Donkey Kong Bananza is the second coming of Super Mario Odyssey

For months, one of gaming’s worst-kept secrets was hanging in the air: Who’s actually making Donkey Kong Bananza? When Nintendo first showed it off at April’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, fans were quick to speculate that it had to be the work of the team behind Super Mario Odyssey. The gameplay had all the hallmarks—open-world structure, vibrant energy, and freedom of movement.

Now it’s official: Nintendo has confirmed that the Odyssey team is indeed behind Donkey Kong Bananza. That reveal came during a recent hands-on preview event attended by Digital Trends. But honestly, they didn’t even need to say it. After spending two hours playing through Bananza, it’s clear this is the next evolution of Nintendo’s platforming magic.

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A New Era for Donkey Kong Begins

Let’s be real—Donkey Kong hasn’t had a game this ambitious in years. Bananza brings back everything fans love about 3D platformers and adds its own wild twist: chaotic exploration, powerful traversal, destructible environments, and loads of collectible items packed into every inch of its world.

During this extended demo, I explored three biomes, played with two of DK’s new Bananza forms, and even got a taste of multiplayer. It’s not just a collect-a-thon sandbox—there’s a real sense of progression, purpose, and discovery.

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Going Bananas: How the Game Feels in Action

I started the demo in a rugged cave environment, punching through walls in search of banana gems and drilling through the ground to dig up gold. The destruction feels good—satisfying, weighty, and rewarding.

This time, I wasn’t just wandering aimlessly. I had a clear mission: unclog three pipes to raise the water level and reach a new area where I could meet a wise elder. It’s a clever blend of open-ended design and goal-driven structure. You can explore freely, but there’s always something guiding you forward.

Along the way, I discovered:

• Hidden caves
• Buried treasure chests
• Ancient fossils
• Vinyl records to play at campsites
• Even giant whale bones that needed a good pummeling

And best of all, the reward loop is tight. Every collectible has purpose.

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Progression with Purpose

The game’s progression systems are layered and engaging:

• Bananas grant skill points that can upgrade DK’s health, unlock new moves, or enhance his Bananza powers.
• Fossils unlock new clothing items, some of which come with passive perks.
• Rare fossils allow you to buff those perks even further.

Compared to Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza offers more depth and structure, making every exploration feel meaningful.

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Controlled Chaos: New Biomes and Bosses

My adventure continued through two more areas:

1. A sandy canyon leading into a fiery magma mine
2. A lush forest biome reminiscent of Odyssey’s Wooded Kingdom

In the canyon, I played through two full boss fights. The standout moment came during a minecart sequence where I had to hurl stones at a floating boss while racing through the tracks. It felt like something straight out of Splatoon 3, with musical flair and a unique rhythm to the action.

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DK’s Transformations Are a Game Changer

Bananza also introduces special transformations. Once DK collects enough gold, pressing both shoulder buttons activates a powerful form:

• Giant Ape DK: Devastating melee power, ideal for timed combat challenges
• Bird DK: Lets you glide over tough platforming sections with ease

These forms aren’t just flashy—they radically change how you approach puzzles and traversal. Much like how Odyssey gave Mario a bag of tricks, Bananza gives DK even more room to experiment. There’s often no single “right” way to progress.

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Some Growing Pains

As expansive as Bananza feels, it isn’t without a few hiccups:

• The third-person camera can struggle, especially when DK burrows underground into tight spaces.
• Performance in this early build had a few rough patches, though it’s likely due to the game still being in development.

Hopefully, those issues are ironed out before launch—especially since this is one of the Switch 2’s first major tests.

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Multiplayer Madness: Enter Pauline

The final surprise in the demo? Multiplayer. And it’s as chaotic as you’d hope.

In co-op mode, a second player controls Pauline, who rides on DK’s shoulder. Using a mouse-like reticle, Pauline can copy and fire materials from the environment. Think Super Mario Galaxy’s co-op mode—but louder, faster, and more ridiculous.

Strangely (and hilariously), Pauline is even stronger than DK. She can spam attacks, blast through terrain, and wipe out bosses in seconds. It’s perfect for younger players—or grown-up friends who just want to wreak havoc.

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Classic Nods and Surprises Everywhere

Bananza is full of surprises:

• Puzzle challenges that involve creative uses of DK’s abilities (like getting through thorny hallways or activating hamster wheel mechanisms)
• Environmental puzzles, like throwing seeds at wood panels to grow paths
• Musical remixes of classic Donkey Kong tracks, especially in golden bonus stages

There’s a real reverence for DK’s history here, but also a clear push forward into bold new territory.

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FAQ – Everything You Need to Know

Q: When does Donkey Kong Bananza launch?
A: Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Q: Is it an open-world game?
A: Not exactly. It’s a hub-based adventure with wide, open-ended levels filled with exploration, collectibles, and objectives.

Q: Can you play co-op with two controllers?
A: Yes! Player two can use standard controls or a cursor-based setup to control Pauline.

Q: What are Bananza forms?
A: Special powered-up versions of DK—like a giant ape or a bird—that offer new traversal and combat abilities.

Q: Does the game connect to the old Donkey Kong series?
A: Absolutely. There are classic music remixes, visual Easter eggs, and gameplay callbacks to past DK adventures.

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Conclusion: A Primal Power Fantasy with a Lot of Heart

Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s most exciting new platformers in years. It combines the exploration and movement freedom of Super Mario Odyssey with raw power, chaos, and charm—plus a surprising amount of depth.

Whether you’re digging through dirt for hidden fossils, gliding across vast forests in bird form, or smashing terrain with Pauline by your side, Bananza never stops being fun. It’s not just another DK game. It’s a collect-a-thon fever dream, a platforming sandbox, and a love letter to one of Nintendo’s most iconic characters.

And when it drops on July 17, there’s a good chance you’ll spend your first two hours discovering things that no one else has. And loving every minute of it.