Donkey Kong Bananza Review: The Best 3D Platformer on Switch 2 So Far

When Nintendo first teased Donkey Kong Bananza earlier this year, fans were intrigued but cautious. After all, it’s been over two decades since Donkey Kong starred in a major 3D platforming title. Could Nintendo really bring the magic back?

Fast forward to now — and the answer is a roaring, barrel-smashing yes!

Not only did Donkey Kong Bananza deliver, it exceeded expectations in almost every way. And the proof? It currently stands as the highest-rated game on the Nintendo Switch 2, with a Metacritic score of 90 and universal praise from critics and fans alike!

So what makes this return to the jungle such a knockout success?

A Long-Awaited 3D Comeback — And It Was Worth the Wait

For longtime fans, the wait for a proper 3D Donkey Kong game felt endless. The last full-blown 3D DK adventure was 1999’s Donkey Kong 64, and while beloved by many, it was also divisive.

Bananza doesn’t just revisit that era — it reimagines it. This is not a nostalgia grab. It’s a modern, polished, and deeply creative platformer that manages to feel both fresh and familiar.

Critics have been quick to point this out. IGN called it “Donkey Kong’s most confident outing yet,” and even awarded it a rare 10/10, stating:

“This isn’t just a good Donkey Kong game — this is one of the best platformers Nintendo has ever made.”

Donkey Kong Bananza Review:

Gorgeous Jungle Worlds and Gameplay That Pops

Donkey Kong Bananza is a visual feast. Built exclusively for the Switch 2, the game runs at a rock-solid 60 FPS and showcases some of the most detailed, animated environments in any Nintendo game to date.

From sun-drenched beaches to ancient temple ruins to volcanic mines that actually feel dangerous, the level variety is staggering — and each one encourages curiosity and experimentation.

The gameplay loop? Absolutely addictive. Whether you're bouncing between vines and minecarts, smashing destructible terrain to uncover secrets, or morphing with new power-ups that redefine traversal — it all just feels amazing to play.

GameSpot praised the level design in their review, writing:

“Every level feels like it was handcrafted by someone who genuinely loves the character and understands what makes great platforming tick.”

Donkey Kong Bananza - Full Game Walkthrough:

Pauline, Co-Op, and That Signature DK Humor

One of the most talked-about features in Bananza is the co-op mode, which brings the legendary Pauline into the spotlight as a fully playable character.

Far from a gimmick, her inclusion actually enhances gameplay. Pauline isn’t just a reskin — she has unique movement abilities, story beats, and power-ups that open up new paths and puzzle solutions.

Playing solo? No problem. The companion AI is surprisingly smart, and the game never forces co-op elements into the main path.

And let’s not forget the humor. Bananza is absolutely packed with clever animations, visual gags, and those goofy Kong family moments fans love. Even the boss fights are laced with charm — and bananas. So many bananas.

Donkey Kong Bananza - All Bosses (No Damage):

A Critical Darling Across the Board

It’s not just fans who are loving Bananza — the critics are fully on board.

IGN: “A perfect platformer. Donkey Kong is finally back, and better than ever.” (10/10)

GamesRadar+: “A bold reintroduction that redefines what a DK game can be.” (4.5/5)

Polygon: “Visually stunning, endlessly creative, and surprisingly heartfelt.”

The Washington Post: “Nintendo’s biggest swing in years — and it hits every note.”

Famitsu, Japan’s premier gaming magazine, gave the game a 38/40, one of the highest scores they’ve awarded to a platformer in recent years.

On Reddit and YouTube, the reactions are equally enthusiastic. One Redditor put it best:

“This feels like the Donkey Kong game we’ve been dreaming of since we were kids. It’s got everything — personality, polish, and bananas. So many bananas.”

Donkey Kong Bananza - Before You Buy:

A Perfect Launch Title for the Switch 2

Let’s be honest: new console launches are tricky. They’re often hit-or-miss when it comes to killer apps. But Donkey Kong Bananza hit the ground running and instantly became the reason to own a Switch 2 at launch.

Not only does it showcase what the hardware can do — it proves that Nintendo still knows how to deliver genre-defining platformers.

And this isn’t just fluff. The game is deep, too. Completionists will find over 100 collectibles, hidden challenges, unlockable time trials, and post-game content that rewards mastery. It’s a game that respects your time but begs for more of it.

Is This the Best Donkey Kong Game Ever?

That’s the big question, right?

Many fans are already calling Bananza the best Donkey Kong game ever made — even surpassing the cult classic Donkey Kong Country trilogy and the polarizing but ambitious DK64.

Why?

Because it’s the total package: tight, satisfying controls, beautiful worlds with real personality, engaging story beats, co-op play that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, and a sense of momentum and joy that few platformers manage to sustain.

It might be early to crown it the king of Kongs, but one thing’s for sure — Bananza has raised the bar.

Final Thoughts: Donkey Kong Swings Back in Style

In a gaming landscape increasingly crowded with remakes, sequels, and service games, Donkey Kong Bananza stands out by being unapologetically fun, bold, and heartfelt.

It doesn't reinvent the platforming genre — it reminds us why we loved it in the first place.

So if you’re wondering whether this latest Donkey Kong outing lives up to the hype, here’s your answer: Yes. And then some.

With critical acclaim, fan adoration, and some of the best gameplay mechanics seen on the Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza is more than just a return — it’s a crowning moment in DK’s legacy.

So grab your controller, call your co-op buddy, and get ready to go bananas.

This game doesn’t miss!

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct: