Donkey Kong Bananza Direct — A Groundbreaking Sandbox Adventure

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived, and Mario Kart World is holding down the fort. The true star of the launch window has been Donkey Kong Bananza, a game closing out the first Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. This isn’t just another DK platformer—it’s an ambitious 3D sandbox adventure where nearly everything is destructible, a technical and creative feat unmatched in scope and scale.

The recently aired Donkey Kong Bananza Direct dug deep into the game’s mechanics, story, and world, leaving me utterly floored. Nintendo hasn’t confirmed the development team, but the DNA of Super Mario Odyssey runs so strongly throughout this title, it’s hard to believe it’s not the work of Nintendo EPD8, the masterminds behind 3D Mario.

It was never in question that Bananza would be a great game. However, this Direct solidified it as a Game of the Year contender and the ultimate showcase for the Nintendo Switch 2. With GTA VI no longer in the picture, it’s easily the most ambitious game of 2025.

A Surprising Dynamic Duo and the Quest for the Surface

At the core of Donkey Kong Bananza lies a surprisingly heartfelt narrative that reimagines the relationship between Donkey Kong and Pauline. In this adventure, DK embarks on a quest to get a taste of Banandium, a mysterious and powerful gem buried deep within the planet. In the previous showings, DK discovered the “Odd Rock,” who became his companion early on.

The Direct revealed a surprising twist, however: the “Odd Rock” is a young Pauline, fully voice-acted and brimming with dreams of reaching the surface to become a singer. This is a stark departure from their original dynamic in the 1981 Donkey Kong arcade game, where Pauline was a damsel in distress and DK was her captor. In Bananza, their relationship is collaborative, built on mutual trust as they navigate a dangerous underground world.

Banana Hunting Rivals – The Void Company Kongs

The antagonists, the Void Company, add a layer of intrigue. This shadowy organization is attempting to steal the Banandium, pushing Donkey Kong to take action. There are three main antagonists whom DK will face off with in the Void Company.

Grumpy Kong, who creates the giant bosses he will face throughout the adventure, Poppy Kong is the info gatherer and possibly the spy of the group, while Void King is the leader of the group.

They intend to use Pauline for their schemes and are intent on reaching the planet’s core for an unknown cause. It’s up to DK to thwart their nefarious plan and get Pauline to the surface. The narrative is seemingly more in-depth than most Mario platforming adventures, blending humor, heart, and adventure. It’s a nice change of direction as I am already invested in the story unfolding.

A World Beneath the Surface

Donkey Kong Bananza takes players on a journey through a sprawling underground world that’s as varied as it is immersive. The Direct showcased a range of environments, each with its own distinct aesthetic and atmosphere. Claustrophobic caverns give way to breathtaking subterranean beaches with glowing open skies, while arid deserts lead into jungle-laden ruins. Each biome feels alive, populated by quirky inhabitants who offer quests and provide lore about this mysterious underworld.

Familiar faces from the Donkey Kong universe make a triumphant return. Cranky Kong, Rambi the Rhino, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong explore this underground world and may cross DK’s path along his journey. The open-world design encourages exploration, with hidden paths, secret caves, and dynamic NPC interactions that make every corner of the map feel worth exploring.

Collectibles & Unlockables

Exploration in Donkey Kong Bananza is driven by a wealth of collectibles that reward curiosity and creativity. The star of the show is Banandium, the rare resource that powers DK’s abilities and drives the story forward. Players collect Banandium Chips and Gold, which can be spent at shops scattered throughout to purchase items, cosmetics, and more.

Fossils, Treasure Chests, Treasure Maps, and Ancient Ruins encourage players to dig deeper (sometimes literally) into the world. Music enthusiasts will love collecting Discs that offer new tracks as well.

A Stylish Ape – Customization

Customization is a big focus, with clothes for DK and Pauline offering cosmetic flair, alongside stats and abilities that enhance gameplay. These can be purchased with Fossils, and players can change clothes whenever at their pop-up home base.

This cozy hub is where players can rest, view their collectibles, and soak in the game’s soundtrack. For the collectors and completionists out there, I’m sure there will be hours upon hours of content for you to invest in.

A Banging Soundtrack

Music has always been a cornerstone of the Donkey Kong series, and Bananza is no exception. The Direct was littered with songs performed by Pauline, reflecting her dream of becoming a singer. It also looks like Nintendo wanted to capitalize on the adoration of “Jump Up, Super Star!” from Super Mario Odyssey by doubling down.

While this pop-infused style marks a departure from David Wise’s atmospheric and intense Donkey Kong Country soundtracks, the game doesn’t abandon its roots. Nostalgic tracks from the Rareware era, including the iconic “DK Rap,” triumphantly return, blending seamlessly with a suite of new compositions. These fresh tracks complement the game’s narrative beats and enhance the diverse biomes of the underground world.

Destructible Chaos and Co-Op Fun

The heart of Donkey Kong Bananza is its gameplay, which combines classic Donkey Kong platforming with innovative mechanics. DK’s moveset is robust: Punches, Rolling, Hand Slams, Turf Suring, and more let players interact with the environment in creative ways.

The cornerstone of Bananza is its fully destructible world—a game-changer that redefines interactive environments. While other titles have done fully destructible environments, they often compromised on visuals, scope, or performance. In cases like Crackdown 3, it required the power of cloud computing and still fell short of its lofty promises.

Yet, Nintendo’s wizards have achieved the impossible on the Nintendo Switch 2, a thin handheld console less powerful than the PS5 or Xbox Series X. Nearly every surface—be it a solid mountain, cave walls, or sandy dune—can be smashed, torn, or reshaped, with each material yielding unique effects. Punch through malleable earth to unearth hidden secrets, shatter rocky barriers to forge new paths, or tear off a mysterious colorful terrain that launches DK skyward.

The Direct showcased DK hanging from cavern ceilings and surfing across lava on a chunk of ice, blending verticality and fluidity into a platforming experience that feels limitless. DK doesn’t have to always be destructive, however. You can also create new structures and paths using soft terrain, such as sand, and stick them together.

Tag Team Bananza

Pauline’s singing adds a melodic twist to the chaos, serving as a narrative and gameplay tool. Her voice can disintegrate indestructible purple seals blocking DK’s path. But she mostly shines in the two-player co-op mode, reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey but with a distinct Bananza flavor.

One player controls DK’s brute strength, while the other embodies Pauline, whose abilities complement his raw power. In combat, Pauline’s vocal blasts materialize her words into destructive projectiles, which can be infused with properties from volatile materials like explosive rocks for devastating effects. The Direct also highlighted seamless GameShare support, allowing friends to join the adventure effortlessly across Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch devices.

A Living Map of Your Destruction

One of the most low-key, but groundbreaking features is the insanely detailed and intricate 3D map, a technical marvel that sets a new standard for open-world design. This isn’t just a static, 2D guide—it’s a living reflection of the player’s journey through the underground world.

Every punch that reshapes the environment is dynamically mirrored on the map, showcasing the destruction you’ve made. Smash through a mountain just for the hell of it? It’s now etched into the map’s evolving tapestry. You can also reset the world back to square one if you’ve wreaked too much havoc and can’t progress.

The map also serves as a hub for fast travel, thanks to a delightfully quirky system involving eels. These slippery allies swallow DK and Pauline and spit them out at new locations across the world, adding a humorous twist to navigation. This level of detail, where every change persists in the world and map visually, is unlike anything I’ve seen in a game before.

Bananza Transformations — Donkey Kong Unleashed

One of the most exciting reveals was the Bananza Transformations, which give DK temporary but powerful new forms. The Kong Bananza form, seemingly inspired by Super Saiyan 4 Goku or Gear 4 Luffy, turns DK into a hulking powerhouse capable of smashing through previously indestructible materials. The Zebra Bananza form makes DK faster than ever, letting him sprint across water and brittle surfaces without falling through. The Ostrich Bananza form transforms DK into a flight-capable ostrich that can drop egg bombs from above.

These transformations are time-limited but can be chained together for awesome platforming feats, such as flying to a high ledge, switching to Zebra form to dash across a collapsing bridge, and then unleashing Kong form to smash through a barrier. It’s a system that adds depth and spectacle to the dynamic gameplay.

Building Your Own DK

Customization extends to DK’s abilities through a Skill Point system. Through collecting Banandium, players earn Skill Points that can be allocated to stats like health, punch power, or sonar strength (used to detect hidden items). This flexibility lets players tailor DK to their preferred playstyle—whether you want to focus on a tanky brawler or a speedy explorer, the choice is yours.

The system is intuitive yet deep, encouraging experimentation without overwhelming players. It’s another layer of personalization, making Donkey Kong Bananza feel fresh throughout your playthrough.

Nostalgic Trials & Challenges

Scattered throughout the world are Ancient Ruins that offer a variety of challenges that test players’ skills. These include timed battles that demand quick reflexes and strategic use of Donkey Kong’s moveset. They also feature side-scrolling platforming challenges that pay homage to the Donkey Kong Country series. These bite-sized trials break up the open-world exploration, offering focused bursts of action that reward players.

A Creative Break from the Action

Donkey Kong Bananza introduces a surprising addition: DK Artist Mode, a creative feature that harnesses the Nintendo Switch 2’s Mouse controls. This mode allows players to sculpt and paint objects, starting from a simple ball of stone or a base sculpture of DK’s head.

Chipping away or adding various materials, players can craft unique masterpieces, from custom platforms to intricate artworks. The Direct showcased stunning examples, including sculptures resembling Mario and Bowser, hinting at endless possibilities for player expression.

DK Artist serves as both a creative outlet and a showcase for the Switch 2’s precise controls. While it may not appeal to everyone, it’s a refreshing distraction that invites players to leave their mark on the game. I’m much more eager to see the creations the community can pull off with it.

A New Benchmark for 3D Platformers

Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s most ambitious games yet, rivaling the scope and innovation of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The Donkey Kong Bananza Direct has cemented its status as a must-play title, blending a heartfelt dynamic duo, a vibrant world, and groundbreaking mechanics into a package that redefines what a 3D platformer can be.

With its destructible environments, fun customization, and creative features like DK Artist Mode, it’s a game that pushes the boundaries of the genre while staying true to the Donkey Kong legacy. As a showcase for the Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities, it’s a technical marvel that promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure when it releases. Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to be a Game of the Year contender and a defining moment for Nintendo and the Switch 2.