Summary
After a 26-year hiatus from 3D platforming, Donkey Kong Bananza swings in as the long-awaited follow-up to the legendary Donkey Kong 64.
Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, this game marks a bold evolution for the franchise—honoring its past while delivering explosive new gameplay ideas that make it feel like a true 2025 successor to Rare’s golden era.
A New Adventure, A Familiar Face
Donkey Kong is back with a fresh redesign and a highly expressive look, joining forces with a teenage version of Pauline (from the original 1981 arcade game) to take on three villainous apes on a banana-stealing rampage across the planet’s core.
The story won’t win any awards, but it’s full of heart, humor, and nostalgia, setting the stage for a chaotic yet charming platforming journey.
Powered by the Switch 2
Originally intended for the original Switch, Bananza truly shines thanks to the upgraded hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Its central gameplay hook—fully destructible terrain—wouldn’t have been feasible on older systems.
Watching DK punch, rip, and surf through crumbling environments never gets old, and while performance hiccups exist, they’re minimal and never disrupt the gameplay.
Bananza Abilities and Core Gameplay
As DK explores the underground layers, he unlocks “Bananza” powers like enhanced strength and super speed, each introducing new ways to approach challenges.
These powers evolve throughout the game, adding depth without ever feeling overwhelming.
DK’s base moveset is already impressively versatile: he can punch through terrain, rip it up to toss at enemies, use debris as makeshift surfboards, climb nearly every surface, and perform wide jumps with a powerful roll.
The controls are tight and intuitive, making even basic platforming feel satisfying from start to finish.
Co-Op Mode and Collectibles
Bananza includes a co-op mode where Pauline supports DK using her singing voice, but it feels underdeveloped and adds little to the overall experience.
Collectibles aren’t just for show—they serve a real purpose.
Bananas earn skill points, fossils unlock stat-boosting outfits, and gold fuels gameplay features like healing “getaways” and filling the Bananza meter.
This thoughtful integration gives players extra motivation to explore every corner of the world.
Rare-Like Charm with a Modern Twist
From characters like the quirky Fractones to the vibrant, layered environments, Donkey Kong Bananza evokes the spirit of 90s Rare classics.
It’s packed with side-scrolling throwbacks, cameos from Cranky Kong, and loads of Easter eggs.
Even the infamous DK Rap makes a return—now heard while resting at in-game getaways.
The music is vintage Nintendo brilliance, mixing orchestral renditions of iconic themes with brand-new compositions that blend seamlessly.
The Flaws: Repetition and Low Difficulty
Despite its many strengths, the game isn’t without issues.
The destructive gameplay loop can get repetitive, and mission types start to blur together.
BOTW-style shrines also feel out of place, offering sterile puzzles disconnected from the lush world design.
The biggest letdown? The difficulty.
Longtime fans of the tough-as-nails Donkey Kong Country games may be disappointed by how easy Bananza is.
Between invincibility balloons and auto-healing apple juice, failure is rare.
Boss battles are more about spectacle than challenge.
A Visual and Technical Showcase
Bananza is the most graphically impressive title on Switch 2 so far, making full use of the console’s upgraded capabilities.
It even leverages new Joy-Con 2 features: motion controls activate Bananza Mode, and the optional DK Artist mode uses the Joy-Con’s mouse sensor to let players sculpt digital statues.
You can blast through Donkey Kong Bananza’s main story in 10–15 hours, but completionists will find up to 50 hours of content waiting.
With its deep mechanics, dazzling presentation, and playful nostalgia, Bananza is a triumphant return to 3D platforming for DK.
Score: 8.5/10
Donkey Kong Bananza is a wild, joyous romp and a must-own title for Switch 2 owners.
It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it smashes its way to success with enough style, heart, and bananas to satisfy old fans and newcomers alike.