Nintendo announced Donkey Kong Bananza on June 18, 2025, and released it on July 17, 2025. It is a 3D platforming adventure exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2—not the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo’s US store lists a physical edition.
When was Donkey Kong Bananza announced?
Nintendo announced Donkey Kong Bananza on June 18, 2025, with a planned release date of July 17, 2025. That release date has passed: the game launched on July 17, 2025. Nintendo’s US product listing confirms the date.
What kind of game is Donkey Kong Bananza?
It is a 3D platforming action adventure centered on breaking through terrain and exploring the Underground World. The story begins on Ingot Isle, where Donkey Kong is drawn toward golden bananas and then plunges into the planet’s depths. He encounters Odd Rock, who is revealed to be a young singer named Pauline; the two explore together.
Smashing through the Underground World
Nintendo describes a world where Donkey Kong can smash, punch, grab, throw and climb through terrain and obstacles. The announcement names moves such as Dive Punch and Hand Slap, as well as Turf Surfing. Nintendo’s Play Nintendo overview also describes Bananza Transformations, including Kong and Zebra forms.
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- 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
How can you play?
Nintendo describes both solo play and co-op for two players, with Donkey Kong and Pauline as the co-op characters. The details depend on how you connect and which regional version of Nintendo’s services applies.
- Local co-op: Nintendo UK describes co-op on one Nintendo Switch 2 system.
- GameShare: Nintendo UK lists play between two systems. Online GameShare has additional service requirements.
- Online requirements: Nintendo UK says online modes require internet access, a Nintendo Account and a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Requirements can vary by mode and region, so check the applicable regional listing.
Nintendo’s announcement introduces solo and co-op play; it does not establish that every co-op option uses the same connection method or has identical requirements.
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- 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.
Platform and purchase options
Donkey Kong Bananza is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. It is not listed as compatible with the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo’s US store lists a physical edition; its UK listing gives a 9.0 GB download size. Price and stock depend on region and retailer, so check the current local listing before buying.
The paid Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC is a separate purchase, not part of the base game. Nintendo Support says it is available through Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch 2 and the Nintendo Store. It adds a modern take on Donkey Kong’s home and Emerald Rush, a timed, repeatable challenge mode with exclusive in-game rewards and perks.
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![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?
Updates and sales
Nintendo Support’s update history lists version 3.2.0, released February 24, 2026, as the latest update shown. Nintendo says it addresses several issues to improve gameplay. Earlier updates added Polish and Thai text support and a camera auto-follow setting. Update information can change; consult Nintendo Support for the current history.
Nintendo Co., Ltd. reported 2.6 million cumulative worldwide sell-through units in the first 12 weeks after release in its 2025 investor-relations material. That figure covers the stated 12-week period, not lifetime sales.
Quick Recap
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
