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Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the best Switch 2 games released up to this point, with some new and familiar characters on an Underground journey.
The player reviews for the game aren’t still available but on Metacritic, as per the critic reviews, this game is rated 90.
From a fully destructible environment or open-ended gameplay, this game offers the most satisfying experience possible.
Looking for a 3D version of Nintendo’s flagship franchise, Mario? Donkey Kong Bananza is exactly what you should try. Released on July 17, 2025, this 3D platformer game shines on Nintendo’s next-gen console. After a long wait, Nintendo fans can once again dive into the underworld ecosystem and guide the iconic ape through a destructible in-game world.
With impressive visuals, enjoyable gameplay, and a story filled with both new and familiar characters, this 2025 game is built on the modern platforming structure that Super Mario Odyssey has already offered. Is the experience worth spending on or not? Here’s the complete Donkey Kong Bananza review to check out.
At its core, Donkey Kong Bananza is an open-ended platformer, but there’s a twist. In this game, environments crumble under Donkey Kong’s powerful punches. Therefore, from the outset, the game allows players to freely punch and smash the in-game environment as they progress through the game and encounter increasingly challenging levels.
Unlike the previous entries, this one is a complete 3D entry, similar to Super Mario Odyssey, where the developers have presented players with every essential tool to explore and destroy the in-game world. From arid canyons to frigid tundra, players can rip off any terrain or dig through layers to uncover hidden Banandium gems. This destructible environment is what makes it a true sandbox game, making it suitable for those who love exploration and discovery.
A massively interesting feature of the game is the addition of a second player. It’s not a co-op game, but at one point, players will encounter Pauline, a girl who mysteriously fell from the sky, possessing the ability to destroy anything with her voice. She joins Donkey Kong as his companion. From then on, another player can start controlling this girl, and shoot her voice to any object to clear way. Even her voice can take down enemies.
Another exciting part of the game is Collectible gems. These in-game items serve dual roles. On one hand, they are unlockables, and on the other, they are skill-tree currency. They will allow players to climb through the skill tree, upgrade, and obtain new powers.
While playing the game, players can’t ignore one aspect of this game, and that’s the world design. Sometimes the Kong series games and Mario worlds feel monotonous. However, Donkey Kong's universe is different from that of previous Kong games, especially with the presence of the wrinkled Elders, which makes this game stand out from others.
Players who have played the Zelda games find it similar to Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to some extent. Nintendo EPD has created a sense of persistence in Bananza, where players can create small bases and change their characters’ outfits. Where does it differ from the Zelda games? It’s where the challenges of this game come into consideration. In this game, the challenges are relatively contained.
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From the above discussion, it looks like Donkey Kong Bananza is a perfect game, but that’s not the case. Not everything is perfect. It’s indeed an immensely well-made game, but there are still slight issues that players must consider before diving into this experience.
While playing in docked mode, this Nintendo Switch 2 game faces a frame rate drop issue. Aside from that, throughout the gameplay, players will find camera inconsistencies. Both these issues incline during boss fights.
Considering renowned titles that exhibit more significant issues, such as server downtime and game lag, these can be considered minor troubles. If one can overlook these minor issues, the gameplay features, such as smashing, exploring, and collecting, are incredibly satisfying. These little technical issues can’t overshadow the overall experience.
One thing that can’t be missed when writing a review is why the role of Pauline is important in the game, or why Nintendo EPD added this character. Having a passive side character is a common theme in 3D platformers, but Pauline’s breaking the mold is what makes her important in the game.
She is not only a part of the narrative, but she also triggers Donkey Kong’s transformations. The most crucial aspect is that this character adds a cooperative experience to a non-cooperative game. Here, players can take advantage of Switch 2’s GameShare feature and enable one of their squadmates to control her.
This dual role makes her a meaningful partner, rather than a silent supporter. Moreover, Pauline adds emotional depth and strategic variety to the game.
Also Read: Best Adventure Games to Explore on Nintendo Switch
Donkey Kong Bananza is a game for those who are looking for a console-defining 3D platformer experience. With massively destructive power, expansive underground biomes, expressive movement, innovative world design, expertly crafted challenges, and engaging co-op dynamics, this game can easily be considered one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games.
While at first glance it looks like this game is about destroying everything, the fact is completely different. This game is more about exploring, platforming, fighting, and collecting in a vast world to progress and solve every challenge. It never feels boring grinding this game for hours. As per the critic reviews on Metacritic the game is currently standing at 90 based on more than 80 critic reviews. Considering all these, Donkey Kong Bananza is worth spending some bucks on.
What is Donkey Kong Bananza?
Ans: Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D platforming adventure for Nintendo Switch 2, starring Donkey Kong and Pauline. Players explore destructible environments, collect Banandium Gems, defeat villains, and use special animal-based transformations to overcome obstacles and complete objectives.
How do Bananza transformations work and what do they do?
Ans: Bananza transformations let Donkey Kong morph into different animal forms powered by ‘Bananergy.’ Each form gives unique abilities, such as strength or gliding, enabling players to explore, solve puzzles, and overcome obstacles. Transformations can be used freely for creative problem-solving.
What are Banandium Gems, and how are they used?
Ans: Banandium Gems are valuable collectibles scattered throughout the game. Players gather them to upgrade skills or unlock new transformation abilities via a skill tree system. They improve Donkey Kong’s power, survivability, and gameplay options.
How is Donkey Kong Bananza different from previous Donkey Kong or Mario platformers?
Ans: Unlike previous games, Donkey Kong Bananza emphasizes destructible, voxel-based environments and customizable transformations. It features a skill tree upgrade system and open-ended exploration, focusing on player creativity and destruction, distinguishing it from linear or purely collectible-driven platformers like Super Mario Odyssey.
What is the main story or objective in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Ans: The story follows Donkey Kong and Pauline recovering stolen Banandium Gems from new and classic villains to save New Donk City. Players explore underground realms, rescue characters, gather collectibles, and defeat bosses, ultimately restoring order and reaching the city’s surface.
