In its first Direct showcase since the highly anticipated launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo pulled back the curtain on a wealth of new details for Donkey Kong Bananza. It’s clear there’s far more to this game than its initial reveal suggested. With a robust co op mode, a plethora of new powers, and some surprising character appearances, Bananza is about more than just collecting bananas. The presentation even delivered welcome news for owners of the original Switch.
The game’s inaugural trailer hinted at destructible environments as a core gameplay mechanic, and this new look confirmed another crucial concept. Throughout the adventure, Donkey Kong will unlock various transformations, each granting him unique abilities. Kong Bananza powers up Donkey Kong, providing a stronger smash attack and the ability to charge through obstacles. Zebra Bananza grants him super speed and the remarkable ability to run on water. And perhaps most comically, Ostrich Bananza allows him to fly, presenting a truly ridiculous spectacle.
Yet, it’s the peculiar and unexpected revelations that truly capture attention. One of the biggest surprises actually surfaced early via a leak of the game’s box art, but Nintendo has now officially confirmed it Pauline, the original Donkey Kong arcade game’s classic damsel in distress, returns to Bananza with a significantly expanded role. Pauline is an aspiring singer who finds herself trapped in a rock by an enigmatic evil mining corporation named VoidCo. While the narrative connection might be a bit unconventional, her inclusion is undeniably intriguing.
The more thrilling revelation concerning Pauline and one that remained unspoiled until the Direct is that she’s also a playable character. Bananza features a cooperative mode that allows a second player to control Pauline. She can unleash charged blasts with her voice, capable of destroying parts of the environment, mirroring Donkey Kong’s destructive punch. The co op mode offers flexibility, supporting local play through GameShare with a partner who doesn’t own the game, and impressively, it can even be shared with the original Switch. For online play, GameShare can be utilized with another Switch 2 owner.
More familiar faces also graced the new trailer. Cranky Kong and Rambi the Rhino from the Donkey Kong Country series will make appearances throughout the adventure. Diddy and Dixie Kong were also briefly glimpsed. While they don’t seem to have as prominent a role as Cranky, they are shown competing against Donkey Kong and Pauline in a fast paced racing minigame.
Perhaps the most bizarre feature, in the best possible way, feels like it’s straight out of a Mario Paint revival. Donkey Kong Bananza will include what appears to be a robust photo mode. However, that’s not the sole creative outlet available. In DK Artist mode, players can leverage the Switch 2’s new mouse controls to carve intricate 3D models from rocks and other materials. The trailer showcased models of Donkey Kong, Bowser, and Mario, alongside a pizza and a parakeet, suggesting players won’t be confined to just Nintendo themed creations. DK Artist doesn’t have an overt connection to the main game it simply looks like an optional, enjoyable way to experiment with the Switch 2’s innovative mouse mode, which might just be its greatest appeal.
While Donkey Kong Bananza might seem like an unusual choice for one of Nintendo’s inaugural Switch 2 titles, the latest Direct demonstrates it offers far more than initially perceived. If even Donkey Kong is receiving such imaginative treatment at the dawn of the Switch 2’s lifecycle, it bodes well for a plethora of exciting developments to come.
