Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Switch 2 release date: New gameplay features, powers, and more revealed
Donkey Kong Bananza is bringing chaos, creativity and co-op fun to Nintendo Switch 2. With fresh powers, wild transformations, a playable Pauline and terrain-shattering action, the new 3D platformer looks set to be Nintendo¡¯s next big hit. Here's everything new we¡¯ve learned from the latest Nintendo Direct showcase.
Donkey Kong Bananza release date: Nintendo revealed many details about Donkey Kong Bananza during the latest Nintendo Direct, and the game looks much more than just the Donkey Kong version of Mario Odyssey and Zelda. From smashing terrain to singing-based powers, Bananza feels like a wild, creative and chaotic leap for the franchise.
The game launches on July 17, 2025, only on Nintendo Switch 2, and it's shaping up to be a must-play.
Multiplayer with a twist
We knew there was something odd about that rock¡
¡ª Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 18, 2025
The talented young singer Pauline will team up with Donkey Kong on his subterranean adventure in #DonkeyKongBananza. pic.twitter.com/81GGuTaqnd
Unlike Mario Odyssey¡¯s limited second-player mode, Bananza gives real power to player two. You can control a younger Pauline, not just for the ride but for real action. She fires musical blasts that copy nearby terrain materials and actually help in boss fights. And thanks to GameShare, you only need one copy of the game to enjoy local co-op.
Music powers and transformations
Music drives both the world and the action in Bananza. Pauline¡¯s voice isn¡¯t just for singing this time. As you explore, you¡¯ll meet Giant Elders who grant music-based powers. These unlock wild animal transformations for Donkey Kong.
MY GAWD Donkey Kong Bananza looks absolutely incredible!
¡ª NintenGOD (@AesirMalos) June 18, 2025
The Visuals, The Gameplay, The MUSIC, The Story, The EVERYTHING!
THIS might very well be..
Game Of The Year! ? #NintendoSwitch2 pic.twitter.com/dihbqBzYCJ
So far, we¡¯ve seen him become a zebra to dash over water and an ostrich to fly across tropical skies. These forms come with unique combat and platforming skills, opening up new ways to solve puzzles and take down enemies.
A soundtrack full of nostalgia and new hits
Bananza features an upbeat and funky soundtrack. Classic tunes like ¡°Jungle Hijinks¡± and the unforgettable ¡°DK Rap¡± return. Pauline even belts out new songs, including one inspired by Bob Seger, giving a retro pop-rock feel to the game¡¯s boss battles and cutscenes.
Side-scrolling levels return
Old-school fans will love this. Bananza includes dedicated side-scrolling levels packed with tricky challenges. Completing these gives you Banandium Gems, which you can use to level up Donkey Kong¡¯s abilities.
#DonkeyKongBananza
¡ª The Chonky Toad (@ChonkyToad) June 18, 2025
Same energy ? pic.twitter.com/UkufUAjfx1
In the Nintendo Direct, we saw Pauline and DK getting launched from barrels, swinging through vines and diving into 2.5D action sequences that nod to the series¡¯ roots.
DK Artist Mode: A fun break from the chaos
There's DK Artist mode for players looking to relax between the platforming madness. Using Joy-Con 2¡¯s mouse controls, you can sculpt, paint and stretch art into rocks and walls, kind of like Mario Paint meets Donkey Kong. It¡¯s a charming and peaceful distraction from the main game.
A deeper story and more destruction
Bananza¡¯s big gimmick is its destructible terrain. Donkey Kong can smash almost everything, from rocks to structures, and use those pieces to fight, build, or create paths. It adds a fresh dynamic to how you explore the world.
There¡¯s also a surprising story twist. The mysterious rock companion from the trailer? That¡¯s actually a young Pauline. She¡¯s no longer just a damsel. She¡¯s a sidekick with her story arc, musical powers and vital role in DK¡¯s journey underground.