US EditionDonkey Kong Bananza Review
UNDERGROUND LAYERS WITHIN THE DONKEY KONG UNIVERSE, JUL 15 – Donkey Kong Bananza introduces physics-based terrain deformation and skill upgrades in a 20-hour campaign as a major new platformer for Nintendo Switch 2, launching July 17, 2025.
- Donkey Kong Bananza launched on July 17th exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 as the console's second major exclusive title.
- The game was initially planned for the original Switch but development shifted to Switch 2 in 2021 due to improved hardware capabilities.
- Bananza features open-world levels focused on destruction-based gameplay, with many collectibles, occasional boss battles, and light platforming challenges.
- Kenta Motokura said, "We even tried sticking arms on a Goomba," demonstrating early tests that confirmed destruction fit Donkey Kong's strength well.
- Bananza received praise as a groundbreaking, fun platformer with evolving mechanics, though it suffers minor framerate drops and indestructible surfaces limit freedom.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Donkey Kong Bananza review: A bunch of fun with some bruises
Nintendo's newest Switch 2 exclusive, Donkey Kong Bananza, isn’t the easiest game to review.There are some flaws that we’ll come onto, but none of them really hinder the core enjoyment of what the game is trying to offer.Although the obvious comparison is Super Mario Odyssey (the much-loved 3D platformer that shares some key developers with Bananza), a totally different collection of games were popping into my head while playing.If you enjoyed t…
Donkey Kong Bananza turns destruction into joy
My first thought upon starting up Donkey Kong Bananza was, "Why yes, I actually would like to go ape shit." The game starts by having Donkey Kong smash through a wall to reveal a glittering gem waiting to be liberated from the rock. But instead of punching the bright yellow gem into bite-size pieces, I kept punching through the walls and floors, digging tunnels into the landscape. With the Nintendo Switch 2 finally out in consumers' hands for mo…
With Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo delivers a more than convincing performance, so much is clear. more
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
