Donkey Kong Bananza – Here’s How Different The New Game Will Be

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People who were excitedly waiting for the Nintendo Direct on April 2nd likely had high hopes: they expected to see a comprehensive rundown of all Switch 2’s features, a clearly defined path for Nintendo’s future plans over the next year, and sneak peeks at the games intended to persuade us to purchase the latest console.

But what hardly anyone had on their radar was a brand-new Donkey Kong title.

Indeed, it was quite evident – the aspect that left an impression on many following the initial Switch 2 trailer was the refurbished ape character, noticeably seated in a kart alongside Mario.

It was quite unexpected to learn that the latest iteration of Donkey Kong would not just be featured in the Mario Kart Universe, but also star in its very own primary series installment. This is particularly surprising given how radically distinct this new game appears!

That’s why we’ve gathered everything currently known about Donkey Kong Bananza right here.

When Will Donkey Kong Bananza Be Released?

According to Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct presentation, the game “Donkey Kong Bananza” has been announced as an exclusive 3D platformer for the upcoming console. The release date is scheduled for six weeks after the launch of the Switch 2 itself, which is on July 17, 2025.

What’s Different About Donkey Kong Bananza?

One noticeable modification in this game compared to earlier ones is certainly Donkey Kong’s new look. His classic adversary, Mario, has not only undergone a general transformation but now resembles the character from “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” even more closely – and he’s also sporting a completely new wardrobe.

Rest assured, the classic red tie continues to be an essential part of the style. As for Bananza, our big ape friend, he’s adding a touch of elegance with a fashionable pair of trousers. Whether these trousers are just for show or hide some special features – similar to Mario’s hat in Odyssey – is yet to be discovered.

However, it appears that the gameplay deviates significantly from the typical gameplay seen in more recent Kong titles.

As a gamer, I’m not just switching between the traditional side-scroller and a 3D open world, but the game world has been expanded to include a rich and dynamic environment that goes beyond the usual suspects like explosive barrels and climbable palm trees. It’s a whole new ball game!

As DK digs his way through the underground, the entire world around him becomes destructible

Characters will traverse, tumble, scramble, and strike as they move through a realm where massive pieces of landscape can be shattered or detached.

This not only opens up new paths – it offers a completely new way to explore the world around you.

A purple stone golem perched on Donkey’s shoulder is also one of the game’s brand-new features.

Despite its unknown nature as to whether it’s a tool, ally, or power-up for Donkey Kong, it’s evident that this shimmering entity is teaching him fresh moves. And while Donkey Kong didn’t have sleeves before, at least he now has pants to hide these new tricks up!

How Much Will Donkey Kong Bananza Cost?

Regrettably, a slight hiccup tarnishes the continuous enthusiasm following the Nintendo Direct. It appears that the cost of two upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch, including Donkey Kong Bananza, is projected to be significantly higher than their counterparts from the previous console generation.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that the digital version of this game is going for roughly $70, whereas the physical edition can be pre-ordered at $80. It’s tough to say whether these prices will fluctuate in the future.

What do you think of Donkey’s new look? And do you feel the price is justified?

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2025-04-03 19:10