Nintendo stunned fans at the latest Nintendo Direct, held on June 18, 2025, by revealing exciting details about Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, set for release on July 17. The spotlight fell on the confirmation that Pauline, the iconic character from Super Mario Odyssey, will be Donkey Kong’s companion, using her vocal abilities to transform the gorilla into animal forms, such as a swift zebra or a flying ostrich that launches explosive eggs. The game, which promises destructible environments and a cooperative mode, also showcased innovative mechanics, like manipulating the scenery to create structures. Built to leverage the new console’s power, the title is already hailed as one of Nintendo’s most visually striking.
The presentation offered a glimpse of the plot, placing Donkey Kong on an underground quest for the Banandium Gems, stolen by the VoidCo organization. Pauline, initially hidden under the alias Odd Rock, emerges as a central figure, with her voice guiding the protagonist through challenges and unlocking new abilities. The game also taps into nostalgia, featuring a revamped version of the classic DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64.
Donkey Kong Bananza marks the gorilla’s return to a 3D platformer since Donkey Kong 64 in 1999 and appears to draw heavily from the success of Super Mario Odyssey. Pauline’s presence and similarities to the 2017 title have sparked speculation about the involvement of that game’s development team.
- Key announcements:
- Pauline as a playable partner in co-op mode.
- Donkey Kong’s transformations into zebra, ostrich, and other forms.
- Mechanics for destruction and construction in the environment.
- Exclusive Switch 2 launch in July 2025.
A new chapter for Donkey Kong
The reveal of Donkey Kong Bananza reignites the spotlight on one of Nintendo’s most beloved characters, who hasn’t starred in an original 3D game since the late 1990s. Unlike the Donkey Kong Country series, which focused on 2D gameplay, Bananza embraces a 3D open world, emphasizing exploration and creative destruction. The story kicks off on Ingot Isle, a land rich in Banandium, a valuable resource coveted by VoidCo, a group of antagonistic primates. After having his golden bananas stolen, Donkey Kong ventures into increasingly deeper underground layers, accompanied by Pauline.
Pauline’s selection as a companion is not just a nod to the franchise’s history but a choice that enriches gameplay. Her singing ability not only triggers Donkey Kong’s transformations but also clears obstacles and guides players during exploration. The game boasts visually rich environments, with expressive animations for the protagonist and dynamic settings that react to player actions.
Pauline: from sidekick to star
Pauline, who debuted in 1981 as the damsel in distress in the original Donkey Kong arcade, gained new prominence in Super Mario Odyssey as New Donk City’s mayor. In Bananza, she takes a more active role, with a younger version hinting at a possible prequel setting in the franchise’s timeline. Initially introduced as Odd Rock, a talking purple rock accompanying Donkey Kong, Nintendo revealed her true identity during the Direct.
Pauline’s inclusion also fuels narrative theories. Some fans speculate the game might serve as a prequel to Super Mario Odyssey, exploring her youth before becoming a city leader. Her vocal ability, which charmed players in Jump Up, Super Star, now serves as a core mechanic, enabling Donkey Kong to access forms like:
- Zebra Bananza: boosts speed and allows running on water.
- Ostrich Bananza: grants flight and the ability to launch explosive eggs.
- Kong Bananza: amplifies strength to destroy larger obstacles.
Co-op mode and interactivity
One of the most celebrated reveals from the Nintendo Direct was the cooperative mode, where a second player can control Pauline. In this mode, she uses vocal explosions, controlled via Joy-Con motion sensors, to assist Donkey Kong in combat and environmental destruction. The GameShare feature allows co-op play across multiple Switch consoles, including the original model, without requiring the second player to own the game.
The game also introduces environment manipulation mechanics, such as tearing apart scenery to build bridges or other structures. This interactive approach, paired with voxel-based destruction, showcases the Switch 2’s hardware capabilities, supporting more complex visual effects than its predecessor.
Ties to Super Mario Odyssey
The influence of Super Mario Odyssey on Donkey Kong Bananza is undeniable. From collecting Banandium Gems, akin to Power Moons, to the open-world design with multiple objectives, the game feels like a natural evolution of the 2017 formula. The interface, art style, and soundtrack reinforce this connection, with fans noting that the Odyssey team, possibly Nintendo EPD Tokyo, may be involved.
Though Nintendo hasn’t confirmed the studio, speculation grew with elements like “NDC” (New Donk City) marked crates in the environments and subtle nods to Mario’s lore. Cranky Kong’s appearance, referencing rivals from his era with “charisma, even in overalls,” is a clear nod to Jumpman, the original Mario.
Nostalgia and innovation in the soundtrack
The Donkey Kong Bananza soundtrack blends novelty with nostalgia. A new version of the DK Rap, originally composed by Grant Kirkhope for Donkey Kong 64, debuted at the Direct, thrilling fans. Hopes are high that Kirkhope will receive proper credit after his complaints about being omitted from Super Mario Bros. Movie credits. Classic themes, like Rambi’s melody, also return in reimagined forms, tying the game to the franchise’s history.
Pauline’s powerful voice contributes to the score, with songs accompanying Donkey Kong’s transformations. This integration of music into gameplay has been a standout in previews, with journalists praising the seamless blend of sound and action.
Visuals and performance on Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bananza is described as one of Nintendo’s most visually impressive titles. Leveraging the Switch 2’s hardware, it features detailed environments, smooth animations, and real-time destruction effects that reshape the scenery. During the Nintendo Treehouse demo in April 2025, journalists noted Donkey Kong’s expressiveness and the beauty of underground areas, blending open skies with fantastical caves.
The destruction mechanic, a core pillar, is powered by voxel technology, allowing players to permanently reshape the environment. Combined with a high frame rate and enhanced resolution, this positions Bananza as a showcase for the new console’s capabilities.
Additional modes and customization
Beyond the main campaign, Donkey Kong Bananza offers extra modes to expand the experience. A sculpting mode lets players use the Switch 2’s mouse controls to create shapes and paint objects, from Donkey Kong’s face to quirky items like pizzas. There are also 2D-style stages reminiscent of the Donkey Kong Country series and a photo mode for capturing in-game moments.
Customization is another highlight, with a skill tree for unlocking new moves and boosting attributes like strength and health. Clothing and accessories for Donkey Kong and Pauline can be purchased with Banandium, and a special Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo, available at launch, unlocks an exclusive outfit for the character.
Villains and narrative
VoidCo, comprised of Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and Void Kong, serves as the main antagonistic force. These primates aim to reach the underground world’s core, using Banandium Gems for their own purposes. The narrative, though straightforward, is enriched by fully voiced cutscenes for Pauline and others, a rarity for Nintendo games.
Other Kong family members, like Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky, add depth to the story, offering side quests or rewards like Banandium Gems. Character interactions promise humor and references to the franchise’s rich history.
Launch and expectations
Donkey Kong Bananza is slated for release on July 17, 2025, with a suggested price of $69.99. The game will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, fully utilizing the console’s capabilities. Initial reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with journalists praising the blend of innovation and nostalgia.
Pauline’s playable role, Donkey Kong’s transformations, and the promise of an interactive world make the title one of 2025’s most anticipated. With Nintendo betting big on the Switch 2, Bananza could define the start of the company’s new console generation.