With Donkey Kong Bananza only a few weeks away, Nintendo has released a new eight minute overview trailer showing off more about how this new underground adventure will play out. As it turns out, there’s a lot more going on. While we already knew that Donkey Kong and Pauline would be exploring the depths of Ingot Isle in search of giant golden bananas, called banandium gems, this trailer expands just how much the gameplay will evolve as we go deeper.
What stands out the most to me is just how ambitious the game really is. Bananza isn’t just another collect-a-thon—it’s a major leap forward for Nintendo platformers. As the first fully 3D Donkey Kong title since Donkey Kong 64, it introduces layered mechanics that go far beyond traditional platforming along with open-ended movement, deeper exploration, and a wild transformation system.
Much of that ambition is built into how the story elements tie directly into the gameplay. As Donkey Kong and Pauline descend into the underground layers of Ingot Isle, they’ll rely on more than just strength and platforming skill. Pauline takes on a central role, using her singing to power Donkey Kong’s Bananza Forms. As players gather gold, a Bananergy meter fills up, allowing DK to transform into new forms like the brute-force Kong Bananza, the fast-moving Zebra Bananza, and the Ostrich Bananza, which can fly and drop eggs from above. Each form is designed to tackle different types of challenges, and players can swap between them on the fly to adapt as the world changes—or even to create new ways to explore the underground.
The deeper Donkey Kong and Pauline go, the more resistance they face from our new enemy, the Void Company—a powerful mining operation that has taken control of Ingot Isle’s underground. Led by Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and the mysterious Void Kong, the company has stolen bananas and sealed off access to the planet’s core, where a legendary wish is rumored to await. Each leader poses a different challenge, and the threats grow more intense the further you descend. For DK, it’s a mission to reclaim the stolen treasure—but for Pauline, reaching the core could be her only way home.
To help with the journey, Bananza adds a flexible progression system. Banandium gems aren’t just collectibles—they unlock new moves through skill trees. Fossils can be traded for outfits, some of which boost your stats or provide special effects. These upgrades give the game a light RPG feel layered on top of the platforming. Along the way, you’ll also encounter familiar faces like Cranky Kong and Rambi the Rhino as you make your way toward the core.
One feature I’m excited about is that Donkey Kong Bananza supports local co-op, so my daughter can join as Pauline to help out during the adventure. And thanks to Game Share, a co-op partner doesn’t even need to own the game or a Nintendo Switch 2 to play. There’s also a creative DK Artist Mode, where players can sculpt and paint statues using motion or mouse controls. Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be a fun and exciting new entry in the franchise.
Donkey Kong Bananza and an accompanying amiibo featuring DK and Pauline launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. Preorders are open on the Nintendo eShop for $69.99 USD or your local equivalent.
Will you be getting Donkey Kong Bananza? Let us know in our Nintendo Chat on Discord or write in to Nintendo Pow Block Podcast!
Source: Nintendo via YouTube
Featured Image Source: Nintendo
Corey Dirrig is the Founder and President of Boss Rush Media. He is the host of The Boss Rush Podcast, Nintendo Pow Block, Tower Casuals: The Destiny Podcast, and cohosts a variety of other podcasts and content. You can follow Corey on Bluesky, on X/Twitter, and on Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn for Business Inquiries.
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