| Donkey Kong Bananza | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Donkey Kong Bananza, a brand-new 3D platforming action adventure for the series, is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. Read on to learn about the game's latest news and developments!
← Return to Donkey Kong Bananza main article
Donkey Kong Bananza News
2026
April 2
⚫︎ The newest Emerald Rush event in Donkey Kong Bananza introduces collectible statues of Wrinkly Kong and Tiny Kong, available for a limited time on DK Island. Players will need access to the DLC and must complete roguelike-style challenges to earn the rewards before the event ends on April 7.
March 16
⚫︎ Centering on Donkey Kong’s raw strength, producer Kenta Motokura said Donkey Kong Bananza was designed to stand apart from Super Mario Odyssey by emphasizing large-scale destruction, with input from Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi helping shape the character’s distinct gameplay identity and appeal.
March 15
⚫︎ Donkey Kong Bananza could help inform future titles by carrying forward certain ideas or design "hints," according to producer Kenta Motokura, but he emphasizes that each new project is ultimately judged on how fresh it feels, with the team aiming to deliver experiences that feel distinct and new to players.
March 11
⚫︎ Nintendo developers shared new details about Donkey Kong Bananza at GDC 2026, explaining that the game’s voxel-driven system lets players destroy nearly every part of the environment
February 25
⚫︎ Nintendo has rolled out a February 2026 update for Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2, bringing the game to version 3.2.0. The official patch notes are minimal, stating only that several issues were fixed to enhance the overall gameplay experience.
February 17
⚫︎ The new 'Ostrich Riches' event begins on February 17 and runs until February 24 as part of the in-game events for Donkey Kong Bananza’s Emerald Rush DLC, giving players one week to jump in and nab the limited-time rewards before it ends.
January 21
⚫︎ The Freeze Break Emerald Rush limited-time event for Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush runs from now until January 26 at 11:59 pm PT. Players can collect exclusive statues during the event.
2025
December 17
⚫︎ The Freeze Break Emerald Rush limited-time event for Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush runs until January 26 at 11:59 pm PT. Players can collect exclusive statues during the event.
October 21
⚫︎ The first limited-time event for the Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC begins on October 28. Players can earn Enguarde and Kong Bananza statues until November 3.
July 22
⚫︎ Donkey Kong’s latest adventure, Donkey Kong Bananza, has claimed the top spot in the UK’s physical games chart. As reported by Chris Dring of GamesIndustry.biz, launch sales were significantly stronger than its predecessor Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze—selling around three times more units. However, compared to Super Mario Odyssey, its performance was more modest, moving roughly half as many copies during its opening week.
July 14
⚫︎ Donkey Kong Bananza Director Kazuya Takahashi acknowledged that there are performance issues in certain parts of the game, but emphasized that it will play smoothly as the team prioritzed fun and gameplay. He also revelead that the team approached DK creator Shigeru Miyamoto to truly capture the essence of the big buff ape.
July 2
⚫︎ Nintendo confirmed that Donkey Kong Bananza is being developed by the same team that developed Super Mario Odyssey. While the company didn’t name the studio directly, this strongly points to Nintendo EPD Tokyo as the developer behind the upcoming title.
June 20
⚫︎ Weeks before its July release, fans spotted Donkey Kong Bananza demo on Switch 2 kiosks across U.S. shopping centers like Walmart and Target. This sparked speculation that the game will shadow-drop a demo soon on the Switch 2 eShop. Nintendo has yet to confirm anything on this regard, but fans remain hopeful to try out the game ahead of its launch.
June 18
⚫︎ The Donkey Kong Bananza Direct will be livestreamed on Nintendo’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as the Nintendo Today app, premiering on June 18, 2025, at 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET.
June 14
⚫︎ Nintendo released new gameplay footage of Donkey Kong Bananza on its official social media channels, offering fans a fresh look at the upcoming title ahead of its nearing launch.
May 22
⚫︎ Donkey Kong (DK)’s previous look has been used by Nintendo for years, so tweaks to his design would not go unnoticed. In an interview with IGN, Donkey Kong Creator and legendary Nintendo Game Director Shigeru Miyamoto shared his thoughts on DK’s evolution and how they made him "more expressive."
More Expressive
(Game8)
May 19
⚫︎ Nintendo released a new video showcasing the moment Donkey Kong meets Odd Rock in Donkey Kong Bananza.
May 7
⚫︎ Donkey Kong Bananza is not out yet, but a dedicated fan has discovered a secret banana alphabet and decoded it. User 2Chrispy uploaded a video on YouTube; detailing his experience while decoding the "Ancient Monkey Scrolls." This secret banana letter system was seen throughout all of the game’s trailers, gameplay footage, and official website.
April 2
⚫︎ Nintendo has announced Donkey Kong Bananza, a new platforming title set to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. The game marks Donkey Kong’s return in a style reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey, with a more open level design. While it has not been confirmed whether the game will be fully open world, it promises a fresh take on the classic franchise. Donkey Kong Bananza will be priced at $69.99.
