Donkey Kong Bananza for Nintendo Switch 2

What It Is

• Officially released on July 17, 2025, this is the first fully 3D Donkey Kong game since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64 Nintendo Co., Ltd.+13Wikipedia+13The Washington Post+13.
• Developed internally by Nintendo EPD (along with 1-Up Studio & tri‑Crescendo), led by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey Diario AS+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3.

🧱 Core Gameplay & Tech

• Set in destructible, voxel-based subterranean realms where almost everything you punch can crumble GamesRadar+The Washington Post.
• You play as Donkey Kong (with special transformation abilities), teamed up with Pauline in a campaign to stop VoidCo and recover golden gems Wikipedia+11Wikipedia+11Tom’s Guide+11.
• Environments are fully manipulable—smash terrain, uncover paths or collectibles—and each level remains physically altered unless reset Wikipedia.

⚙️ Performance & Visuals

• Exclusive to Switch 2, the shift from Switch 1 allows consistent 60 fps, unlocking the game’s intended physics and destruction mechanics Nintendo Co., Ltd.+11GamesRadar++11ASO World+11.
• Occasional framerate dips may appear during heavy destruction, but developers prioritize gameplay over graphics hiccups Reddit+13Polygon+13ASO World+13.

🎮 Highlights & Reception

• Critics rave: Tom’s Guide calls it a “must-have game for Nintendo’s newest console” Nintendo Co., Ltd.+14Tom’s Guide+14The Washington Post+14.
• Washington Post describes it as a showcase of Switch 2’s capabilities and a revival of Nintendo’s core design philosophy GamesRadar++11The Washington Post+11Reddit+11.
• IGN Nordics gives it a perfect 10/10, praising its destructible environments and joyful feel Omni+1Wikipedia+1.
• Metacritic aggregates an impressive 91 / 100, with Famitsu giving it 38/40 Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1.

🎯 Why It Matters

• A modern system-seller: graphics, physics, and ambition make Bananza a prime reason to own Switch 2 GameStop+14Tom’s Guide+14Diario AS+14.
• The destructible sandbox mechanics mark a major leap in Nintendo design—melding freeform exploration with platforming and puzzle elements ASO World+2The Washington Post+2Nintendo Life+2.
• Balances nostalgia and fresh ideas: familiar DK charm meets innovative abilities, co-op play (via GameShare), and skill trees for deeper engagement Wikipedia+1ASO World+1.

🔧 Quick Facts