Get ready to dig deep into a brand-new adventure! Nintendo has officially unveiled Donkey Kong Bananza, a transformative 3D platforming action-adventure set to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system on July 17. Revealed during the recent Donkey Kong Bananza Direct presentation, this exciting new title throws Donkey Kong into a world filled with mayhem, music, mystery, and, of course, countless bananas.
An Epic Underground Journey Begins
Donkey Kong Bananza kicks off in the expansive caverns of Ingot Isle, where a monumental discovery has just been made: glittering golden bananas! Legendary banana enthusiast Donkey Kong is thrilled by the find but is quickly swept into the planet’s depths by a sudden, powerful tempest. Stranded far below the surface, DK encounters a mysterious rock formation that reveals itself to be Pauline, a talented young singer who has been transformed.
United by circumstance, this unlikely pair must navigate the vast, unexplored Underground World. Their shared goal? To reach the fabled Planet Core, rumored to grant any heart’s desire. While Donkey Kong simply wishes for an endless supply of bananas, Pauline desperately hopes the Core can restore her to her true form and return her to the surface.
However, they aren’t alone in their descent. The villainous Void Company, a massive mining operation led by the formidable Void Kong, is also racing toward the Core for their own nefarious ends. Not only did VoidCo trigger the storm that sent DK plunging underground, but they are also responsible for Pauline’s transformation into Odd Rock. DK and Pauline must outwit the Void Company and reach the core first!
Smash, Bash, and Transform with New Abilities
Players control Donkey Kong, utilizing a host of powerful new abilities to overcome obstacles and enemies. Unleash destructive moves like the Dive Punch to burrow into the ground, roll over hazards, or perform a Hand Slap to uncover hidden items. You can even Turf Surf by tearing off chunks of terrain and riding them, or throw them at foes. These versatile abilities can be combined for maximum chaos!
Adding a unique twist to the gameplay is the Bananergy system. By collecting gold throughout the Underground World, DK and Pauline build up energy that allows Pauline to channel her singing voice to temporarily transform Donkey Kong! Each Bananza Transformation grants special abilities:
Kong Bananza: Boosts DK’s strength for unparalleled power.
Zebra Bananza: Increases speed and allows for rapid dashes.
Ostrich Bananza: Enables flight and the ability to drop Egg Bombs on targets.
Co-Op Chaos with Donkey Kong & Pauline
Donkey Kong Bananza offers a dynamic co-op experience, allowing two players to team up as Donkey Kong and Pauline. By sharing a Joy-Con 2 controller, players can control each character independently. Pauline assists DK with powerful vocal blasts, creatively utilized with the Joy-Con 2 controller’s unique mouse functionality. The game also supports GameShare, letting a friend join your local co-op session even if they don’t own the game (requires initiating via a Nintendo Switch 2 system). You can also use GameChat for voice or video communication with friends online.
Collectibles, Customization, and Creative Modes
The Underground World is packed with secrets and valuable items. Unearth Banandium Gems (golden bananas) hidden underground, behind walls, or out in the open. These gems award Skill Points that enhance DK’s power and unlock new skills. Earn Banandium Gems through exploration or by completing challenges like timed battles and obstacle courses.
You’ll also find Banandium Chips (banana slices) and Banandium Gold (gold nuggets). Trade Chips for Gems at the Chip Exchange, and Gold for helpful items at the Stuff Shop. Digging may even reveal Fossils, which can be traded at Style Shops for unique fashions for DK and Pauline, often providing beneficial effects, along with different fur colors for Donkey Kong.
Beyond the main adventure, players can express their creativity with dedicated game modes. Photo Mode allows you to capture the perfect in-game moments with adjustable camera angles and settings. In DK Artist, use the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls to carve designs into stone masterpieces, complete with custom lighting and banana effects.
New and Familiar Faces
As Donkey Kong and Pauline delve deeper, they’ll encounter a variety of inhabitants and foes. Alongside the ancient Elders dwelling underground, familiar faces like Cranky Kong and his trusty companion Rambi make an appearance. The nefarious Void Company presents numerous challenges, introducing characters like Grumpy Kong and Poppy Kong, all serving the formidable Void Kong.
Explore and Recharge
Need a break from the action? Utilize Getaways to rest in a comfy bed, restoring energy and even choosing relaxing music. To quickly traverse previously explored areas, hop on the back of friendly subterranean eels called Eelevators.
Amiibo Support
Donkey Kong Bananza supports amiibo figures. A special Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo will be available on July 17, granting early access to Pauline’s in-game Diva Dress and providing explosive KONG tiles. Scanning other Donkey Kong character amiibo will also reward you with gold KONG tiles, while scanning any other available amiibo will provide a giant sphere of terrain material to aid your journey.
Prepare to unleash your inner Kong when Donkey Kong Bananza arrives on Nintendo Switch 2! Priced at $69.99, this deep and dynamic adventure offers thrilling gameplay, a compelling story, and plenty of secrets to uncover.
(Note: Nintendo Switch 2 features parental controls. Online features like GameChat require internet access, a Nintendo Account, and a Nintendo Switch Online membership after March 31, 2026. GameShare sessions are local only and tied to the GameChat session initiator.)*
