Donkey Kong Bananza Guide 2025 - Gameplay, Release & Tips

Donkey Kong Bananza represents a groundbreaking moment for Nintendo fans. Released on July 17, 2025, this innovative 3D platformer brings the iconic barrel-throwing ape back to center stage in his first full 3D adventure since Donkey Kong 64 in 1999. Developed by Nintendo EPD—the same talented team behind Super Mario Odyssey—Donkey Kong Bananza delivers destructible environments, powerful transformations, and underground exploration that redefines what a DK game can be.

This Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive has already sold over 3.49 million copies and earned critical acclaim as the console’s killer app. Whether you’re a longtime Donkey Kong fan or new to the franchise, this guide covers everything you need to know about this banana-filled adventure.

What Is Donkey Kong Bananza?

Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D action-adventure platformer that emphasizes destruction, exploration, and raw power. Unlike traditional platformers that focus purely on jumping mechanics, Bananza lets players smash through nearly everything in their path, carving tunnels, demolishing walls, and tearing off chunks of terrain to swing and throw.

The game follows Donkey Kong and his unexpected companion Pauline—a talented 13-year-old singer—as they venture deep into the Underground World. Their mission? Stop the villainous Void Company and reach the Planet Core, a legendary object said to grant any wish.

Gameplay Mechanics: Smash Everything in Sight

Destructible Environments

The standout feature of Donkey Kong Bananza is its fully destructible terrain. DK’s incredible strength allows him to:

Punch through solid walls
Carve tunnels with his fists
Smash straight down into the ground
Tear off boulders and rocks to swing or throw

The more you destroy, the more secrets and pathways you unlock. This sandbox-style approach to level design encourages creative problem-solving and rewards exploration.

Bananza Transformations

Pauline’s singing abilities unlock powerful Bananza Transformations that give DK special powers:

Kong Bananza – Amplifies DK’s strength to smash through the hardest materials and obstacles

Zebra Bananza – Grants incredible speed for galloping across vast distances and racing challenges

Ostrich Bananza – Enables flight and aerial egg bomb attacks from above

These transformations add variety to gameplay and are essential for accessing certain areas and completing specific challenges.

Combat and Exploration

Combat in Donkey Kong Bananza emphasizes physicality. DK uses his signature moves including ground pounds, hand slaps, and powerful punches to defeat enemies. The game features various underground environments including arid canyons, lush forests, and frigid tundra, each with unique enemies and challenges.

Meet the Characters

Donkey Kong

DK sports a fresh redesign that balances his original expressive character with the cool, adventurous personality from the Donkey Kong Country series. His motivation is simple: retrieve the stolen Banandium Gems and all those golden bananas.

Pauline

Trapped initially inside a talking purple rock called “Odd Rock,” Pauline is a 13-year-old aspiring singer whose powerful voice can blast rocks, remove seals, and empower Donkey Kong. She wants to return to the surface world and proves to be an invaluable partner throughout the adventure.

Void Kong and Void Company

The antagonist Void Kong leads the greedy Void Company, a villainous organization of primates who’ve stolen the Banandium Gems and are racing to reach the Planet Core to claim all the world’s riches.

Co-Op Mode: Team Up for Double the Fun

Donkey Kong Bananza includes a two-player cooperative mode that makes the adventure even more enjoyable:

Player 1 controls Donkey Kong with all his smashing abilities
Player 2 controls Pauline, who rides on DK’s shoulder

Pauline uses her vocal blasts to clear paths, defeat enemies, and destroy terrain. Players can even use Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for precise aiming. She can also copy nearby terrain to add environmental effects to her attacks. This cooperative gameplay makes Bananza perfect for families and friends looking to play together.

Collectibles, Customization and Progression

Banandium Gems

These banana-shaped diamonds serve as the primary collectible. Gathering them unlocks new abilities and upgrades for Donkey Kong, encouraging thorough exploration of each layer of the Underground World.

Skill Tree System

Progress through a skill tree to enhance DK’s abilities, making him stronger, faster, and more versatile as you delve deeper underground.

Costume Customization

Unlock various outfits and color schemes for Donkey Kong, including themed options like ice-themed DK. Express your style while platforming through the Underground World.

Side Content

Challenge Course Ruins – Trial-style side levels reminiscent of Breath of the Wild shrines
2D Side-scrolling sections – Classic Donkey Kong Country-style levels return
Rambi the Rhino – The beloved animal buddy makes appearances

DLC: DK Island & Emerald Rush

Released in September 2025, the DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC expands the adventure with:

DK Island – A new explorable area with additional challenges
Emerald Rush – A competitive mode with seven additional gameplay discs
New Collectibles – More fossils, costumes, and secrets to discover

Critical Reception and Sales Performance

Donkey Kong Bananza has received widespread acclaim from critics and players alike:

Nominated for Game of the Year and Best Family Game at The Game Awards 2025
Won the Critics’ Choice award at Golden Joystick Awards 2025
Praised for stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and engaging story
Sold 3.49 million copies by September 2025
Became the second-bestselling Nintendo Switch 2 game

Some reviews noted minor camera issues and occasional frame rate drops when playing in docked mode, though these don’t significantly impact the overall experience.

Tips for New Players

Start Broad, Then Focus – Don’t rush through levels. Take time to explore, smash things, and discover hidden collectibles.

Master the Transformations – Learn when to use each Bananza form. Kong for obstacles, Zebra for speed challenges, Ostrich for aerial sections.

Try Assist Mode – If you’re new to platformers or want a more relaxed experience, enable Assist Mode for additional support.

Experiment with Co-Op – Playing with a friend makes puzzle-solving easier and combat more dynamic.

Complete Challenge Ruins – These optional trials reward you with valuable upgrades and are perfect for honing your platforming skills.

Why Donkey Kong Bananza Matters

This isn’t just another platformer—it’s a statement about the Donkey Kong franchise’s future. After eleven years without a new DK game, Bananza proves that Nintendo hasn’t forgotten about this beloved character.

The game showcases the Switch 2’s capabilities with gorgeous graphics, smooth animations, and impressive environmental destruction. It demonstrates that Nintendo can innovate beyond Mario while maintaining the polish and creativity fans expect.

Bananza also represents Nintendo’s broader effort to reestablish Donkey Kong as a major franchise, alongside his appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, themed attractions at Super Nintendo World, and a rumored film adaptation with Universal Pictures.

Conclusion

Donkey Kong Bananza successfully reinvents the franchise for a new generation while respecting what makes DK special. The destructible environments, creative Bananza transformations, and charming partnership between DK and Pauline create an unforgettable gaming experience.

Whether you’re smashing through underground caverns, racing across canyons as Zebra Bananza, or solving puzzles with a friend in co-op mode, this game offers something for everyone. It’s no wonder critics are calling it the Switch 2’s killer app and one of 2025’s best games.

If you own a Nintendo Switch 2 or are considering purchasing one, Donkey Kong Bananza deserves a spot in your collection. This banana-filled adventure proves that after 26 years, Donkey Kong still knows how to deliver gaming excellence.

FAQs

Q Is Donkey Kong Bananza only available on Nintendo Switch 2?

Yes, Donkey Kong Bananza is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive title and won’t be released on the original Nintendo Switch or other platforms.

Q How long does it take to complete Donkey Kong Bananza?

The main story takes approximately 20 hours to complete, though completionists can spend significantly more time collecting everything and finishing optional challenges.

Q Can I play Donkey Kong Bananza single-player?

Absolutely! The game is designed for both solo and cooperative play. In single-player, you control DK while Pauline assists automatically.

Q Does King K. Rool appear in Donkey Kong Bananza?

Yes, though his role is relatively minor. He appears briefly and encounters Void Kong, but isn’t a central character in the story.

Q What’s the difference between this and Donkey Kong 64?

While both are 3D Donkey Kong games, Bananza focuses on destruction and environmental manipulation rather than the collectathon approach of DK64. The gameplay is more action-oriented and exploration-focused.