There is a lot of exciting new information about theNintendo Switch 2, but one of the most exciting is the announcement ofDonkey Kong Bananza. Donkey Kong often feels underserved by Nintendo, so it’s a huge treat to see him getting his own game. From what we saw in the preview, it also looks like the game is going to be a lot of fun, and add some new mechanics to one of my favorite genres. It also looks somewhat similar to one of my favorite games from last year.
I can see some players maybe being a bit put off by some aspects ofDonkey Kong Bananza. Aesthetically,it is a huge departure from some of DK’s previous games, and even Donkey Kong himself looks relatively different. Some main aspects ofDonkey Konggames, like DK’s typical antagonist, King K. Rool, also seem to be missing. That said,Donkey Kong Bananzalooks like it will be a lot of fun, and change isn’t necessarily a bad thing if the end product is still a good game.
Donkey Kong Bananza Release Date & Price
Donkey Kong Bananza Will Be Released On July 15, 2025
Donkey Kong Bananza will be released on August 03, 2025. This is a little over a month and a week after theNintendo Switch 2 is releasedon June 5, so while it isn’t exactly a launch title, you won’t have to wait long to get your hands on it after the Switch 2 comes out.Donkey Kong Bananzawill cost $69.99, which is on par with a lot of current AAA titles, though it might sound like a deal soon.
Nintendo Switch 2 “Game-Key Cards” Are Basically Physical Releases Of Digital Games
The Switch 2 will offer a new option for acquiring games, physical Game-Key Cards that will allow players to then download and own the game.
The upcomingMario Kart World, which is releasing alongside the Switch 2, willreportedly cost $79.99 for the digital form, and $89.99 for a physical copy. This, coupled with rumors thatGTA 6may bring the new standard price for AAA games up to $100, couldmakeDonkey Kong Bananza’s $69.99 price tag sound cheap. The Switch 2 itself is significantly more expensive than the previous Switch, so it looks like inflation is hitting the gaming industry in all areas. That said, the Switch 2 is at least still slightly less expensive than other home consoles were when they came out.
Donkey Kong Bananza Platform
Donkey Kong Bananza Is A Switch 2 Exclusive
Donkey Kong Bananzawill be one of the biggest early titles for the Switch 2. Although there will beplenty of games on the Switch 2at launch, and likely more shortly after like this one,Donkey Kong Bananzastands out because it is an exclusive title, not a port of a previously released game. It’s also a big deal since it is a new release in one of Nintendo’s ongoing franchises, and a unique one at that. It’s been a while since the lastDonkey Kong3D platformer came out, and I’m excited to see the series' evolution.
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BecauseDonkey Kong Bananzais a Switch 2 exclusive,it has the opportunity to really take advantage of the system’s unique new features. While I don’t expectDonkey Kong Bananzato be overly gimmicky in the way something like1-2-Switchwas for the original Nintendo Switch, I wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo used it as an opportunity to show off what the Switch 2 can do. At the very least, as a platformer, I would guess the game will benefit from the new smoother control sticks on the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons as they could allow for more precise movement.
Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay Details
Donkey Kong Bananza Is A 3D Platformer With A Twist
Donkey Kong Bananzais a 3D platformer, but it looks pretty different from something likeSuper Mario Odyssey. From the previews, it looks like the game will take place in larger environments, and have more of an emphasis on moving through levels as opposed to doing a series of tasks in the same limited space. The previews reminded me of Sony’s surprise hitAstro Bot, and I would not be at all disappointed ifDonkey Kong Bananzawas somewhat similar. That said, there is one respect in whichDonkey Kong Bananzafeels wholly unique.
Nintendo Has A Specific Plan To Combat Nintendo Switch 2 Scalpers
Nintendo is locking down pre-orders for the Switch 2 with specific restrictive methods to help reduce the chances of the console being scalped.
Pardon the pun, but it looks likeDonkney Kong Bananzawill be breaking new ground. It’s clear from the trailer on Nintendo’sYouTubechannel, and the information on their website, thatDonkey Kong Bananzawill place a big emphasis on its destructible terrain. The gameplay footage shows Donkey Kongsmashing through rock faces, tunneling under the ground, and picking up chunks of earth to use as a tool or weapon. I’m excited to see to what extent the terrain is destructible, and how it will shape the gameplay. This game looks like a compelling reason to pick up Switch 2.
