It’s official — Donkey Kong is back, and this time, he’s not just swinging on vines or hopping barrels. Nintendo just pulled the curtain back on Donkey Kong Bananza, a wild new 3D adventure coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.
And let’s be real — it’s been way too long since DK went full 3D. The last time we saw Donkey Kong in a proper 3D platformer was Donkey Kong 64… which came out in 1999. That’s a 25-year gap. But judging by the early reveal, this new title looks like it was worth the wait.
DK’s Breaking More Than Barrels This Time
So what’s Bananza all about? In short — smashing stuff, swinging through chaos, and uncovering secrets in a world built for pure mayhem. Nintendo describes it as a game where the more you destroy, the more you unlock. You’re literally encouraged to punch through the environment to open up new paths and hidden areas. Think of it as controlled chaos, DK-style.
You can rip chunks of the landscape apart, use them to swing across gaps, or even launch them across the screen. It’s not just about reaching the end of a level — it’s about breaking your way through and seeing what surprises you can find along the way.
It’s refreshing to see Nintendo leaning into something this physical and over-the-top. If you’ve ever wanted to see Donkey Kong absolutely wreck a level, this is the game for you.
Welcome to Ingot Isle – Where Bananas Are Gold (Literally)
The story kicks off on a new island called Ingot Isle, where a strange discovery is turning heads: golden bananas. Naturally, Donkey Kong isn’t going to sit that one out. He makes his way to the island to get to the bottom of things — or, as it turns out, the underneath of things.
Yep, much of the game takes place underground, but not in the way you’d expect. We’re not talking dark caves or tight tunnels. Nintendo says the underground world is surprisingly stunning — with sprawling grasslands and wide-open landscapes that feel anything but confined. It’s kind of surreal, in a good way.
The contrast between surface-level mystery and underground beauty gives the game a unique feel, almost like you’re peeling back layers of a hidden world that was never meant to be found.
A Rock Buddy With a Mysterious Past
Here’s where things get even more interesting — Donkey Kong won’t be alone on this adventure. Early in the game, he digs up (literally) a strange purple rock creature, who then tags along for the ride. No name or backstory has been revealed yet, but it’s clear this rock pal is going to play a big role.
There’s some light teamwork involved, and the dynamic between the two characters seems like it’ll evolve as the story unfolds. Whether it’s solving puzzles together or smashing through obstacles as a duo, this adds a fun new twist to the classic DK formula.
Also, let’s be honest – it’s kind of cool to see Donkey Kong teaming up with something other than a Kong for once.
Why This Game Actually Matters
Sure, there are plenty of games coming out this year. But Donkey Kong Bananza is different. It’s not just a new entry – it’s a return to something fans have been asking for forever: a true 3D Donkey Kong game.
The fact that Nintendo is choosing to launch this on the Switch 2 speaks volumes. It’s clearly meant to show off what the new console can do, both in terms of visuals and gameplay. And with a game that’s all about interactive environments and large-scale exploration, it’s the perfect match.
If you grew up with Donkey Kong 64, or even if you just love platformers with personality, this feels like a must-play.
The Bottom Line
Donkey Kong is back, and he’s bigger, bolder, and louder than ever. Bananza looks like it’s going to bring a mix of nostalgia and fresh ideas in the best possible way. There’s chaos, mystery, bananas, and a lot of smashing. What more could we want?
Set your reminders, because Donkey Kong Bananza drops on July 17, and it might just be one of the most exciting things to hit the Switch 2 this year.
Don’t forget to checkout our Mario Kart World Announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Why The Elder Scrolls VI Is Taking So Long – And Why That’s Actually a Good Thing, How to Transfer Data from PS5 to PS5 Pro: A Comprehensive Guide for more fun gaming.
