Underground Mayhem & Golden Bananas!
Nintendo just revealed Donkey Kong Bananza—the franchise’s first 3D platformer since 1999—dropping exclusively on Switch 2 this July! Think smashing through destructible caves, transforming with “bananergy”, and teaming up with a younger Pauline. We’re officially stoked.
What Makes Bananza a Game-Changer?
- Release Date: July 17, 2025 — Switch 2 exclusive
- Co-op with Pauline: Play as Pauline or unleash vocal blasts to help DK via Joy‑Con control — share one game copy
- Destructible Terrain: Smash walls, create pathways, and fight with environment chunks
- Bananergy Transformations: DK becomes zebra, ostrich, even super-Kong—powered by Pauline’s singing
- RPG Elements: Skill tree upgrades, collectibles (Banandium Gems, fossils), photo + sculpture modes
- Amiibo Support: Unlock outfits and paths—new DK + Pauline figures confirmed
Reddit & Community Reactions
“Donkey Kong reclaims bananas—Odd Rock was Pauline? Lore twist!” – u/DonkeyKongFan on r/nintendo
Kotaku called it “the second major Switch 2 exclusive after Mario Kart World,” hyping its new mechanics and DK’s raw power.
Pro Gamer Take & Tips
- Team up locally: One console, two players—DK and Pauline = epic teamwork mechanics!
- Smash smart: Use destructible terrain for shortcuts and hidden collectibles.
- Unlock forms early: Zebra and ostrich Bananza are great for speedrunning and platform puzzles.
- Collect everything: Banandium Gems unlock must-have upgrades—don’t miss candled areas.
- Sculpt & snap: DK Artist + Photo Mode → show off your crafter side and gameplay highlights.
Pre-Order & Price
Pre-orders are now live at $69.99. No deluxe edition has been announced yet, but a bundled Amiibo version is rumored.
Why This Matters for Switch 2
Bananza is shaping up as a tentpole title—showcasing the power of Switch 2 with jaw-dropping environments, dynamic gameplay, and smart co-op systems. Nintendo stock even climbed after the Direct reveal.
Join the Bananza Squad 🍌
Are you hyped for underground chaos, co-op chaos, or Pauline-powered gameplay? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag us on X/Twitter using #DKBananza. And don’t forget to follow @CrazyMeowB for daily gamer news you’ll actually care about.