Donkey Kong Bananza: 8’25 Minutes of Commentated Gameplay by Nintendo, Gameplay Explained

Now that Mario Kart World has smoothly launched the Switch 2, Nintendo is ready to unveil its next major title: the highly anticipated Donkey Kong Bananza, arriving soon. A new 8-minute, 25-second video offers a wealth of new information about its world, characters, and gameplay. We learned that DK, true to form, is on a quest to track down those legendary Golden Bananas, which have now transformed into ultra-rare, highly coveted Banandium gems. But he’s not alone. There’s Pauline, a talented singer attempting to find her way back to the surface. They’ll have to team up to unravel the mysteries as they explore the deep underground of Ingot Isle. This world features distinct layers that offer varied gameplay and aesthetics, which you’ll uncover in a semi-linear progression. What’s more, Donkey Kong Bananza introduces a musical element! There’s a DK Rap that’s sure to get players tapping their toes and bobbing their heads. Nintendo is even planning a Donkey Kong Bananza Direct later this week, so we may learn more about this catchy new song then. Oh, and here’s something cool: Super Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto himself has shared insights into why Donkey Kong received a new look, explaining the creative vision behind the changes to this classic character.

But Bananza isn’t just about the story; its gameplay truly shines through the expansive freedom it offers. Donkey Kong can perform a wide range of actions: running, climbing, and devastating environmental objects. It’s all thanks to a physics engine that lets you destroy nearly anything in the environment, even the ground itself. But what really makes this game stand out is its animal transformation system. You can turn into a super-fast zebra, a bomb-dropping ostrich, or even more exotic creatures. Each transformation provides a fresh way to explore and fight. Then there’s Pauline, who introduces a unique and valuable support mechanic. Her singing isn’t merely cosmetic; it actually changes the environment, boosts DK’s powers, and in certain sections, players can even generate sounds themselves. It’s an enjoyable and well-integrated partnership that evokes the spirit of some of the genre’s best cooperative titles. You can even play local co-op, either with shared Joy-Cons or a second controller, allowing two players to control the main characters independently. It’s an asymmetric mode brimming with innovative cooperative mechanics, reminiscent of titles such as It Takes Two or the more recent Split Fiction.

The game’s secret in-game language has already been decoded months ahead of its official release. This suggests the presence of hidden stories and challenges embedded within Donkey Kong Bananza. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the official release date. The gameplay revolves around diverse environments and activities: roads blocked by VoidCo, side quests, ancient temples full of puzzles and timed challenges, and even side-scrolling segments that pay homage to the series’ 2D roots. All of this is part of a semi-open RPG progression system, where you’ll earn skill points, find power-ups, and customize your gear. And upholding its aim for accessibility, Nintendo has added an assisted mode that helps guide you through tough spots. This means simpler directions, less damage, and helpful hints when you need them. Beyond all that, there’s a side mode called DK Artist where you can sculpt stone utilizing the Joy-Con’s motion sensors.

If you’re a fan of Super Mario Odyssey, you won’t want to miss our latest article, “Donkey Kong Bananza Developed by the Same Team as Super Mario Odyssey” by Marcus Thompson, published on July 1, 2025. Discover how Nintendo is pulling back the curtain on its development teams and reveal that the creators behind one of the most beloved Switch games are now crafting Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2. This rare insight into Nintendo’s development process promises a high-quality gaming experience worth every penny of its R$ 439.90 price tag (click Donkey Kong Bananza Developed by the Same Team as Super Mario Odyssey to dive deeper into this exciting news!). For those eagerly awaiting more information about Donkey Kong Bananza, another exciting development in the world of Nintendo gaming is on the horizon. Bruno Pferd delves into the confirmation that Donkey Kong Bananas, an upcoming open-world adventure exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, is being crafted by none other than the Super Mario Odyssey studio (read more Donkey Kong Bananas Created by Super Mario Odyssey Studio). This intriguing announcement hints at a continuation of the innovative gameplay and storytelling that made Super Mario Odyssey beloved by fans worldwide. With its release set for July 17, Donkey Kong Bananas promises to be another milestone in Nintendo’s ever-expanding universe of adventure games. As we gear up for an exciting lineup of video game releases in July 2025, be sure to check out “Major Video Game Releases in July” by Carlos Mendoza, published on June 30. This comprehensive post covers everything from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 and Patapon 1+2 Replay to Donkey Kong Bananza, which launches exclusively for Switch 2. Whether you’re a fan of classics like Super Mario Party Jamboree or new adventures such as Monument Valley 3, there’s something for everyone this month. Dive into the full list Major Video Game Releases in July and get ready to add these titles to your gaming backlog!