Overview

• Donkey Kong Bananza launched July 17 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 as the first fully 3D series entry since 1999 and showcases the console’s real-time deformable voxel environments.
• Original Donkey Kong Country artists Kevin Bayliss and Steve Mayles celebrated its bold redesign, streaming early gameplay and calling it a must-play for franchise veterans.
• Players smash through diverse biomes to uncover Banandium Gems, fossils, bananas and other resources that fuel a varied in-game economy and skill tree upgrades.
• Extensive customization lets users choose from 37 fur colors, 10 ties and 18 pants for Donkey Kong plus 11 outfits for Pauline, driving post-game exploration.
• Forbes lauds its technical polish, fluid controls and musical moments, though some critics note its collect-a-thon structure can feel repetitive compared with Super Mario Odyssey’s inventive variety.