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What the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct showed
The Direct introduced a new 3D platforming adventure set in an underground world. Its central idea is that the terrain is not just scenery: Donkey Kong can punch, grab, toss, climb, smash and tear pieces from it as he explores. Nintendo presented these actions as tools for navigating, uncovering secrets and fighting, while describing the abilities as combinable.
That makes destruction part of the exploration loop. Players can break through ground and obstacles, then use pieces of terrain in other ways, including the announced Turf Surfing move. The Direct also showed Dive Punch, rolling over obstacles and Hand Slap, which helps locate hidden items. These are announced features, not a measure of how varied or satisfying they are in play.
How the story reaches the Underground World
The story begins on Ingot Isle after golden bananas are discovered. A tempest sends Donkey Kong deeper underground, where he meets Pauline. Together they explore the Underground World while VoidCo and its leader, Void Kong, pursue the Planet Core. Nintendo’s later game listing continues to describe the adventure as a journey through this world.
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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 powers Bananza transformations
Pauline is an active gameplay partner. Her singing builds Bananergy, which enables Donkey Kong to temporarily transform into different Bananza forms. Nintendo announced three forms in the Direct:
- Kong Bananza: increases Donkey Kong’s strength.
- Zebra Bananza: adds speed and short dashes.
- Ostrich Bananza: enables flight and Egg Bomb attacks.
Nintendo’s later game page also says Pauline’s voice can blast rocks and empower Donkey Kong. Together, her abilities and the terrain mechanics connect the two characters’ contributions to both traversal and action.
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.
How Donkey Kong Bananza co-op works
Nintendo announced solo play and local two-player co-op. In the described co-op setup, one player controls Donkey Kong and the other controls Pauline. She can ride on DK’s shoulder and use vocal blasts, with Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality supporting aiming. Nintendo also described GameShare for local shared play and GameChat for inviting online friends; availability and requirements depend on Nintendo’s regional and service terms.
Photo Mode, DK Artist and Assist Mode
The Direct included Photo Mode and DK Artist, a creative mode in which players carve designs into stone using Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Nintendo’s July 17, 2025 launch announcement later described Assist Mode options: aim assist, path guidance, reduced damage and regenerating health.
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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?
Release, platform and optional extras
Donkey Kong Bananza launched July 17, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo’s US store listing also shows a separate digital add-on, DK Island & Emerald Rush. The listing displayed a $19.99 regular price when checked on October 8, 2026; digital-store prices can change.
The Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo is optional. Nintendo says it unlocks Pauline’s Diva Dress outfit and provides gold KONG tiles with explosive power. The amiibo listing notes that games and systems are sold separately; the figure is not required to play the game.
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.
