Monkey-themed gaming icon Donkey Kong's powerful duels yield numerous bananas
The highly anticipated game, Donkey Kong Bananza, is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the beloved franchise and the new console. This first-party exclusive, developed by Nintendo, is the first Donkey Kong game in over two decades and the first true 3D Donkey Kong platformer since Donkey Kong 64 (1999).
Donkey Kong Bananza showcases the advanced capabilities of the Switch 2, particularly its voxel-based, fully destructible environments, a feature that could not have been realised on the original Switch hardware. The game introduces open-world-style levels, advanced terrain destruction, and new mechanics like smashing through almost any obstacle, which are major technical showcases for the Switch 2.
The game builds on the sandbox exploration of Super Mario Odyssey but expands it with deeper interactivity, making environments more dynamic and interactive. Donkey Kong, a beloved Nintendo IP, is back in 3D platforming after a long hiatus, attracting both longtime fans and new players.
The game features Pauline, a character introduced in previous Donkey Kong games, who now rides on Donkey Kong's shoulder. The motivation for Pauline's presence is Donkey Kong's focus on eating golden bananas. The goal of the game is to stop an evil mining corporation's exploitative plans and reach the planet's core.
Donkey Kong Bananza has been praised for its innovation and technical achievements in early previews and reviews. It has been compared to other system-sellers like Mario Kart in terms of its potential to drive hardware adoption, given its status as a true next-gen exclusive.
While it is too early for concrete sales data, several factors suggest Donkey Kong Bananza could be a system-seller for the Nintendo Switch 2. As a Switch 2-only title, it provides a compelling reason for fans of the franchise or platformer enthusiasts to upgrade their hardware. The game’s advanced physics and destructible environments are marketed as features only possible on the new console, appealing to gamers seeking cutting-edge experiences.
Nintendo is supporting the launch with special amiibo and game bundles, further incentivizing purchases. The Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo is bundled with the game, and compatibility with a wide range of existing amiibo adds collectible and gameplay incentives.
However, the game's ultimate success in driving hardware sales will depend on broader market factors, including the Switch 2’s overall lineup, pricing, and consumer reception. Historically, system-sellers are games that not only receive critical acclaim but also achieve massive commercial success and cultural penetration.
In conclusion, Donkey Kong Bananza possesses all the hallmarks of a potential system-seller for the Nintendo Switch 2: it is a major exclusive, leverages next-gen hardware features, revives a beloved franchise in a fresh way, and is supported by strong marketing and merchandise. Its success in driving hardware sales will only be clear after its launch and the console’s broader performance in the market.
Other technology, such as the advanced voxel-based, fully destructible environments in Donkey Kong Bananza, showcases the capabilities of the Switch 2. The game's innovative features and status as a true next-gen exclusive have been compared to other system-sellers like Mario Kart, suggesting that it could drive hardware adoption for the Nintendo Switch 2.
