Donkey Kong Bananza: Everything you need to know about the game that will define the Switch 2

The king of the jungle returns to define a new console generation. Donkey Kong Bananza, the most anticipated exclusive for Nintendo Switch 2, is here. With fully destructible worlds, animal transformations, and gameplay that inherits the best of Super Mario Odyssey, this title promises to be a game-changer.

Decades after his last great 3D adventure, Donkey Kong is back, and not in a random way. Donkey Kong Bananza, launching July 17 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, isn't just the return of an icon, but Nintendo's bid to demonstrate the power of its new console and redefine the platforming genre. Developed by Nintendo EPD, the same team behind the acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey, this game introduces a revolutionary core mechanic: total environmental destruction.

The adventure begins when Donkey Kong, accompanied by a young Pauline, travels to Ingot Island in search of the newly discovered Banandium Gems, banana-shaped diamonds. A storm sweeps them into an underground world, where a gang of villainous apes known as VoidCo. is stealing the gems to reach the planet's core, where legend has it that any wish can be made.

Unlike previous villains, VoidCo. is led by a trio of new characters: Void Kong, Grumpy Kong, and Poppy Kong, who block DK and Pauline's path as they descend through the various levels of the underworld.

Considered by many to be the spiritual successor to Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza takes the open-world exploration formula and elevates it with a twist that fits perfectly with the gorilla's nature: brute force.

• Fully Destructible Environments: Thanks to the power of the Switch 2 and the use of voxel technology, nearly every surface in the game can be destroyed. DK can punch the ground to create craters, smash through walls to open up new paths, and tear off chunks of the environment to throw at enemies or use as surfboards. This mechanic isn't just visual; it's key to solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.
• Agile and Powerful Movement: DK's moveset is a blend of power and agility. He combines his signature roll with surprising running speed and the ability to strike in all directions, allowing the player to "sculpt" their own path through levels.
• Layered Level Structure: Bananza's worlds aren't as expansive as Odyssey's, but they are structured vertically. Each level is made up of several "layers" or sub-levels, one above the other, each with its own theme (mines, lagoons, jungles with poisonous lakes, etc.) and main quests. Completing a quest on one layer will take the player to the next.

"It's a super-fun mix of gameplay tools that feels like a combination of traditional Donkey Kong and The Incredible Hulk. The perfect balance of power and agility." – IGN review.

One of the most striking new features is the animal transformations, which DK learns from the "Elder Kongs" (level bosses). By collecting gold coins, DK can temporarily activate these abilities:

• Kong Bananza: A super-powered version of DK, bigger, faster, and stronger, capable of breaking through harder materials.
• Zebra Bananza: Drastically increases DK's speed, allowing him to run on fragile surfaces.
• Ostrich Bananza: Gives DK the ability to glide through the air and throw bomb eggs.

Additionally, the game includes a two-player co-op mode, where the second player controls Pauline. Similar to Super Mario Galaxy's "Co-Star" mode, Pauline can assist DK by firing projectiles at enemies. Interestingly, these projectiles are "words" she sings, and their properties can change by absorbing the essence of different materials in the environment.

Just like in Odyssey, every corner of Bananza is filled with collectibles. Banandium Gems are the equivalent of Power Moons and are earned by completing quests, solving puzzles, or overcoming platforming challenges. There are also different types of fossils that serve as currency to purchase cosmetic upgrades for DK.

The game also introduces a skill tree, where players can use gems to improve DK's stats or unlock new abilities, such as a double jump or the ability to throw eggs while gliding like an ostrich.

With its innovative destruction mechanics, clever level design, and a deep layer of exploration and collecting, Donkey Kong Bananza not only seeks to revive one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises, but also to set a new standard for 3D platformers.