Nintendo has made a surprising early reveal about its highly anticipated Switch 2 title, donkey Kong Bananza. The company confirmed that the upcoming 3D platformer is being developed by the acclaimed team behind Super mario Odyssey. This rare pre-release announcement sparks excitement for Bananza’s potential and raises intriguing questions about the future of the flagship 3D Mario series on new hardware. Read on to learn more about this significant development.
A Rare Developer Reveal from Nintendo
Nintendo is famously secretive about its internal development teams. Often, the specific studio or group responsible for a major release remains unconfirmed until players see the credits roll after finishing the game. This approach keeps focus on the game itself, rather than the creators behind it.
However, Nintendo recently departed from this norm. During a media preview event for Donkey Kong Bananza, attended by outlets like Eurogamer, VGC, Kotaku, Polygon, and IGN, the company made a direct and explicit confirmation. They stated that the development team for Donkey Kong Bananza is the same team that created the highly successful Super Mario Odyssey.
This announcement was a notable moment. It confirmed long-standing speculation based on early visual cues and thematic elements shared between the two titles. Releasing this information before the game’s launch is highly unusual for Nintendo.
Pinpointing the Team Behind Bananza
When Nintendo refers to “the same team that developed Super Mario Odyssey,” they are strongly implying a specific internal group. This group is part of Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) division. Specifically, it points to EPD Production Group No. 8, based in Tokyo.
This is the primary Nintendo division known for crafting premier 3D Mario adventures. They are the masterminds responsible for bringing Super Mario into expansive, innovative 3D worlds. Their pedigree is undeniable within the company’s structure. The core creative leads often associated with modern 3D Mario entries include Producer Koichi Hayashida, Director Kenta Motokura, and Producer Yoshiaki Koizumi.
However, it’s important to note a key detail reported by multiple sources like VGC and Kotaku. While Nintendo confirmed the team, they were reportedly reluctant to confirm whether the exact same staff members or the specific directors from Super Mario Odyssey are leading Donkey Kong Bananza. The confirmation was phrased broadly as “the same team” or “same staff” in a general sense. This ambiguity leaves some questions about the specific individuals driving this new Donkey Kong project.
Why the ‘Odyssey Team’ Pedigree Matters
The connection to Super Mario Odyssey is fantastic news for fans of Donkey Kong and Nintendo games in general. Super Mario Odyssey, released in 2017 for the original Switch, was a critical and commercial phenomenon. It was praised for its inventive gameplay, vast sandbox-style levels, creative use of the capture mechanic, and sheer joy of movement and exploration.
Eurogamer’s own 2017 review called Odyssey “one of the most daring and influential game designs of all time.” This level of acclaim highlights the incredible talent and innovative spirit of its development team. Their expertise in crafting expansive, secret-filled 3D worlds with tight controls and constant surprises bodes exceptionally well for Donkey Kong Bananza.
This team understands how to make 3D platforming feel fresh and exciting. Their work on Odyssey demonstrated a willingness to experiment and push boundaries within a beloved franchise. Applying that same creative energy to the Donkey Kong universe could result in something truly special and unexpected. It suggests that Donkey Kong Bananza might not just be a traditional 3D platformer, but one infused with the same sense of discovery and playful mechanics that defined Odyssey.
Early Glimpses and Game Details
Initial hands-on impressions from media attending the preview event have been largely positive. Eurogamer’s Alex reported that his time with the game “flew by,” despite noting some repetition in certain actions like the “wrecking ball.” This sensation of time passing quickly during gameplay is often a strong indicator of an engaging and successful formula.
VGC described the game as potentially being “greater than the sum of its parts.” They felt it was a “cavalcade of ideas and mechanics.” This description echoes the design philosophy of Super Mario Odyssey, which was packed with diverse gameplay segments and mechanics. Polygon noted that the game features large 3D levels filled with secrets and collectibles, another similarity to Odyssey.
We also know several key details about Donkey Kong Bananza from previous reveals and the previews:
It’s set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
The release date is July 17, 2025. This places it firmly in the Switch 2’s early launch window or first summer lineup.
The game features a musical twist incorporated into the gameplay.
The antagonists are the Void Company. This villainous group is led by Void Kong and includes members named Grumpy Kong and Poppy Kong.
Pauline joins Donkey Kong as a co-op partner and sidekick. This is a significant new role for the character. A younger version of Pauline appears, utilizing her developing singing ability as a potential power-up. IGN points out that Pauline’s prominent role in both Odyssey (as mayor of New Donk City) and now Bananza fueled initial speculation about the developer link and even theories about Bananza potentially serving as a prequel.
Polygon highlights that the game represents a “substantial rethink” of a Donkey Kong platformer. It reportedly includes elements like mass level destruction and transformation mechanics. These mechanics allow Donkey Kong to gain the abilities of other animals, such as a zebra or an ostrich.
This title marks the first 3D Donkey Kong platformer since the Nintendo 64 classic, Donkey Kong 64, released way back in 1999. The visual design for Donkey Kong also appears similar to his portrayal in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The combination of these intriguing gameplay details and the confirmed developer creates significant anticipation for what this acclaimed team can do with the unique mechanics and world of Donkey Kong.
The Lingering Question: What About the Next 3D Mario?
While the confirmation is exciting for Donkey Kong Bananza, it inevitably leads to speculation about Nintendo’s flagship franchise. The Super Mario Odyssey team is the primary internal group responsible for the main 3D Mario titles. With this team confirmed to be working on a major Donkey Kong game for the Switch 2’s launch year, it raises critical questions about the status of the next mainline 3D Super Mario adventure.
Several scenarios are being discussed based on industry insights and rumors:
- Concurrent Development: Nintendo EPD Tokyo might be splitting its resources. A portion of the team could be focused on Donkey Kong Bananza, while another segment continues developing the next 3D Mario game simultaneously. Kotaku mentions a theory that Bananza is being developed by a new spin-off team originating from the Odyssey group. This younger team grew up with Donkey Kong Country and wanted to tackle the franchise, allowing a separation of focus while keeping the experienced core leads potentially involved with the next Mario.
- Different Team, Different Studio: Perhaps a completely different internal Nintendo team has been tasked with developing the next flagship 3D Mario title for Switch 2. Nintendo has multiple EPD groups, and other studios collaborate on Mario games (though core 3D entries are typically EPD Tokyo).
- Delayed Development: The development of the next 3D Mario might be further off than typically expected for a new console launch. Donkey Kong Bananza could be occupying the key early slot that a major 3D Mario game might otherwise fill. IGN notes the significance of Bananza taking this summer slot in 2025.
Adding to the speculation is the reported ambiguity regarding the specific individuals leading Bananza, as well as the notable absence of key figures like Yoshiaki Koizumi from the initial Switch 2 announcement presentation, as highlighted by IGN. Koizumi has been a director or producer on every major 3D Mario game since Super Mario Sunshine. His involvement (or lack thereof) in Bananza and the next 3D Mario is a major point of interest.
Ultimately, until Nintendo provides more transparency regarding its development credits or officially unveils the next 3D Mario, these remain educated guesses. However, the confirmation that the Odyssey team is pouring its talent into Donkey Kong is a clear signal of Nintendo’s commitment to the franchise and suggests Bananza will be a major event on the Switch 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nintendo specifically say about the Donkey Kong Bananza development team?
Nintendo confirmed during a recent media preview event that Donkey Kong Bananza is being developed by “the same team that developed Super Mario Odyssey.” While they didn’t explicitly name the internal studio, this refers to Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 8 in Tokyo, known for developing core 3D Mario titles. However, they did not confirm if the exact same staff or directors from Odyssey are leading the Bananza project, only the broader team affiliation.
Why is it important that the Super Mario Odyssey team is developing Donkey Kong Bananza?
This is significant because the Super Mario Odyssey team is highly regarded for their innovative and critically acclaimed 3D platforming work. Odyssey is considered one of Nintendo’s best games. Having this experienced team develop Donkey Kong Bananza suggests the game will likely be high-quality, creative, and potentially rethink the DK formula in exciting ways, similar to how they evolved Mario with Odyssey. It also marks a departure from Nintendo’s usual secrecy regarding developers before a game’s release.
How does the Bananza developer reveal impact the next 3D Super Mario game?
The confirmation that the Super Mario Odyssey team is working on Donkey Kong Bananza creates uncertainty about the next mainline 3D Super Mario title for Switch 2. This team typically develops the main 3D Mario games. Speculation now exists on whether a portion of the team is working concurrently on the next Mario, if a different team is handling it, or if the next 3D Mario is simply further off. The fact that Bananza is a key summer 2025 release for Switch 2, a slot sometimes held by Mario, adds to this speculation.
Conclusion
Nintendo’s confirmation that the Super Mario Odyssey team is developing Donkey Kong Bananza is a major piece of news. It connects a highly anticipated new game to one of Nintendo’s most critically successful recent titles, immediately setting high expectations for DK’s next adventure. With its confirmed release date of July 17, 2025, on the Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza* is poised to be a showcase title for the new hardware. While this revelation raises interesting questions about the timeline and development of the next 3D Super Mario game, it provides exciting clarity and immense anticipation for Donkey Kong fans awaiting a modern 3D return crafted by the best in the business.
Word Count Check: 1071
