Donkey Kong Bananza: Release date, trailers, story, powers & more
The newest Nintendo adventure featuring the iconic gorilla was announced during April’s Nintendo Direct, and ever since, tons of details have been revealed. Here’s all there is to know about Donkey Kong Bananza before it launches on theSwitch 2!
Nintendo fans were surprised during theSwitch 2 Directthat took place on July 13, 2025, as in addition to a deep dive into the console’s features, a new unexpected game was announced: Donkey Kong Bananza.
This 3D platformer is the first major DK game since 2014’s Tropical Freeze and is a completely new adventure that features not only the beloved gorilla but also Pauline (albeit a very young version of her).
Donkey Kong Bananza’s launch is key for the company, as it is the second Switch 2 exclusive game. This is why they had aNintendo Directfocused on showing more of what’s coming. Here are all the details!
Donkey Kong Bananza release date
Donkey Kong Bananza is set tolaunch on July 19, 2025, and it will only be available for the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Editions & price
As with all other first-party Nintendo games, DK Bananza will have two editions –physical and digital– and no matter which one you choose, the cost will remain the same:$69.99
Eager players canpre-order it from the official storeand pre-load the game’s 10GB to play as soon as it launches.
Setting & story
Donkey Kong Bananza is set in an underworld city filled with layers and sublayers to explore. From arid canyons to lush forests and the frigid tundra, DK will have to team up with Pauline (previously Odd Rock) to get to the Planet Core, as it is said to grant a wish upon reaching it.
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However, to do so, they will have to defeat the Void Company, a nefarious trio (Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, Void Kong) responsible for the banana-stealing maelstrom on Ingot Isle that wants to reach the Planet Core to claim the world’s riches.
All characters
Even though players will only be able to control Donkey Kong (who travels alongside Pauline), plenty of iconic characters will appear throughout the story, as well as some new faces.
Abilities & Bananza Transformations
To get to the Planet Core, DK and Pauline will have to defeat all kinds of powerful foes. Luckily, they are packed with incredible abilities.
Besidesrunning, jumping, and climbingthrough all the levels, DK will also be able tosmash, crash, and bashthe different terrains to make its way through the different layers. He can even change a whole landscape!
Here are some of the powers you’ll be able to use:
Additionally, by learning the Giant Elder’sBananza powers, Pauline can activate them in DK by singing. DK will transform into:
Keep in mind that the transformations are temporary, and to trigger them, players must gather gold to build up the Bananergy.
A separate set ofSkillswill also be available to power up using Skill Points obtained through Banandium Gems.
Outside of the main game, a feature called DK Artist is available. There, players cansculpt whatever they wantusing the Joy-Con’s mouse controls.
Carve stone, paint it, add materials, and more to become the artist you always dreamed!
Unleash your creativity with DK Artist mode! Use mouse controls to carve, smoothen, paint and sculpt to your heart’s content.#DonkeyKongBananzapic.twitter.com/dFKklQfdm1
Local co-op, Game Share & online
By sharing a Joy-Con 2 controller or using a second set, you canplay local co-opwith one player controlling DK, while the other controls Pauline.
One will be in charge of moving the pair around, while the other can use Pauline’s singing power to create vocal blasts using the Joy-Con’s mouse control.
Donkey Kong Bananza also supportsGame Share, which means one player can share the game so another can join in on their own console. It can also be shared locally to a Nintendo Switch 1 system.
Moreover, it can beplayed onlinebetween Nintendo Switch 2 systems using Game Share via Game Chat.
A Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo figure is also on the way, and scanning it unlocksPauline’s iconic Diva Dress. The price hasn’t been revealed yet, so we will update the guide when that happens.
On the other hand, by scanning the DK series amiibos,gold KONG tiles with explosive powerswill appear in-game.
Every other amiibo released is compatible, and scanning them will get yougiant spheres.
The first look at Donkey Kong Bananza happened during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on June 05, 2025. There, a two and a half minute trailer took fans by surprise.
After the first presentation, more details of the game were revealed during the Nintendo Treehouse: Live on July 17, 2025.
Finally, a Donkey Kong Bananza Direct took place on August 09, 2025, a month before the game’s launch.
That’s all there is to know about Donkey Kong Bananza. While you wait for its release, you’re able to check out ourMario Kart World review, as well as all the characters, vehicles, items, and more in ourfull wiki.
