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Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D platforming action-adventure for Nintendo Switch 2, released July 17, 2025. Nintendo’s official title omits the colon used in the supplied headline, and the game is exclusive to Switch 2—not the original Nintendo Switch. Its defining idea is that Donkey Kong can smash and reshape the underground world to make new routes, with Pauline alongside him as an active part of the adventure.
What is Donkey Kong Bananza?
Nintendo describes Donkey Kong Bananza as an all-new 3D platforming action adventure. Donkey Kong and Pauline explore a vast underground world that includes arid canyons, forests and tundra. The story involves characters connected to VoidCo and Void Kong’s effort to reach the Planet Core. Nintendo’s game page lists physical and digital editions and TV, tabletop and handheld play modes.
Donkey Kong’s strength is also the main exploration tool. He can punch through walls, dig tunnels, strike downward and tear chunks from the terrain to swing or throw. Smashing the environment can open additional areas and routes, so destruction is built into progression rather than limited to combat. Nintendo summarized the action in its June 18, 2025 announcement: “Launching July 17 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, Donkey Kong Bananza is an all-new 3D platforming game that lets DK punch, grab, toss, climb, smash and flex his strength as he explores the depths of this wild action adventure!”
How do Pauline and the Bananza transformations work?
Pauline’s singing empowers Donkey Kong with Bananza transformations. She is more than a story companion: her voice is connected to DK’s abilities, and she has a gameplay role in co-op. The game’s official product description presents the transformations as part of how players use the duo’s abilities while exploring.
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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
Can you play Donkey Kong Bananza with two players?
Yes. Nintendo lists one-to-two players on a single system, supporting local play together. Nintendo also describes online GameShare, but that option has extra requirements: a Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare, and online use can require GameChat, an internet connection, a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership. Availability and terms depend on country and can change, so check Nintendo’s current local product and service information before relying on online play.
What does Assist Mode include?
Assist Mode offers guidance, aim assist, reduced damage and regenerating health. These are the features Nintendo documents for the mode; they are not a substitute for an independent accessibility assessment. Check the current Nintendo product page for its full description and regional information.
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.
Is the Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo required?
No. The Donkey Kong and Pauline Bananza-series amiibo is an optional figure released alongside the game on July 17, 2025. In Donkey Kong Bananza, it unlocks Pauline’s Diva Dress outfit and gold KONG tiles. Nintendo Support says compatible Donkey Kong-series amiibo summon gold KONG tiles, while other amiibo summon a random-material sphere; its amiibo instructions also explain the NFC touchpoints on supported controllers. The figure is an extra, not a prerequisite for playing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC?
Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush is a separate add-on released September 12, 2025. Nintendo describes activities on DK Island and Emerald Rush challenges. The DLC listing states that the full game is required, so the add-on is not a standalone way to play Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo’s US listing has shown a regular price of $19.99; price and availability may differ by market and change over time, so use the local store listing for current details.
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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
![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?
Which edition or way to play should you choose?
| Choice | What it offers | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Physical game | The Nintendo Switch 2 physical edition of the full game. | Check the local Nintendo listing or retailer for current price and availability. |
| Digital game | The Nintendo Switch 2 digital edition of the full game. | Check the local Nintendo store for current price and availability. |
| Solo play | Play alone in TV, tabletop or handheld mode. | Nintendo lists these modes for the game. |
| Local co-op | Two players can play on one system. | Nintendo lists one-to-two players on a single system. |
| Online GameShare | Share play online under Nintendo’s GameShare option. | Requires a Switch 2 system to initiate; GameChat, internet, a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership may be required for online features. Terms and availability vary by country. |
| Full game plus DLC | The base adventure plus DK Island activities and Emerald Rush challenges. | The DLC requires the full game and is sold separately. |
What to check before buying
- Console: The game is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive; it is not listed for the original Nintendo Switch.
- Edition and local details: Confirm current price, stock, ratings and edition on Nintendo’s regional product page. The US listing carries “Fantasy Violence” and “In-Game Purchases”; ratings can differ by region.
- Online play: Check current local Nintendo requirements for GameShare, GameChat and Nintendo Switch Online, since conditions and availability may change.
- Optional extras: The amiibo and DLC are separate considerations; the full game is required for the DLC.
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.
