Donkey Kong Bananza Switch 2 Revealed in June 18, 2025: Release Date, Gameplay & Features

The long-rumored Donkey Kong Bananza has finally received its spotlight during the June 18, 2025 Nintendo Direct, confirming its official release date for the Nintendo Switch 2. As fans speculated, the return of Donkey Kong in a brand-new 3D action-platformer marks one of the most exciting announcements of the year for Nintendo enthusiasts. With the power of the next-gen Switch 2 hardware, Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to be a flagship title for the console.

In this article, we break down everything revealed so far, including the game’s release date, key gameplay mechanics, character details, and how it takes full advantage of Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded capabilities. If you're looking for the latest on Donkey Kong Bananza and Nintendo’s 2025 Direct announcements, this is your definitive guide.

What Is Donkey Kong Bananza?

Donkey Kong Bananza is a brand-new 3D action-adventure platformer developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. It features the iconic ape in an original storyline where he must retrieve stolen golden bananas scattered across mysterious underground worlds. This is the first fully 3D Donkey Kong title since Donkey Kong 64, and it comes with completely reimagined visuals, a new companion character, and groundbreaking environmental interactions.

Nintendo has described the game as a "chaotic, physics-driven adventure" that blends puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat in vast interconnected environments.

Release Date Confirmed: July 17, 2025

The biggest news from the June 18 Nintendo Direct was the confirmation that Donkey Kong Bananza will launch on July 17, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders are now live on the Nintendo eShop and major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. The game will be available in both digital and physical editions, priced at $69.99.

This date places it right before the summer gaming rush, making it a centerpiece title for Nintendo’s Q3 2025.

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct 6.18.2025:

Nintendo Switch 2: Enhanced Performance for Donkey Kong Bananza

One of the highlights of Donkey Kong Bananza is how it leverages the  Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded specs. According to the Direct and Nintendo’s press release, the game runs at:

1080p resolution in handheld mode

Dynamic 4K when docked

60fps performance with full HDR support

Ray-traced lighting and enhanced particle effects

Developers emphasized that the level of destructible environments, physics simulation, and AI responsiveness wouldn’t have been possible on the original Switch. In fact, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated during the presentation that "Bananza and Mario Kart World would simply be impossible on the original Switch hardware."

New Characters and Dynamic Duo Gameplay

Joining Donkey Kong on his journey is Odd Rock, a quirky living boulder with unique abilities. Odd Rock serves as a secondary playable companion in specific segments and assists in solving puzzles, smashing through terrain, and activating switches.

The two-character gameplay introduces a cooperative dynamic similar to Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, but with new 3D mechanics. Players can switch between the two or control them together in tandem sequences.

Donkey Kong Bananza – Nintendo Direct | Nintendo Switch 2:

Gameplay Mechanics: Destruction, Exploration, and Power-Ups

Nintendo revealed several key features that set Donkey Kong Bananza apart from past entries:

Destructible Terrain: Entire sections of levels can be smashed, tunneled through, or collapsed to reveal hidden paths.

Banana Powers: Collect golden bananas to unlock special abilities such as Groundquake, Vine Whip, and Echo Pulse.

Exploration Zones: Levels are not linear; each zone contains multiple exits, secrets, and side quests.

Enemy Factions: A new villainous corporation, VoidCo, has industrialized the jungle and scattered its resources. Expect boss fights against mechanized animals and robot armies.

Massive World Map with Diverse Environments

The game world spans across five major themed regions:

Verdant Vortex Jungle – Classic green landscapes with modern upgrades.

Subterranean Steam Caverns – Filled with geysers, gears, and puzzles.

Glacier Vine Peaks – Slippery terrain with ice physics and avalanche sequences.

Crimson Canyons – Hot desert biomes and fast-paced mine cart chases.

The Null Zone – A sci-fi inspired jungle corrupted by VoidCo tech.

Each area has a dynamic weather system, wildlife interactions, and time-of-day cycles.

Nintendo Direct Highlights: What You Missed

If you didn’t catch the June 18, 2025 Nintendo Direct, here are the major reveals related to Donkey Kong Bananza:

First in-engine trailer showcasing DK and Odd Rock smashing through caverns

Live developer Q&A hinting at unlockable Pauline content and Mario universe crossover DLC

Soundtrack composed by David Wise, returning from Donkey Kong Country

Confirmed amiibo compatibility for bonus costumes and abilities

Nintendo also teased a secret sixth biome that will be unlocked via post-launch content, fueling speculation of additional DLCs and seasonal events.

Pre-Order Bonuses and Special Editions

Nintendo has announced that early adopters will receive:

Golden Banana Keychain (Physical Only)

Digital Jungle Soundtrack (Digital Pre-orders)

Exclusive VoidCo Armor Costume for Donkey Kong via My Nintendo Rewards

Retailers like GameStop and Amazon also offer limited bundles including posters and steelbook cases.

Community Reactions: Is This DK’s Breath of the Wild Moment?

Fans are already calling Donkey Kong Bananza a potential "Zelda: Breath of the Wild" moment for DK — a reinvention of the formula with greater freedom, exploration, and story. The game’s visual style has drawn comparisons to Luigi’s Mansion 3, while the destructible gameplay hints at influences from Tears of the Kingdom.

Popular YouTubers like GameXplain and IGN have praised the early footage, especially the physics interactions and fluid animation. With hype growing, it's likely we’ll see more reveals in upcoming Treehouse Live demos or summer gaming showcases.

Final Thoughts: Should You Be Excited for Donkey Kong Bananza?

Absolutely. Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t just a nostalgic return — it’s a bold step forward for one of Nintendo’s oldest franchises. With its cutting-edge visuals, deep gameplay systems, and immersive environments, the game is shaping up to be one of the biggest titles of the Switch 2 era.

If you're a fan of platformers, action games, or just love the charm of Nintendo characters, Donkey Kong Bananza should be at the top of your 2025 watchlist!