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Donkey Kong Bananza Drops July 17 as the Wildest 3D DK Adventure Yet – New Co-Op, Transformations, and Bananergy Await

Marcel Dee

• 4 min read
Donkey Kong Bananza Drops July 17 as the Wildest 3D DK Adventure Yet – New Co-Op, Transformations, and Bananergy Await

Donkey Kong Bananza Drops July 17 as the Wildest 3D DK Adventure Yet – New Co-Op, Transformations, and Bananergy Await

Donkey Kong is back — and this time, he’s bringing more bananas, more chaos, and a lot more mayhem than ever before. Announced in today’s Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, the beloved ape returns in a brand-new 3D platforming adventure launching exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

Titled Donkey Kong Bananza, this wild, musically-charged underground journey reintroduces DK in a game packed with over-the-top transformations, co-op gameplay, terrain-breaking abilities, and collectible-fueled exploration. Whether you’re smashing through walls solo or tag-teaming with a friend using Switch 2’s new features, Bananza promises to be the biggest Donkey Kong game yet.

An Adventure Buried in Mystery—and Bananas

The story begins on Ingot Isle, where a cavern of golden bananas is discovered deep underground. Naturally, Donkey Kong is front and center for this momentous moment. But before he can get his furry hands on the fruit, a strange storm sucks him into the planet’s subterranean depths.

There, DK meets Odd Rock—a mysterious figure who turns out to be none other than Pauline, transformed into a singing underground explorer. Together, they set off through the Underground World, facing off against enemies, solving musical mysteries, and bashing their way toward the Planet Core, a legendary place said to grant any wish. DK wants more bananas. Pauline wants to get home.

Unfortunately, they aren’t alone. The sinister Void Company is digging toward the Planet Core, too—and they’ll stop at nothing to beat our heroes to it.

Smash, Bash, and Transform Your Way Through the Underground World

Donkey Kong Bananza brings fresh gameplay systems and creative mechanics to the 3D platformer formula:

Powerful New Abilities

  • Dive Punch: Drill downward through enemies and terrain
  • Hand Slap: Detect hidden items and secrets
  • Turf Surfing: Ride broken terrain chunks like a board
  • Combo Moves: Chain moves together for massive momentum and destruction

Transformations via “Bananergy”

Pauline’s powerful singing unlocks Bananza Transformations that alter DK’s abilities:

  • Kong Bananza: Super strength and durability
  • Zebra Bananza: Speed boosts and dash attacks
  • Ostrich Bananza: Flight and mid-air egg bombing

The more golden bananas you collect, the more Bananergy builds, enabling these powerful forms to be activated mid-combat or exploration.

Play Solo or Team Up in Co-Op

The game supports local and online co-op, with each player controlling Donkey Kong or Pauline. Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 controllers enable:

  • Separate character control using the magnetic dual Joy-Con 2
  • Mouse-style input for Pauline’s voice-based powers
  • GameShare support: play with friends locally, even if they don’t own the game
  • GameChat: Use voice or video chat during co-op sessions for seamless communication

Whether playing side-by-side or remotely, Bananza is designed with multiplayer madness in mind.

A Living Underground World with Surprises at Every Layer

The Underground World is teeming with places to explore and treasures to find:

  • Banandium Gems: Power up DK and unlock new abilities
  • Banandium Chips and Gold: Trade at the Chip Exchange and Stuff Shop
  • Fossils: Unlock custom outfits and fur colours for DK and Pauline at Style Shops
  • Getaways: Recharge by resting in cozy beds while listening to music
  • Eelevators: Ride giant eels to fast-travel between layers

You’ll also encounter returning characters like Cranky Kong, Rambi, and new allies and enemies tied to the Void Company, including the mysterious Void Kong.

More Ways to Play: DK Artist, Photo Mode, and Amiibo Support

Donkey Kong Bananza also includes a variety of side modes and creative tools:

  • DK Artist Mode: Use Joy-Con 2’s motion controls to carve stone art, apply lighting, and add banana effects
  • Photo Mode: Freeze time, adjust camera angles, and snap your best DK moments
  • amiibo Compatibility:
    • New Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo unlock exclusive content, like Pauline’s Diva Dress and explosive KONG tiles
    • Other DK-themed amiibo reward gold KONG tiles
    • Any amiibo grants giant terrain material spheres for crafting or combat

Race to the Planet Core—Before VoidCo Gets There First

As DK and Pauline dig deeper, they uncover the Void Company’s devastating mining operations and secrets behind Pauline’s transformation. With every layer they descend, the stakes—and the mystery—grow larger. From musical boss battles to timed challenges, Bananza offers platforming thrills at every level.

Will Donkey Kong get his bananas? Will Pauline return to the surface? And what is VoidCo planning at the Planet Core?

Launch Details

Release Date: July 17, 2025
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (Exclusive)
Amiibo Launch: Donkey Kong & Pauline figures available July 17
Digital & Physical Editions: Available for preorder now via Nintendo eShop and select retailers

A Must-Play Summer Hit for Switch 2 Owners

Donkey Kong Bananza isn't just a return — it’s a reinvention. With fast-paced co-op action, inventive transformations, layered exploration, and heartfelt humour, it’s a bold step forward for the Donkey Kong franchise and one of the most exciting releases on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Whether you're swinging solo or jamming with friends, this is one underground trip you won’t want to miss.

Let us know how you're gearing up for Bananza in the comments — and get ready to dive deep starting July 17.