Yes. Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D platforming action adventure for Nintendo Switch 2, released July 17, 2025. It sends Donkey Kong and Pauline through a vast underground world where smashing and reshaping terrain is central to getting around and uncovering discoveries. Nintendo has described the series’ action games as often side-scrolling, making this a return to a less common 3D format—but its announcement alone does not establish that no 3D Donkey Kong game appeared in the intervening decades.
What kind of game is Donkey Kong Bananza?
Nintendo describes Bananza as an all-new 3D platforming action adventure. Donkey Kong and Pauline explore an underground world spanning environments such as arid canyons, lush forests, and frigid tundra. The game is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 and supports TV, tabletop, and handheld play; HDR is listed for compatible TVs. Nintendo’s game listing gives the release date as July 17, 2025.
Does “the first 3D DK game in decades” hold up?
It is safer to describe Bananza as a return to a less common 3D format than to treat “first in decades” as a definitive franchise chronology. In its April 2, 2025 announcement, Nintendo called it a new 3D action game and noted that many Donkey Kong series action games are side-scrolling. That establishes the broad contrast, but not a complete release-by-release history proving that no 3D entry appeared during the intervening years. Nintendo’s announcement provides that framing.
How does its 3D gameplay work?
The defining idea is that terrain is not just scenery: breaking and manipulating it is part of traversal and discovery. Nintendo’s official move list includes Punch, Dive Punch, Roll, Hand Slap, Tear Off, Swing, Chunk Jump, Throw, and Turf Surf. Together, these actions let DK break through surfaces, remove chunks, swing or throw them, and jump from them. The same destructive interactions can help open routes as well as fight or collect.
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#1 Best Overall
- Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it!
- A brand-new 3D platforming action adventure starring Donkey Kong and Pauline
- Bash through just about anything in groundbreaking exploration! Crash through walls and carve tunnels—the more you smash, the more areas open up to you
- Pair up with Pauline to use Bananza Transformations: smash through obstacles with the raw strength of Kong form, gallop with incredible speed as a Zebra, and more
- Team up with a friend in two-player co-op as Donkey Kong and Pauline! Blast foes and terrain alike with Pauline’s voice as you explore together
Pauline’s singing has a practical role too. Nintendo says it can indicate a way forward, empower DK’s Bananza Transformations, and remove particular seals. These are Nintendo’s descriptions of the mechanics, rather than a claim based on independent hands-on testing. See Nintendo’s gameplay page for the listed moves and abilities.
Can you play with someone else?
Nintendo’s US listing gives the single-system player count as one to two and lists local GameShare and online GameShare using GameChat. Online use is subject to requirements including internet access, a Nintendo Account, and a Nintendo Switch Online membership; availability and terms vary by country. Consult the current Nintendo support information for your region before relying on a particular service or availability detail. The US product listing is the source for its listed play modes and requirements.
Rank #2
![Donkey Kong Bananza Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Xv8olm5RL._SL160_.jpg)
- Uncover a wide variety of environments, like forest, canyon, and lagoon, as you delve underground
- Reshape the world as you tear through it, with the help of…an Odd Rock?
What do the amiibo and DLC add?
Optional Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo
The Donkey Kong and Pauline Bananza-series amiibo is optional, not a requirement to play. Nintendo says scanning it grants Pauline’s Diva Dress outfit and gold KONG tiles, which can explode on impact when swung or thrown. Nintendo lists the figure’s release date as July 17, 2025, and notes that games, systems, and amiibo are sold separately. Nintendo’s amiibo listing details those rewards. Nintendo Support also says other compatible Donkey Kong character amiibo can summon gold KONG tiles, while other amiibo summon a sphere of random material: Nintendo Support’s amiibo information.
Paid DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC
Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush is a paid add-on released September 12, 2025; it is not part of the base game. Nintendo describes DK Island as a visit to a modern take on Donkey Kong’s home, while Emerald Rush is a timed, repeatable challenge that becomes more difficult and offers rewards and perks. The full game is required. Details are on Nintendo’s DLC listing.
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Best Value
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it!
- A brand-new 3D platforming action adventure starring Donkey Kong and Pauline
Rank #4
![Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qtRWiIToL._SL160_.jpg)
- Full version of game required to use DLC. Sold separately.
Rank #3
- Embark on a brand-new Donkey Kong adventure exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore the Underground World with dynamic environments and hidden secrets.
- Battle VoidCo and its minions using DK’s signature strength and powerful punches.
- Team up with a mysterious new companion with unique gameplay abilities.
- Recover the Golden Bananas across thrilling, action-packed levels.
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