Donkey Kong Bananza: Co-op Fun, Surprises, and Bananas Galore

Nintendo fans have a lot to look forward to this July as Donkey Kong Bananza swings its way onto the Nintendo Switch 2. Revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct, this new 3D adventure promises a mix of chaos, catchy tunes, and plenty of golden bananas for everyone to chase.

The game kicks off on Ingot Isle, where Donkey Kong stumbles upon a stash of golden bananas deep within mysterious caves. Just as he’s about to enjoy his discovery, a violent storm sends him tumbling further underground. There he crosses paths with an unusual companion named Odd Rock, who turns out to be none other than Pauline, a 13-year-old singer determined to find her way back home.

Together, Donkey Kong and Pauline explore a massive Underground World filled with secrets, enemies, and a hidden Planet Core said to grant any wish. For DK, that wish obviously involves more bananas. For Pauline, it’s a chance to return to the surface. But they’re not alone on this quest, as a shady mining group called Void Company is digging its way toward the Planet Core too, causing trouble at every turn.

What makes Donkey Kong Bananza extra exciting is its cooperative play. Two players can team up locally by sharing Joy-Con 2 controllers. One player takes control of Donkey Kong’s muscle, while the other brings Pauline’s powerful voice into action. Players using Pauline can unleash sonic blasts or copy terrain materials, adding clever twists to battles and puzzles.

Don’t own two copies of the game? No problem. Thanks to GameShare, you can invite a friend to join the adventure even if they don’t have the game installed. Just connect locally or online with another Switch 2 and enjoy the full co-op experience together.

Gameplay is more than just punching and smashing. Donkey Kong can perform all sorts of wild moves, from dive punches to ripping up the ground for makeshift surf rides. Pauline’s singing powers allow him to transform temporarily. Want DK to become a powerhouse? Trigger Kong Bananza. Need speed? Switch to Zebra Bananza. Or make him fly and drop Egg Bombs using Ostrich Bananza.

The Underground World hides plenty of treasures too. Players can gather Banandium Gems to upgrade DK’s abilities, hunt down Fossils to unlock stylish outfits, and trade gold nuggets for useful gear. If you need a break from the action, relax at Getaway spots or ride Eelevators, friendly giant eels, to revisit earlier areas quickly.

For fans who like to get creative, the game includes modes like Photo Mode and DK Artist, where you can carve stone designs using Joy-Con mouse controls and customize snapshots with banana-themed effects.

Collectors will also want to grab the new Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo launching on release day. These figures unlock special in-game goodies, including Pauline’s Diva Dress and explosive KONG tiles.

With all this packed in, Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be a wild, banana-filled ride that brings something fresh to longtime fans and new players alike. Mark your calendars for July 17, 2025; it’s almost time to go bananas again.