Nintendo has officially unveiled the first in-depth gameplay trailer for Donkey Kong Bananza, offering fans a wild glimpse into the ape-powered action set to hit the Switch later this year. The new title revives the classic Donkey Kong chaos with updated graphics, modern physics-based destruction, and multiplayer co-op mechanics that promise to deliver mayhem like never before.
Table of Contents
What is Donkey Kong Bananza?
Donkey Kong Bananza is a brand-new platformer-action game where players take on the role of Donkey Kong and his jungle crew in a mission to reclaim their homeland from corporate invaders. This time, however, it’s not just about jumping over barrels—it’s about smashing buildings, toppling towers, and unleashing nature’s fury.
Gameplay Highlights
The trailer showcases a vibrant 3D world filled with destructible environments. Players can:
- Punch and swing through skyscrapers and machinery.
- Use environmental tools like vines, boulders, and exploding bananas.
- Play local and online co-op with Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky Kong.
- Utilize each character’s unique destructive ababilities—ch as Cranky’s cane-slam or Dixie’s whirlwind twirl.
Nintendo calls it “the most ambitious Donkey Kong game yet,” blending platforming with chaotic open-level sandbox destruction.
Visuals and Art Style
Donkey Kong Bananza sports a cel-shaded art style, blending cartoonish humor with tropical jungle realism. The environments are colorful, dense with detail, and packed with animated elements that react to the player’s every move—from falling debris to running critters.
Release Date and Platforms
The game is set to launch Holiday 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. A demo version is expected to be available on the eShop by October 2025, as per recent leaks.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are comparing the destruction mechanics to games like Totally Reliable Delivery Service and Boom Blox, praising its fresh take on the classic Donkey Kong formula. Early buzz on social media is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a “much-needed evolution” of the franchise.
Donkey Kong Bananza—FAQ
Q1: What is Donkey Kong Bananza?
A: Donkey Kong Bananza is an upcoming action-platformer game from Nintendo, featuring Donkey Kong and his crew in a mission to save their jungle from industrial invaders through physics-based destruction and co-op gameplay.
Q2: When will Donkey Kong Bananza be released?
A: The official release is expected during Holiday 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.
Q3: Is Donkey Kong Bananza exclusive to the Nintendo Switch?
A: Yes, as of now, the game is a Switch exclusive.
Q4: What kind of gameplay can we expect?
A: The game combines traditional 3D platforming with sandbox-style destruction elements. Players can destroy environments, swing across obstacles, and work together in multiplayer.
Q5: Is there co-op multiplayer in the game?
A: Yes, the game supports both local and online multiplayer, allowing up to 4 players.
Q6: Can I play as characters other than Donkey Kong?
A: Absolutely. Playable characters include Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Cranky Kong, each with unique abilities.
Q7: Is there a story mode?
A: Yes, the game has a full-fledged story mode following Donkey Kong’s mission to stop corporate deforestation.
Q8: Will there be a demo version?
A: A demo is expected to release in October 2025 on the Nintendo eShop.
Q9: What is the game rated?
A: The ESRB rating is pending, but it is expected to be E10+ for mild cartoon violence and humor.
Q10: Is the game open-world?
A: Not fully open-world, but it includes large sandbox-style levels with open-ended objectives.
Q11: What’s new compared to previous Donkey Kong games?
A: This version introduces full destructibility, new co-op dynamics, advanced physics, and larger maps.
Q12: What is the “360 Jungle Impact” mechanic?
A: It’s the core destruction system that allows players to interact with and destroy nearly everything in the environment using Kong-powered moves.
Q13: Can I upgrade characters?
A: Yes, the game includes a skill progression system to enhance characters’ strength, speed, and destruction skills.
Q14: Is the game compatible with older Switch models?
A: Yes, it will run on all Switch models, but enhanced performance is expected on the Switch OLED and future Switch 2 models.
Q15: How much will the game cost?
A: The expected retail price is ₹4,999 in India and $59.99 in the U.S.