Donkey Kong Bananza: We Played It on Switch 2, It’s the School of Action Gameplay!

If Mario Kart World is undoubtedly the game that generated the most dopamine among those invited to the Nintendo Switch Experience 2, there is another title that evokes beautiful sensations: Donkey Kong Bananza. It also had a prominent place at the Grand Palais in Paris to showcase its rather original concept. It remains an action and platforming game, but this time, our DK can dig, and not just a little. Thanks to his animal strength and having transformed into a mining gorilla, he can break everything and even tunnel through with the force of his fists. No rock resists him, especially since he can also rip pieces of stone to use as makeshift weapons or projectiles. Nintendo utilizes all directions here, as Donkey Kong can strike from below, sides, and even in the air. Each action is assigned to a button, and it’s obviously possible to combine everything, even cancel certain actions to chain others. Clearly, this demonstrates the school of gameplay at work.

In Donkey Kong Bananza, players will need to do more than just look ahead or upwards; they must also manage everything happening underground, uncovering numerous secrets and hidden chambers along the way. The enemies are equally challenging, as our gorilla protagonist will encounter tough adversaries capable of withstanding his powerful attacks. Players will have to devise effective strategies to remove their opponents’ defenses before defeating them. Additionally, other surprises await in the game, and we hope for a longer play session than the 20 minutes allowed at the Grand Palais to explore further.

The release of Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled for July 17, 2025, on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game was showcased at Nintendo Switch Experience 2 in Paris and is an action-platformer that features Donkey Kong as a mining gorilla who can dig and break rocks with his fists. These broken pieces can be used as makeshift weapons or projectiles to attack from various angles. Players must navigate both surface and underground environments, uncovering numerous secrets and exploring hidden chambers. The game includes challenging opponents that require strategic approaches to defeat, often necessitating the removal of their armor first. An extended play session beyond the 20-minute demo at Grand Palais is expected to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the game.