Is Donkey Kong Bananza Worth Buying on Nintendo Switch 2?

Donkey Kong Returns in Stunning 3D Adventure

Breaking from expectations of a new Mario title, Nintendo has revitalized the Donkey Kong franchise with its first 3D platformer since Donkey Kong 64. Donkey Kong Bananza marks the iconic ape's first new game in nearly a decade, bringing back fan-favorite character Pauline from Super Mario Odyssey for an earth-shaking adventure.

Donkey Kong Bananza Now Available!

Presented by Best Buy

Donkey Kong Bananza - Nintendo Switch 2

Embark on a massive underground expedition - literally smashing your path forward! Harness Donkey Kong's incredible strength to demolish nearly anything in your way. Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Launches July 17, 2025. $69.99 at Best Buy

The game revolutionizes traditional Donkey Kong gameplay, giving players unprecedented environmental interaction. Smash through walls, rip out chunks of terrain to throw as weapons, or even ride broken slabs like surfboards - all while collecting hundreds of precious Banandium Gems hidden throughout the subterranean world.

This ambitious project became possible thanks to Nintendo Switch 2's advanced hardware capabilities. Originally planned for the Switch, developers quickly realized the next-gen console's power was essential for realizing their vision. The game makes exceptional use of Voxel technology, delivering the most impressive technical showcase of Switch 2's potential yet.

Donkey Kong Bananza is now available for Nintendo Switch 2 as a complete physical cartridge release. Best Buy currently offers the best deals for those looking to grab this groundbreaking title.

Critical Acclaim

In our perfect-scoring review, Logan Plant praised: "Donkey Kong Bananza triumphantly brings back the fan-favorite ape in what stands as both a worthy successor to Super Mario Odyssey and a triumphant franchise revival. Nintendo's bold decision to build their next-gen platformer around DK instead of Mario has paid off spectacularly. The game's physics-driven destruction and kinetic platforming create an endlessly inventive experience where every environmental interaction feels impactful. As you delve deeper toward the mysterious Planet Core, the game continually introduces fresh mechanics and increasingly clever challenges within its destructible, multi-layered world. The 20+ hour campaign maintains perfect pacing from start to finish, culminating in what may be Nintendo's first definitive Switch 2 masterpiece."