Yes. Donkey Kong Bananza supports offline two-player co-op on one Nintendo Switch 2, offline GameShare with a nearby player, and online GameShare through GameChat. Co-op is asymmetric: player one controls Donkey Kong, while player two controls Odd Rock or Pauline as a shoulder-riding companion.
Co-op options at a glance
| How you play | Where players are | Consoles and game copy | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share Controllers | Together, offline | One Nintendo Switch 2; one copy of the game | Both players play on the same system. |
| GameShare (Local User) | Nearby, offline | A Switch 2 host with the game; Nintendo says the guest can join from Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch | Join the host’s nearby GameShare session. |
| GameShare (GameChat) | Online | Switch 2 systems; Nintendo says one copy can support the listed GameShare session | Players join the same GameChat room. Online availability and requirements vary by region. |
Nintendo’s support guide describes the setup options. Its US product page and UK game page also describe GameShare, including play with one copy.
What player two does
Player two does not control a second Donkey Kong or roam independently. They control Odd Rock or Pauline, depending on story progress, while riding on DK’s shoulder. The companion uses vocal blasts to attack enemies and clear terrain. The exact character available depends on how far the story has progressed, as Nintendo explains in its multiplayer setup guide.
How to start offline co-op on one Switch 2
Co-op becomes available after you rescue Odd Rock. Once unlocked, set up same-system couch co-op from regular gameplay:
#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
- Press + to open the Pause Menu.
- Select Co-op Play, then Share Controllers.
- Pair the controllers as prompted and follow the on-screen instructions.
To return to solo play, open the Pause Menu and select One Player. These are Nintendo’s documented steps; see its support guide if the on-screen flow differs.
How to play with another console nearby
For local GameShare, the host needs a Nintendo Switch 2 with the game. The host opens the Pause Menu and selects Co-op Play → GameShare (Local User). On the guest console, open the GameShare icon from the HOME Menu, choose Join GameShare → A Local User, select the host, and join. The host starts the session after the guest has joined.
Rank #2
- 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.
Nintendo Support says a nearby guest can join from either Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch. Its product pages also describe local GameShare across Switch 2 systems. Follow the host and guest prompts on the consoles if the menu wording differs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to play online with GameChat
Online co-op uses GameShare through GameChat, rather than a separate online matchmaking mode. Nintendo documents this route between Nintendo Switch 2 systems:
Rank #3
![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?
- Make sure everyone who wants to play is in the same GameChat room.
- On the host’s Switch 2, open the Pause Menu and choose Co-op Play → GameShare (GameChat).
- Invite the person in the GameChat room and start the session once the guest has joined.
In the US, Nintendo says online features including GameChat require an internet connection, a Nintendo Account, and a Nintendo Switch Online membership. GameShare through GameChat is not available in every country. Nintendo UK also specifies a stable internet connection. Check Nintendo’s US product page and the guidance for your region for current eligibility and requirements.
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, diddy Kong, dixie Kong and cranky Kong return for the franchise's debut on the Nintendo Switch system!
- This title includes all the fun and challenge of the original game, plus a brand-new mode that lets new and novice
- Players Enjoy this critically acclaimed adventure as Groovy surfing simian funky Kong.
- Funky Kong can double jump, hover, perform Infinite rolls and even perform Infinite underwater corkscrews.
- Thanks to his sturdy surfboard, even spikes can't slow him down.
If GameShare is not starting
- Check the unlock: rescue Odd Rock before trying to start co-op.
- Check the host system and game update: Nintendo Support says the GameShare host must use Switch 2 and have the latest version of Donkey Kong Bananza.
- For local GameShare, confirm proximity and the guest’s join flow: the guest must join through the HOME Menu’s GameShare icon and choose A Local User.
- For GameChat, confirm everyone is in the room first: then have the host launch GameShare from the Pause Menu.
- Check regional availability and online requirements: GameChat GameShare is not offered in all countries, and the current console prompts or Nintendo regional support pages are the best reference if a requirement has changed.
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