building structures within the game world. The specific items or effects will vary depending on the amiibo scanned, offering a wide range of potential benefits.
More Bananza Details Revealed
The Donkey Kong Bananza Direct presentation wasn’t just about amiibo. The showcase offered a deeper look at the game’s mechanics, confirming Pauline’s significant role as DK’s companion throughout most of the journey. Pauline’s singing abilities are key, temporarily transforming Donkey Kong into various forms, like a charging zebra or a flying ostrich, using gathered “Bananergy”.
The game also features a co-op mode where a second player controls Pauline, utilizing her vocal talents for explosive attacks aimed with mouse controls. Other features revealed include destructible environments that can be surfed or used to build, challenge courses, a rich system of collectibles like Banandium Gems and Fossils (unlocking abilities and costumes with perks), and creative modes like “DK Artist” and Photo Mode.
Set against the villainous VoidCo and their leader Void Kong, who seek the legendary Planet Core, Donkey Kong Bananza promises a visually stunning experience built for the Switch 2. The confirmed amiibo support adds another layer of interaction, allowing players to bring their existing collections into this exciting new ape-venture.
