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Donkey Kong Bananza
Released On: Jul 17, 2025
9.2
Where to Buy
Where to Buy
All Platforms
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 129 Critic Reviews
91
100% Positive
129 Reviews
129 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 129 Critic Reviews
91
100% Positive
129 Reviews
129 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Donkey Kong Bananza is a true showcase for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering an almost unmatched platforming experience that makes collectibles feel important. An absolute joy to play.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a constant series of pleasant surprises and shows exactly what the Switch 2 can handle.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 1,658 User Ratings
9.2
89% Positive
1478 Ratings
1478 Ratings
6% Mixed
97 Ratings
97 Ratings
5% Negative
83 Ratings
83 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 1,658 User Ratings
9.2
89% Positive
1478 Ratings
1478 Ratings
6% Mixed
97 Ratings
97 Ratings
5% Negative
83 Ratings
83 Ratings
Donkey Kong Bananza may be the greatest game Nintendo has ever made. After Super Mario Odyssey I knew these talented developers had set a standard for platforming excellence, and when I heard rumors they would be the ones handling the original company mascot’s revival I became immediately excited. This excitement only grew with the official reveal, showing an incredible looking exploration game with a destruction element, which was perfect for DK’s return. If anyone aside from Mario deserved the spotlight for a new console launch it was definitely the big man himself, and these amazing game makers really did succeed at bringing Donkey Kong back as a Nintendo frontrunner.
This is a platformer unlike any I’ve ever played, where figuring out how to reach places is secondary, and figuring out how to destroy them is primary. Everything about this game is about wrecking, from peaceful lagoons to fun bosses, Donkey Kong only has one goal, punch it. Along the way the exploration element increases with Bananzas, a transformation mechanic that turns DK into various members of the animal kingdom so you can have new ways to both find things and destroy them. Each world is filled with a set list of collectibles that are genuinely fun to hunt down, and new ways to play are introduced so regularly that it never stops feeling fresh. With so many layers to explore and different ways to see each one, there is a lengthy amount of fun content to find without any level ever overstaying its welcome.
It’s odd to say this about a Donkey Kong game, but the story value is one of the biggest highlights of the experience. Giving DK a buddy in the form of young Pauline who teams up with the big man and spends the journey atop his shoulder was brilliant. Her fully voice acted commentary alone is delightful, and you hear it every time you rest at a new location. She helps carry the story without ever taking control of the narrative, keeping DK firmly in the main character slot while still creating the perfect buddy tale. Pauline also brings the gift of music throughout the adventure, which is also Nintendo’s composers at their finest with several tracks worthy of jamming to. Some of the best are introduced right in the first few hours of play time, and that continues throughout the entire experience all the way to some great finale tracks. Donkey Kong games have always heralded great music, and this title was able to push that to the next level with great stage tracks and songs alike.
Donkey Kong Bananza is an experience, something every gamer should play. From the moment I turned my copy on I never stopped smiling, always eager to see what was next and explore more of the incredible adventure before me. When I reached the end of the game I gasped, grinned, cheered, cried, and was amazed that Donkey Kong of all Nintendo titles could get such a big reaction out of me. It really is that good, and while I could go on and on about how often this game blew me away (especially at the end game), I will leave things at a simple message. If you get a Switch 2, play Donkey Kong Bananza. You have never played anything like it, and I promise you will love it.
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Nintendo Switch 2
I haven't had that much epic, PURE fun for a long time.
Incredibly creative and brutaly satisfying. Add to it a genius gamedesign or that friggin epic soudtrack... and it gives you the "Donkey Kong Planet" game we've all been waiting for years.
Serious GOTY pretender here ^^
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Nintendo Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bananza is a throwback filled adventure that, while riddled with joyous moments, is at times held back by the own freedom it provides.
Many are questioning how many real reasons there are to get a Nintendo Switch 2, and Donkey Kong Bananza is one of them. It's not just a game with solid and enjoyable mechanics. You can see that it makes good use of the console, and it's evident that Nintendo continues to invest in creativity, while also taking advantage of the technological advancements now available in gaming.
Bananza sets out to act as a fresh start for new and old fans alike, taking a fresh twist on what a Donkey Kong game feels like.
Innovative, refreshing and incredibly entertaining: Donkey Kong Bananza inspires with new ideas without forgetting its roots.
From start to finish, Donkey Kong Bananza is a riot. I wrapped up my journey to Bananza's credits in a little over 20 hours. Your mileage will vary wildly depending on how much optional content you decide to invest time in, but that's the beauty of it. If you're not big on collectathons, there's still plenty of game here for platforming purists to enjoy. I can't recommend enough taking on the various trials – think Shrines from Breath of the Wild – littered throughout the world, though, especially if you're a fan of 2D Donkey Kong. While performance issues were largely nonexistent in handheld mode, quite severe frame rate drops were commonplace when docked, especially during certain boss battles. This doesn't take into account any day one patches that may or may not arrive on release, and not egregious enough that your enjoyment will be hampered.
As a lifelong fan of 3D Platformer games, Donkey Kong Bananza is continued proof post-Super Mario Odyssey that Nintendo are the not only still masters of the craft of platforming, but have an infinite bag of tricks to keep the experience forever fresh and exciting. With addicting game mechanics, a story with substance and a fresh twist to 3D platforming unlike any game before, this Is the true launch title for the Switch 2.
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Nintendo Switch 2
While this game does bring joy and is fun, it’s extremely repetitive. It feels like a reskin of Mario. I would have liked to see more creativity in enemies, bosses and difficulty.
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Nintendo Switch 2
- The camera is often much to close to the character (DK).
- Most levels are dominated by one or two colors only.
- The graphics quality is average. (not so good as Mario Qdyssey).
- The button-mashing approach just isn't fun in 3D – it makes everything too easy and lacking in subtlety, and it doesn't suit Donkey Kong at all.
+ amount of content.
- The gameplay loop is essentially the same each time."
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Nintendo Switch 2
It's just really repetitive. You just go around smashing the same button in fairly small areas breaking the breakables, then after an easy boss battle you rinse and repeat for the next level. I stoppedat sub level 200 (floor 4 or so) but both of my kids also stopped a ways after that without finishing. Just really boring.
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Nintendo Switch 2
I played it for 3 hours, and I don't WANT to play more — very easy and not fun game. The graphics are great, but smashing a button to progress is not my kind of entertainment.
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Nintendo Switch 2
Summary The big guy is back—and he’s not alone! Explore a vast underground world with Donkey Kong and Pauline—by smashing your way through it! With DK’s brute force and Pauline’s special singing abilities, you can crash through walls, carve tunnels with your fists, punch straight down into the ground, and even tear off chunks of terrain to swing...
Rated E +10
for Everyone +10
Platforms:
- Nintendo Switch 2
Initial Release Date: Jul 17, 2025
Genres:
