Donkey Kong Bananza: Must-Buy for Switch 2?

Rather than releasing a new 3D Mario game as many anticipated, Nintendo chose to develop the first 3D Donkey Kong title since Donkey Kong 64. This marks the first entirely new Donkey Kong adventure since 2014. Donkey Kong Bananza naturally stars the fan-favorite Kong, but it also introduces a younger version of Pauline, who made her modern reappearance in 2017's Super Mario Odyssey. Together, they embark on a mission to smash their way to the planet's core, where legend says wishes are granted.

Donkey Kong Bananza Is Out Now!

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Donkey Kong Bananza - Nintendo Switch 2

Explore a vast underground world by literally smashing your way through it! Leverage Donkey Kong's raw power to bash through almost anything. This title is exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Release Date: 7/17/2025. $69.99 at Best Buy

Your quest for the hundreds of Banandium Gems hidden within each layer of the world requires you to reshape the terrain using Donkey Kong's unique abilities. Donkey Kong Bananza completely reinvents the series' formula, empowering the titular Kong to smash, break, and crash through any environment. You can choose to demolish an entire wall, tear off a piece to throw, or even surf atop a slab of rock.

Of course, Bananza's ambitious vision was only made possible by the power of the Nintendo Switch 2. Development initially started on the original Nintendo Switch, but the team quickly realized the hardware limitations would prevent the game from reaching its full potential. This title stands as the best showcase of the Switch 2's capabilities yet, particularly with its extensive use of Voxel technology.

Donkey Kong Bananza is available now for Nintendo Switch 2, with the complete game on the physical cartridge. If you haven't picked up your copy yet, now is the perfect time to get it from Best Buy.