Donkey Kong Bananza swings onto Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17

Nintendo has revealed new details about Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D platformer launching July 17, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. The game stars Donkey Kong and Pauline in a brand-new underground adventure filled with transformation powers, co-op action, and creative extras. You can now pre-order Donkey Kong Bananza at Best Buy Canada.

A dedicated Donkey Kong Bananza Direct gave us a closer look at gameplay, characters, and some fun surprises. Let’s break it all down.

Donkey Kong Bananza details

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2
Developer(s): Nintendo
Publisher(s):  Nintendo
Genre: Platform, action-adventure
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

An underground adventure with a new partner

The game kicks off on Ingot Isle, where a massive discovery of golden bananas sends Donkey Kong deep beneath the surface. After being swept underground by a sudden storm, he meets Odd Rock, a strange figure who’s soon revealed to be Pauline, transformed after crossing paths with the Void Company. Together, the two set off through the Underground World, a layered environment filled with hidden ruins, ancient machines, and strange inhabitants. Their goal is to reach the Planet Core, a place said to grant any wish. For DK, that means more bananas. For Pauline, it’s a way home.

Along the way, they’ll face off against the Void Company, a mining operation responsible for the banana chaos and Pauline’s transformation. New characters like Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and Void Kong stand in their way, while familiar faces like Cranky Kong and Rambi also make appearances.

Powerful moves, creative combos, and animal transformations

Donkey Kong Bananza gives you a mix of platforming, destruction, and combo-based movement. DK can punch through walls, roll over enemies, and launch into the air using terrain chunks. Moves like Dive Punch, Hand Slap, and Turf Surfing let you break through obstacles and uncover secrets across each layer of the underground.

As you explore, you’ll collect gold to build up something called Bananergy. Once it’s charged, Pauline’s singing activates DK’s Bananza transformations, each with a different ability.

Here are a few shown during the Direct:

• Kong Bananza gives you a power boost to smash tougher objects.
• Zebra Bananza adds extra speed and lets you dash over gaps.
• Ostrich Bananza lets DK fly short distances and drop Egg Bombs from above.

You can recharge and switch between these forms as you go, giving you flexibility depending on the challenge.

Local co-op, Joy-Con 2 tools, and a few extra modes

You can play Donkey Kong Bananza by yourself or in two-player local co-op. One person controls Donkey Kong, and the other controls Pauline using a Joy-Con 2 controller. Pauline’s abilities use the Joy-Con 2’s mouse input, letting you aim her vocal blasts at objects, clear obstacles, and interact with the world around you.

There’s also GameShare support. If only one person owns the game, it can be temporarily shared with another system, including the original Nintendo Switch, for local co-op. Online play is also supported between Nintendo Switch 2 consoles using GameShare and GameChat, letting you play together and talk through voice or video. (Note that GameChat is currently in open access until March 31^st, 2026, so you don’t need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use it. After that date, membership will be required to continue enjoying GameChat.)

Outside of the main adventure, you can try DK Artist, a sculpting mode that uses mouse controls to carve and paint rock. There’s also a Photo Mode where you can adjust the camera and capture scenes from the Underground World.

Amiibo bonuses and features made for Nintendo Switch 2

Donkey Kong Bananza supports a variety of amiibo, including a new Donkey Kong & Pauline figure launching on July 17^th. Scanning it unlocks Pauline’s Diva Dress early and grants KONG tiles that explode on impact during gameplay.

Other Donkey Kong series amiibo also grant gold KONG tiles, which work the same way. These can be used to trigger explosive effects in-game. If you scan any other amiibo figure, you’ll receive a giant sphere of terrain material, useful for movement or puzzle-solving. All amiibo rewards are optional but add small advantages or cosmetic bonuses.

Pre-order Donkey Kong Bananza now at Best Buy Canada

Remember, Donkey Kong Bananza launches on July 17th, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. The game blends 3D platforming, co-op play, transformation powers, and creative extras like sculpting and photo tools. Whether you’re returning to Donkey Kong or jumping in for the first time, there’s a lot packed into this underground adventure.

Pre-orders are now open at Best Buy Canada. Be sure to reserve your copy ahead of launch and get ready to explore Ingot Isle, meet new and familiar faces, and test out those Bananza transformations for yourself.

Are you planning to check out Donkey Kong Bananza when it arrives? Let us know what you think of the new direction and which transformation you want to try first.

Pre-order Donkey Kong Bananza on Nintendo Switch 2

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