The newest Nintendo adventure featuring the iconic gorilla was announced during April’s Nintendo Direct, and ever since, tons of details have been revealed. Here’s all there is to know about Donkey Kong Bananza before it launches on the Switch 2!
Nintendo fans were surprised during the Switch 2 Direct that took place on April 2, 2025, as in addition to a deep dive into the console’s features, a new unexpected game was announced: Donkey Kong Bananza.
This 3D platformer is the first major DK game since 2014’s Tropical Freeze and is a completely new adventure that features not only the beloved gorilla but also Pauline (albeit a very young version of her).
Donkey Kong Bananza’s launch is key for the company, as it is the second Switch 2 exclusive game. This is why they had a Nintendo Direct focused on showing more of what’s coming. Here are all the details!
Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch on July 17, 2025, and it will only be available for the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Editions & price
As with all other first-party Nintendo games, DK Bananza will have two editions – physical and digital – and no matter which one you choose, the cost will remain the same: $69.99
Eager players can pre-order it from the official store and pre-load the game’s 10GB to play as soon as it launches.
Setting & story
Donkey Kong Bananza is set in an underworld city filled with layers and sublayers to explore. From arid canyons to lush forests and the frigid tundra, DK will have to team up with Pauline (previously Odd Rock) to get to the Planet Core, as it is said to grant a wish upon reaching it.
However, to do so, they will have to defeat the Void Company, a nefarious trio (Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, Void Kong) responsible for the banana-stealing maelstrom on Ingot Isle that wants to reach the Planet Core to claim the world’s riches.
All characters
Even though players will only be able to control Donkey Kong (who travels alongside Pauline), plenty of iconic characters will appear throughout the story, as well as some new faces.
Abilities & Bananza Transformations
To get to the Planet Core, DK and Pauline will have to defeat all kinds of powerful foes. Luckily, they are packed with incredible abilities.
Besides running, jumping, and climbing through all the levels, DK will also be able to smash, crash, and bash the different terrains to make its way through the different layers. He can even change a whole landscape!
Here are some of the powers you’ll be able to use:
- Dive Punch: Jump high to create a hole in the floor.
- Roll Forward: Roll around, breaking anything that comes your way.
- Hand Slap: Make noise to collect scattered items or detect hidden objects.
- Tear off: Grab a chunk of terrain or your foes.
- Swing: Grab a chunk and swing it to break stones or spikes.
- Chunk Jump: Use a chunk to double jump.
- Throw: Throw a chunk or aim it at a target. Some chunks with softer material can be piled up.
- Turf Surf: Ride chunks as if they are a surfboard and knock small enemies.
- Make Music: Pauline’s signing will show you the way and remove the strange seals you’ll come around.
Additionally, by learning the Giant Elder’s Bananza powers, Pauline can activate them in DK by singing. DK will transform into:
- Kong Bananza: incredible destructive powers.
- Zebra Bananza: high speed to walk on water and crumbling pathways.
- Ostrich Bananza: fly through the sky and drop egg bombs from great heights.
Keep in mind that the transformations are temporary, and to trigger them, players must gather gold to build up the Bananergy.
A separate set of Skills will also be available to power up using Skill Points obtained through Banandium Gems.
DK Artist
Outside of the main game, a feature called DK Artist is available. There, players can sculpt whatever they want using the Joy-Con’s mouse controls.
Carve stone, paint it, add materials, and more to become the artist you always dreamed!
Local co-op, Game Share & online
By sharing a Joy-Con 2 controller or using a second set, you can play local co-op with one player controlling DK, while the other controls Pauline.
One will be in charge of moving the pair around, while the other can use Pauline’s singing power to create vocal blasts using the Joy-Con’s mouse control.
Donkey Kong Bananza also supports Game Share, which means one player can share the game so another can join in on their own console. It can also be shared locally to a Nintendo Switch 1 system.
Moreover, it can be played online between Nintendo Switch 2 systems using Game Share via Game Chat.
Amiibos
A Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo figure is also on the way, and scanning it unlocks Pauline’s iconic Diva Dress. The price hasn’t been revealed yet, so we will update the guide when that happens.
On the other hand, by scanning the DK series amiibos, gold KONG tiles with explosive powers will appear in-game.
Every other amiibo released is compatible, and scanning them will get you giant spheres.
Trailers
The first look at Donkey Kong Bananza happened during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025. There, a two and a half minute trailer took fans by surprise.
After the first presentation, more details of the game were revealed during the Nintendo Treehouse: Live on April 4, 2025.
Finally, a Donkey Kong Bananza Direct took place on June 18, 2025, a month before the game’s launch.
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