Key Details of
Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza – Key Facts
- Release Date:July 17, 2025
- Platform:Nintendo Switch 2 (exclusive)
- Developer:Nintendo EPD (in-house, first DK since Jungle Beat 2004)
- Genre:3D sandbox platformer
What Makes It Unique?
- Fully destructible environments – Smash terrain to uncover secrets
- First 3D Donkey Kong game since DK64(1999)
- New partner: Young Pauline (playable support role)
- Voxel-based tech (expanded from Super Mario Odyssey)
- Soundtrack: Remixes of David Wise/Grant Kirkhope classics + new tracks
Gameplay Highlights
- Open-ended, Odyssey-style exploration
- Physics-driven destruction (punch holes, collapse structures)
- Possible 2-player co-op (Pauline assists with gadgets)
- Villain: A gang of rogue apes stealing banana-shaped diamonds
Potential Concerns
- Early reports mention camera issuesand frame rate dips
- First major DK game since Tropical Freeze(2014) – high expectations
Why It Matters
- Could be the Switch 2’s first “killer app”
- Revives DK’s 3D legacy after 25+ years
- Nintendo’s chance to redefine the franchise
ISO/ROM/3DS/PC/PS5 Rom Download (Will be Available)
- https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/donkey-kong-bananza-switch-2/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcYbjRfS-p-d9YAtOmox88FcuzrUuaFrDENS_t6BiH6U-lOQ5_
- https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/donkey-kong-bananza-switch-2/
- https://www.cdkeys.com/donkey-kong-bananza-switch-2-eu?srsltid=AfmBOookU8653MHkFKHOC0zmE5y4QveiBNOVW2v83-YztCxg5I-2W-Ya
Play online https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/donkey-kong-bananza-switch-2/
Developer Description
Core Development Team
- Studio:Nintendo EPD (Entertainment Planning & Development)
- *First in-house Donkey Kong game since Jungle Beat (2004)*
- Previously developed Super Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3
- Key Leads:Likely veterans from Mario Odyssey team (unconfirmed, but tech similarities suggest overlap)
Why Nintendo EPD Took Over
- After Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze(Retro Studios, 2014), Nintendo shifted DK back to internal development
- Wanted to modernize DK with sandbox gameplay(EPD’s specialty)
- Leveraged voxel physicsfrom Mario Odyssey’s “Breakdown” levels
Tech & Engine
- Custom engine(likely evolved from Odyssey’s framework)
- Voxel-based destruction– Lets players deform terrain realistically
- Switch 2 Exclusive– Moved from OG Switch to utilize next-gen power
Development Timeline
- Early Concepts:Began right after Mario Odyssey (2017–2018)
- Full Production:2021–2023 (originally for Switch, then upgraded)
- Polishing Phase:2024–2025 (fixing camera/frame rate issues)
Design Philosophy
- “DK’s Strength as a Gameplay Pillar”– Every level encourages smashing
- Pauline’s Role:Added to balance destruction with puzzle-solving
- Nostalgia + Innovation:Mixes DK64’s charm with Odyssey’s freedom
Fun Fact
Early prototypes let DK rip trees out of the ground to use as weapons – might return as a late-game ability!