Donkey Kong Bananza Might Be the Switch 2 Game We’ve All Been Waiting For

Donkey Kong Bananza — yep, that’s really the name, and it’s official. Nintendo’s just confirmed that their next big platforming adventure is swapping plumbers for primates, with the team behind Super Mario Odyssey leading the charge. And that’s not just exciting; it’s bananas. Like, literally.

First teased on whispers of a potential Donkey Kong resurgence back in 2023, fans speculated a Kingdom-style comeback for our Nintendo ape. Now, it’s finally real, and it’s swinging straight onto the Nintendo Switch 2, making it one of the system’s most anticipated exclusives already.

From Odyssey’s Streets to Jungle Beats

If you played Super Mario Odyssey, you know exactly what Nintendo’s platforming A-Team is capable of. Gravity-defying level design, buttery-smooth movement, environmental storytelling that goes big without going loud — it’s all the good stuff. Now, imagine all that but tossed into the wild chaos of Donkey Kong Country. We’re talking mine cart madness, vine-swinging physics, and boss battles that’ll make Bowser jealous.

The Mario team doing Donkey Kong is no small thing. These devs know how to squeeze every clever trick out of a limited control scheme and build sweeping sandbox levels that organically loop players through layers of hidden secrets. Expect that same DNA in Bananza — only this time with more bananas, jungle drums, and maybe a few barrels flying your way midair.

The Donkey Kong Game Fans Actually Wanted

It’s been nearly a decade since Donkey Kong had a proper original platformer. Think about that. Tropical Freeze, though brilliant, was a Wii U port for most Switch players. This new Donkey Kong game 2025 could finally deliver just what the fans have been craving: an all-new world, high-fidelity Nintendo visuals (we’re already hearing whispers of gorgeous lighting and smart fluid animation), and a full, flavorful, narrative-rich romp across the jungle kingdom. Plus, Bananza isn’t some simple side project. From what we’ve seen so far, this game feels like it’s getting full Nintendo flagship treatment: ambitious scope, expressive animation, smoother-than-ever mechanics, and yes, full co-op multiplayer support for when you and a buddy want to go full Diddy and Dixie.

Nintendo Doubling Down on Platformers (Yes, Please)

The Switch era has been great for platformers, especially after Odyssey and the Mario Wonder resurgence. But combining classic 2D side-scrolling with 3D world exploration — that’s where Donkey Kong Bananza could steal the crown. Insiders say the game uses a hybrid perspective: third-person side-view with occasional full 3D roaming, much like some levels in Odyssey. That makes it perfect for the Nintendo Switch 2’s rumoured new Joy-Con features and improved display specs (we’re hearing 4K docked support might be in play). A visually rich action-adventure with cinematic camera tricks? We’ll take it.

Why This Could Be Donkey Kong’s Best Game Ever

Nintendo doesn’t just recycle concepts — they evolve them. And when you bring back Donkey Kong under the direction of the people who literally redefined open-world platforming with Mario, it means business. This could be the most inventive, character-driven, and joyous DK game to date. Aside from the visuals and gameplay, Nintendo is expected to go heavy on personality. We’re talking musical levels (fingers crossed for Jungle Rhythm stages), quirky NPCs like those wacky hat-wearing New Donkers, and probably a lot of inside jokes for longtime fans. Oh, and new animal buddies? Very possible. Rambi the Rhino deserves his hero moment.

What to Expect Until Release

Nintendo hasn’t dropped a launch date yet, but word around the vines is that Bananza will line up with the Nintendo Switch 2’s official launch, or very close after. That makes sense. Nothing sells hardware like a well-loved name, and Donkey Kong’s return in this format feels way overdue. Keep your eyes peeled for a spring 2025 deep-dive Direct. Historically, Nintendo tends to tease once, go radio silent, and then unload a 10-minute gameplay showcase that rocks the internet. We’re betting Donkey Kong Bananza gets this treatment, and when it does, it’ll be everywhere.