Donkey Kong Bananza

Thanks to Donkey Kong Bananza the Switch 2 has landed its first five-star game. Adding new layers on top of the 3D platformer genre (only to tear them down again) this games proves to be a better selling point for the Switch 2 than launch title Mario Kart World.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a true showcase for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering an almost unmatched platforming experience that makes collectibles feel important. An absolute joy to play.

Words barely do justice to how impressive Donkey Kong Bananza truly is. With near-perfect sandbox design, a fully destructible terrain system, and a transformation mechanic that redefines exploration, it's an astonishingly complete experience. The game even embraces sequence breaking with deliberate design allowances. This is a monster of a title - Nintendo-level brilliance at its most terrifying.

Depending on what you want to do second-to-second, DK's latest outing can be a hugely impressive do-what-you-want sandbox, a comforting collectathon platformer, a series of lightly puzzling challenges, or a goofy Nintendo world to explore and be surprised by. But taken together, it's a masterpiece that's sure to absorb newcomers and series veterans alike. The destructible terrain is a literally ground-breaking innovation that makes each player's game unique, while the story and characters reposition DK's world in a way that's endearing and exciting, but still respects his past forty years of history.

Despite complaints, there's so little in Donkey Kong Bananza that is an actual concern. This is a majestic, grandiose adventure epic and one of the best platformers ever made. It redefines expectations while celebrating classic tropes of the genre. While 20 years is a heck of a long time to wait for a new Donkey Kong game, I would say the test of patience was worth it. Donkey Kong Bananza is a modern masterpiece and the first must-own title for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Just as Super Mario Odyssey cemented the original Switch as a must-have platform, Donkey Kong Bananza smashes it's way into the Nintendo hall of classics, bumping the Switch 2 from "really nice" to "must buy" status. Don't let the smashing mechanics fool you, this game is just as smart, deep, and clever as any of the Mario or Zelda titles. Nintendo has set up and intricate and beautiful playground, and then releases the player into it as a wrecking ball. Fun doesn't get much more fun than this.

Donkey Kong Bananza blends new ideas with the series’ core DNA to create something that's not only incredibly fun, but hard to put down. It’s not just a great Donkey Kong game—it’s a must-have title, and a reason all on its own to pick up a Switch 2.

Everything about this game echoes DK’s first big smash onto the screen in those opening moments, even though Bananza is a whole lot more than just mindless smashing. It’s loud, relentless, and in your face, and the amount of heart and creativity took me by surprise at nearly every turn. Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the best platformers I’ve ever played, a stunning showcase for Donkey Kong’s new visual redesign, and the perfect statement that Nintendo is still taking risks that are going to pay off in the Switch 2 era.

Donkey Kong Bananza takes everything you expect from a Donkey Kong game and polishes it with such a fine coat that almost any type of player can find something to have fun with. If it’s collecting every Banana, mastering the Bananza’s, completing side quests, or just playing through a fun story, there is something fun for all ages. With plenty of easter eggs for players familiar with the franchise, Bonanza doesn’t rely purely on nostalgia to make it enjoyable. If you’ve missed collectathons or just want to experience a DK game with your kids, Bananza is a great time.

Donkey Kong Bananza might be considered too easy for most players – even the boss battles barely raise a sweat – and overall doesn’t occupy the same rarified air as Super Mario Odyssey. Yet the bulldozing ape ably showcases the power of Switch 2 and earns a place alongside Mario Kart World as an essential purchase for owners of the new console.

I feel like I should temper my praise of Donkey Kong Bananza, but at the same time, if I did, I’d be lying. This is one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played in a long time. If you’ve been holding out on buying a Switch 2, this is the game that should make you buy one: it really is that phenomenal.

A staggering triumph of design, creativity, and expression, Donkey Kong Bananza may just be this generation's finest 3D platformer.

With layers upon layers of delightfully executed ideas that also pay tribute to the classics, this isn't just by far the best Switch 2 exclusive but probably the best game you'll play this year. Move over Astro Bot, the top banana is here.

A game that almost only Nintendo can make. Colorful, entertaining, and always a little crazy. Bananza is bursting with creativity and ideas.

It’s great fun and the punching and smashing never gets dull. The difficulty ramps up nicely for all levels of gamer and there’s tons of secret areas to come back for once completed. The Switch 2 is now very much on its way to greatness software-wise.

Donkey Kong Bananza elevates the 3D platformer genre with highly engaging mechanics, an almost entirely sandbox environment, and buckets of charm. This isn’t just the game that I’ve wanted to play for years without even knowing it, but it’s the first truly must-have Nintendo Switch 2 release. As I’m writing this, I already can’t wait to go back for more.

Donkey Kong Bananza is one of Nintendo's funniest games ever, capable of bringing smiles to children's faces and energizing adults' love of video games. The 3D levels are playgrounds that you can almost completely destroy, in a design that uses simplicity as a launch pad for a huge amount of fun.

Donkey Kong Bananza is nothing short of a love letter to the big ape’s past, a regrounding of his present and the start of a wondrous new chapter for the hijinks that await in his future. It’s a celebration that the gaming icon has long deserved, and a game that has delivered memories that I will cherish for decades to come. In an experience that kept upping the ante right until the very end, it was hard not to smile from start to finish with childlike wonder at the spectacle that Nintendo has achieved. The bar has once again been raised.

As the debut big adventure for the new console and its increased computational power, Nintendo wants this belief to punch through: Technology for the sake of play, not just for visual pleasure, is king.

Donkey Kong Bananza delivers a triumphant return for the ape, offering an open-world, destructive 3D platforming adventure on the Nintendo Switch 2. As a spiritual successor to DK64, it blends nostalgic collectathon mechanics with innovative terrain destruction and new animal transformations, making it a must-buy system seller for the new console.

With Donkey Kong Bananza, DK is back in a big way. It blends new tech with old-school Nintendo charm for a destructive experience that is both intoxicating and addictive. While Pauline's storyline is underdeveloped, this is easily Donkey Kong at his absolute best. Regardless of some minor blemishes, Donkey Kong Bananza deserves a place in any self-respecting Switch 2 owner's library and, much like Super Mario Odyssey before it, sets an incredibly high bar for all that will follow.

The leader of the bunch is finally back to kick some tail in Donkey Kong Bananza, a brilliant successor to Super Mario Odyssey and a smashing return for a classic Nintendo character. It was a bold choice to build the Switch 2’s first 3D platformer around Donkey Kong instead of Mario, but it’s proven to be the best decision Nintendo could’ve made. DK’s satisfying, expressive movement and powerful, dynamic abilities create a truly groundbreaking adventure. The ambitious, destructible layers of this underground world are densely packed with satisfying collectibles, abundant charm, and clever challenges that never seem to run out of smart ideas, even long after the credits have rolled. Bananza is a constant crescendo across its 20-hour campaign and beyond, with puzzle-platforming concepts that only grow richer as DK and Pauline dive deeper toward the Planet Core. Every element comes together in complete harmony to create Nintendo’s first Switch 2 masterpiece.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a constant series of pleasant surprises and shows exactly what the Switch 2 can handle.

Bananza is pretty much the pinnacle of Donkey Kong I've been waiting for since the 90s. This game is so good, it's changed my whole outlook on DK as a character. He was always second-string, at least for me. Now, DK has been bumped up to A-rank, and it's all thanks to Bananza. This game is beautiful, with an incredible soundtrack, seamless mechanics, relentless pacing, and brand new levels of Nintendo polish. Mario Kart World was a great introduction to the Switch 2, but Donkey Kong Bananza is the first can't-miss game to come to the platform. You'd be a fool to pass on this one.

Unafraid to explore uncharted territory, Donkey Kong Bananza proves once again that Nintendo has found the perfect union between tradition and creative innovation. The highly modifiable terrains and transformations with targeted powers are the icing on the cake of a universe built not only to give DK an extensive adventure, but also to represent the essence of the Kong family through the exciting main campaign.

Every time I’d get to a new layer, I’d immediately ignore the story objective and spend a half dozen hours just smashing things around like a toddler in a sandbox.

With varied and very addictive gameplay, a tender story full of surprises and an artistic section that combines wonderfully with a stunning soundtrack, Donkey Kong Bananza has become my game of the year, and I am convinced that it will delight every Nintendo Switch 2 player who has already spent enough time on Mario Kart World.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the comeback the series needed, offering a fresh, fun, and spectacular audiovisual experience. Minor technical shortcomings don’t overshadow the return of a franchise that Nintendo has successfully reinvented, delivering an essential adventure for Nintendo Switch 2 and becoming its first absolute system-seller.

Featuring spectacular gameplay full of innovative ideas and innovative gameplay supported by truly exhilarating controls and, of course, a level design that blew our minds at every turn, Donkey Kong Bananza once again sets a very high standard for all games in the genre and, in the process, returns the iconic gorilla to a privileged position thanks to the brand that saw its birth so many years ago. The experience is rounded out by a simply spectacular audiovisual presentation. It's more than obvious that if you recently got a Switch 2 a month ago, or even recently, this game must be your top priority. You really can't imagine the magical adventure, full of memorable moments, that awaits you.

Donkey Kong Bananza is very close to the greatest Mario 3D adventures. DK deserved this comeback.

Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the most creative and fun titles. Ever. The smashing, music, co-op, upgrades. The smashing. This must-play Switch 2 title has set the bar for years to come. Do yourself a favor and play Donkey Kong Bananza as soon as possible.

Donkey Kong Bananza is perhaps the best 3D platformer of the 2020s so far. It has immaculate movement, mountains of incredibly fun content, challenges that genuinely test your skill, and a style so charming that you'll be thinking about it for weeks. Every part of this game comes together to make something cohesive and tightly designed, even in a world that you can fully dig through and destroy nearly every piece of. It's a generational great, an incredible use of the Donkey Kong franchise, and the star of the Switch 2 lineup.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a game so committed to its premise you can’t help but revel in the gorgeous, destructive genius of it all. Constantly building to a spectacular finish and incorporating the most comprehensive post-game experience I have seen in a Nintendo game to date, this is a proper benchmark of brilliance for what a first-party Switch 2 title should be. The world is your oyster – so why not punch it into pieces.

If Super Mario Odyssey were a music album, it would be a top-tier Art Pop record. Donkey Kong Bananza, on the other hand, leans more towards baroque Progressive Rock. The game starts off slowly, but it's a continuous crescendo leading to a masterful finale, with unique, deep, and often brilliant mechanics. It's one of the best 3D platformers ever made - deeply respectful of the character's past, yet entirely forward-looking.

Despite its few flaws and its quickly wrapped up main quest, Donkey Kong Bananza is a title of rare quality, capable of leaving its mark on the history of our beloved medium. For this second 3D adventure featuring the gorilla, Nintendo draws on 40 years of Donkey Kong games to appease long-time fans and bridge the gap with a new generation of players raised on Minecraft, thanks to intelligent destruction gameplay and endless surprises.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a must-play gem poised to be one of the Nintendo Switch 2’s greatest titles. Evoking the golden era of Nintendo 64, it bursts with nostalgic charm, infectious fun, and stellar level design. If this is a glimpse of the Switch 2’s future, we’re in for something extraordinary.

What an elemental force! Donkey Kong Bananza is a Jump&Run masterpiece and a real reason to buy the Switch 2.

What starts as a straightforward romp quickly reveals itself to be one of Nintendo’s most creative and mechanically playful platformers in a long time. Donkey Kong Bananza's level design is smart, the gameplay mechanics even more so, and the sheer joy of controlled destruction never really gets old. Even with a few performance hiccups and a main campaign that flies by quicker than expected, there’s a ton to dig into here if you’re willing to peel off its many layers (pun very much intended).

Donkey Kong Bananza delivers a wildly inventive 3D platforming adventure full of chaos, creativity, and charm. Mining mechanics, massive levels, and transformative Bananza powers make exploration exciting, while gorgeous visuals and strong pacing keep the journey engaging. Performance dips, underused abilities, and a forced Donkey–Pauline dynamic hold it back from perfection, but its sense of discovery and explosive fun shine through. An instant classic that proves sometimes too much fun can still be just right.

By turning its core game design toward destruction rather than creation, Donkey Kong Bananza shines as a work of bold innovation. If The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined open-world exploration, then Bananza carves out a space of its own in the realm of 3D platformers. It's a must-play if you own a Switch 2—and if you don't, it's the first title that should go on your wishlist.

Donkey Kong comes roaring back with a knockout Switch 2 adventure packed with as much chaos as pure fun. A must-play if you own a Switch 2 — and honestly, even if you don’t.

I'm particularly pleased with how well Nintendo has mastered the balancing act between nostalgia and a modern reinterpretation of Donkey Kong. Anyone who's been enjoying adventures with the ape since the 90s can look forward to a host of familiar faces. Anyone who awakens their inner Kong for the first time will still be able to follow all the action without any problems.

Donkey Kong Bananza marks a triumphant return for the iconic ape in a 3D platformer that rivals Mario’s adventures. While the game boasts a rich world and engaging mechanics, some players will find a lack of challenge, but it is, overall, a fantastic experience within Nintendo Switch 2’s catalog.

Donkey Kong Bananza not only gives the franchise a fresh boost, but also reinvents the platforming genre with clever level design and innovative gameplay. It combines classic platforming elements with a layered, interactive world that rewards creative and strategic thinking — but above all, it's just incredibly fun to explore.

As the song goes, “Donkey Kong is here” and he’s here ready to rock the boat. The gorilla’s new adventure boasts being one of the first must-have games for Nintendo Switch 2 and a title on par with the Japanese company’s greatest series. This is the kind of “kongtent” that a new console deserves.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a throwback filled adventure that, while riddled with joyous moments, is at times held back by the own freedom it provides.

Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the most unique and immensely enjoyable games that I've ever played. Plus, behind its chaotic open-ended gameplay and incredibly imaginative worlds, you'll find a lot of heart.

Bananza isn’t just another Donkey Kong game leaning on nostalgia - it’s a reinvention of the iconic character, delivering one of the most creative and refreshing 3D platformers we’ve seen since Donkey Kong 64.

Despite the aforementioned shortcomings, Donkey Kong Country: Banana Kingdom literally draws the player in and doesn’t let go for a single second. This is a unique platformer with incredibly addictive gameplay, stunningly diverse levels, and magnificent music.

Donkey Kong Bananza is an immaculate return to 3D for DK. Bananza offers creativity seen in very few games in our industry have achieved. Each Layer is expertly crafted, Donkey Kong is endlessly fun to control, and the narrative is surprisingly great. While the general lack of difficulty, especially with bosses, leaves a bit to be desired, Donkey Kong Bananza is one of my favorite Nintendo games of the last decade. Let's just hope this marks a new era of consistent Donkey Kong games.

Donkey Kong Bananza should have launched with the Switch 2. This is the first game that has made me super excited to own the console. This is the next great platformer from Nintendo and gives me even more excitement for the next proper Mario game. DK holds his own though and I cannot recommend this enough. If you have a Switch 2, this game should be in your library.

The Switch 2 launched with Mario Kart World, which is plenty of fun in its own right, but that game wasn't quite the definitive Nintendo experience early adopters were hoping for out of the gate. One month later, that experience arrived; Donkey Kong Bananza is incredible, one of the best games you'll play this year, and a game I plan on going back to over and over again throughout the life of the Switch 2. Sometimes,I just want to monkey around.

Nintendo has still made something uniquely enjoyable, while wantonly shredding the playbook in the process. Whatever plans might be in place for Mario's next adventure, Donkey Kong has changed the lay of the land. [Issue#414, p.100]

I wouldn't pigeonhole it into a single genre or define it in any particular way. I think it's more accurate to say that Donkey Kong Bananza has a life of its own and, as the second Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, it's an experience that everyone who buys the console should enjoy. The bar is set high for everything Nintendo releases from now on.

It’s like Astro Bot and Super Mario Odyssey have been thrown into a blender, then packed with bananas, filled with monkeys and gorillas, and turned all the way up to maximum fun! All that’s left for us is to dive into this joyride and join an unforgettable adventure in one of Nintendo’s most entertaining and downright hilarious games.

Donkey Kong Bananza is everything we could ask for in a new Donky Kong 3D platformer. Thanks to its new mechanics, Bananza puts a new spin on the platforming genre and it's nothing short of a marvel to use DK's destructive powers and open whole new paths to explore, while the cooperative mode and its flexible rules make the experience a delight to play with a friend. If we add to that a gorgeous visual world that appeals to both veterans and newcomers and a panoply of entrancing music tracks, Donkey Kong Bananza clearly stands out as a marvelous example of what the Nintendo Switch 2 can do.

Donkey Kong Bananza may be a slow burner when it comes to rich gameplay ideas, but once it takes off, it delivers a platforming thrill worthy of standing alongside Mario Odyssey. Imaginative and utterly fun, it’s a stellar 3D addition to Donkey Kong’s legacy.

Bananza’s colorful landscapes are brimming with good humor and oddball enemies, and there isn’t a single square inch of them that doesn’t have something for you to unearth.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a must play title for the Nintendo Switch 2 console that is a highly enjoyable reimaging that will leave you reeling with so many “wow” moments that makes it an essential title for this console. Apart from the destructive capabilities of DK, I really enjoyed the new gameplay brought to DK thanks to Pauline’s magical abilities that provides some fun and unexpected power-ups for our favourite hominoid. So, with its stunning visuals, immersive sound design and clever level design, this game proves that the “big guy” still has what it takes to be a king of the jungle or in this case, the king of the planet’s core.

Donkey Kong Bananza reimagines the platformer genre with a title that strikes a solid balance between technical execution and game design. All of it is wrapped in a compelling reinterpretation of Journey to the Center of the Earth, starring Donkey Kong and a young Pauline. Bananza shines thanks to its environments, destruction mechanics, and resource management—elements that do a great job of concealing its weaker aspects, such as the camera system and a few repetitive boss fights.

It's amazing how Nintendo can constantly reinvent its franchises. Donkey Kong's return is so successful that it could inspire other developers, just as Breath of the Wild once did. Bananza is a must-play for fans of the genre and a great reason to pick up a Switch 2.

It's skillful, fun, entertaining, easy to understand, and very easy to enjoy. It's a perfect game for all ages, whether you're looking to embrace collecting or simply advance toward the center of the world. It's a classic from the moment it was first launched, thanks to its mechanics, universe, and gameplay. And it sets a new long-term standard for the genre.

Vision, authentic gameplay, a lot of heart and a lot of fun - it's an unqualified success: the Switch 2 has an excellent argument in its favour.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the Switch 2’s first exclusive that feels truly and wholly new. This is an entirely unique adventure with familiar characters and new mechanics that I suspect would not have been possible on the original Switch. Donkey Kong and Pauline’s adventure is a showpiece for Nintendo’s new console, and it meets the incredibly high standard the developer has been setting for itself since the ‘80s.

For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, Donkey Kong Bananza is a no-brainer. It successfully appeals to old-school Donkey Kong fans and newcomers to the franchise alike. Simply put, Donkey Kong Bananza is the Nintendo Switch 2's first must-have game since Mario Kart World and a good reason to go out and buy the new console.

Donkey Kong Bananza does what Super Mario Odyssey did before it: offer one of the best platforming games available on a new system. The fact that the bulk of the game is about wanton joyous destruction is also another big bonus. So, if you want to tunnel to the center of the planet and destroy most of it along the way, Donkey Kong Bananza is your kind of platformer.

Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the most joyful games I’ve played this year. It’s a solid 3D platformer that won’t disappoint genre fans, and a reminder of just how delightful video games can be.

I wasn’t sure if Donkey Kong Bananza would hold up to my hype, but thankfully, it absolutely did. Not only does this game reinvent Donkey Kong for a totally new era and console, but it manages to bring it to the present with style to spare, and even makes the game part of the broader universe seen in Super Mario Odyssey. Throw in tons of replay value, some really fun cameos and surprises aplenty, and you have one must-own adventure and the first truly great game in the Nintendo Switch 2 library.

Donkey Kong Bananza is an absolute blast. The destruction and creativity that the level design brings are constantly engaging, and the hunt for Banandium gems is always fun.

Donkey Kong Bananza gives us incredible platforming and action moments. Also packing a super fun gameplay loop complimented by unique graphics style and soundtrack which makes it one of the ideal titles that deserve purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2 system to experience.

It’s a little messy and definitely has a few missed opportunities, but the core gameplay is so much fun that I couldn’t put it down. It captures the thrill of exploration that made Odyssey so compelling while taking the gameplay mechanics in a completely unique direction that kept developing in ways I didn’t see coming, and that’s exactly why I love Nintendo’s fun-first approach to design so much. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to buy a Switch 2, it’s just arrived.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a fresh 3D adventure that keeps surprising you, even after the credits roll. Despite some framedrops, this is a must-buy for your Switch 2 – you just won’t want to stop playing.

Banananza had me hooked from the first levels, delivering tons of chaotic charm. A must-play for Switch 2-owners.

Many are questioning how many real reasons there are to get a Nintendo Switch 2, and Donkey Kong Bananza is one of them. It's not just a game with solid and enjoyable mechanics. You can see that it makes good use of the console, and it's evident that Nintendo continues to invest in creativity, while also taking advantage of the technological advancements now available in gaming.

A well-executed and fun proposal that leaves you with a smile on your face and hooks you from start to finish. It has everything it needs to be a fantastic new beginning for a gaming icon that should never be caged again.

Donkey Kong: Bananza surprises with creative ideas, a powerful destruction feature, and a sense of exploration that's strongly reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey—without simply copying it. Anyone who enjoys charming 3D platformers with a collecting focus, clever level design, and gameplay freedom will find a real treat here. While the adventure isn't entirely free of technical weaknesses and some boss battles are a bit too easy, the bottom line is that Donkey Kong: Bananza delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, unusually deep, and atmospherically strong adventure—not just for die-hard DK fans.

Donkey Kong Bananza is, without question, one of my favorite Nintendo games of the past decade. Not only does it serve as a fantastic new entry in one of Nintendo’s oldest franchises, but it’s the best reason so far to go and pick up a Switch 2. While I thought I wanted a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey for the past eight years, I’ve instead found myself far more thrilled by what Nintendo has done with Bananza.

An action-platformer packed with destruction and fun. Donkey Kong Bananza manages to make us forget the longing for a true 3D Mario. In fact, it can easily be considered one of the best examples of the genre since Mario Odyssey, sitting proudly alongside Galaxy in terms of variety, eccentricity, originality, and fun.

Donkey Kong Bananza was a pleasant surprise on first contact, it made me forget the absence of a new 3D Mario in the initial line-up of the Nintendo Switch 2, and now a pleasant confirmation of the excellence of the Nintendo EPD team, in this case led by Kazuya Takahashi. It manages to revamp and revitalize a franchise in one fell swoop, it's an irrefutable proof of concept for a technology that we'll certainly see return and the second major exclusive to grace Nintendo Switch 2 in less than two months. In the meantime, it has even resulted in the strengthening of the partnership with Universal for another movie, meaning you can be sure that we'll be seeing more adventures from DK and Pauline.

Created by the team that developed Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza is a celebration of the character, a 3D platformer that finally puts him in the place he deserves. Its colorful and fully modifiable world, its variety of mechanics and its collecting spirit make it a worthy heir to its predecessor.

Donkey Kong finds a new identity that embraces and rewrites the long legacy of the character, integrating his musical flair and his love for bashing stuff. It's a long, fun game, full of crazy ideas. It may be a bit too easy for veteran players, especially in the first half, but by now we know that's mostly to be expected from Nintendo.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the greatest Nintendo Switch 2 title to date, delivering an incredible destruction system that showcases the power of the new system. It’s visually impressive and, while the story isn’t anything to write home about, benefits from charming and expressive voice acting and animations. Throw in a seemingly endless stream of collectibles and secrets, and you have a meaty adventure that’s a delight to explore.

Donkey Kong Bananza doesn’t monkey around, as it’s inarguably the biggest, most ambitious 3D platformer Nintendo has ever produced. Taking the formula established by Super Mario Odyssey as a starting point, Nintendo goes deeper, wilder, weirder, and punchier. Donkey Kong Bananza is perhaps a bit less refined than the near-immaculate Odyssey, but if you can overlook a few minor brown spots, this banana is very much worth peeling.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a fantastic showcase for the Switch 2 and the start of new things to come for the Donkey Kong property, which puts him on par with his overall-wearing Italian rival.

For a long time, Nintendo prioritised fun over technique. However, with the Nintendo Switch 2, the company has finally freed itself from the compromises it has had to make in the past. Donkey Kong Bananza is funny, beautiful and fluid in almost all circumstances. With its brilliant level design and freedom of approach, it constantly stimulates curious players, rewarding them at every turn. Its inventive challenges and mini-games offer a real challenge and will surprise you for hours. With Donkey Kong Bananza, the console shows that it has muscle, and this is indeed the first unmissable Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.

Smashing and crashing his way to a new generation, Donkey Kong is well and truly back with Donkey Kong Bananza. Each layer is an absolute joy, with largely destructible environments that are jam-packed with secrets and hidden goodies. It’s visually stunning, too; incredibly colourful and a true showcase of what the Switch 2 is capable of, with lots of variety. With so many collectables to find and a lot of nostalgic nods to D.K.’s long history, it’s a must-have platformer that nails the brief and lives up to the legacy of Nintendo’s greatest hits.

In short, Donkey Kong Bananza arrives in dazzling form for its (highly anticipated) debut with gamers, once again demonstrating the extraordinary skill and fresh artistic vision of the creative team led by director Motokura, who previously rose to prominence with the splendid Super Mario Odyssey. It's an accessible product, yet also suitable for a more experienced audience, made essential by one of the best implementations of environmental destruction ever seen in a console game. Add to this a delightful and smile-inducing story, a solid and fun gameplay formula, and top-notch technical performance, and the resulting picture is that of a new shining gem in the Switch 2's game library.



With only a few technical flaws, Donkey Kong Bananza is a game that gets almost everything right in what it set out to do and deliver to fans of the gorilla. It's refreshing to see the character getting a brand-new game—especially in a different formula from what we’ve been used to seeing since the 1990s.

All in all Donkey Kong Bananza is another splendid technical playground from the Super Mario Odyssey team. It's redesigned and reinvigorated Donkey Kong to marvellous effect, and that's coming from someone who was a big fan of Rare's version of the character. I'm not exaggerating when I say the last third of the game had me standing up in joyful disbelief, and by the time the credits rolled I was more than happy to dive back in and look for the collectibles I'd missed along the way. Donkey Kong Bananza is the second first-party Nintendo game to release for the Nintendo Switch 2, and combined with Mario Kart World I'd argue it's more than a good reason to get yourself Nintendo’s new console if you haven't already.

This is the best reason yet to own a Switch 2, and shows Nintendo at its absolute best. The central destruction mechanic is so much fun, and smart level design keeps it delightful from beginning to end with an adventure rivaling Mario's very best.

Donkey Kong Bananza is Nintendo at its best, offering tons of exploration, hours of gameplay, and a touching story that will pull at your heartstrings. While some aspects of the game can be tedious, they are quickly overshadowed by an amazing visual game that is as fun to play as it looks.

Donkey Kong Bananza is an almighty re-introduction to the world of 3D platforming for DK, and arguably the Switch 2's first absolute must-play. The punching and crashing is a passing novelty that, once you get your fill, quickly becomes just another way of exploring the wonderfully varied and beautifully presented layers. Whether it's smashing through the scenery with a Bananza Transformation or carefully planning a route to a hidden Banandium Gem, you'll have trouble finding more originality and, crucially, more enjoyment from a platformer in recent years. As the DK Rap so wisely said, "Donkey Kong is here." Now let's just hope he stays.

By swapping the little plumber for the big ape, Donkey Kong Bananza delivers a potent blend of action, creative level design, and environmental destruction that boldly reinvents the blockbuster Nintendo platformer formula.

Donkey Kong is getting his own 3D action-adventure, and it turns out great. The level destruction feels satisfying, the stages are varied, the presentation is vibrant and colorful, and there’s an incredible amount to do. The fact that the game might be a bit on the easy side is a shame in terms of challenge, but that’s literally the only point of criticism. Looking for an excellent game for the Nintendo Switch 2? Then Donkey Kong Bananza is an absolute must-play.

Nintendo typically delivers when it comes to DK, and Donkey Kong Bananza is another success story.

A fresh and ambitious 3D platformer that builds on Odyssey’s strengths, Donkey Kong Bananza trades tradition for freedom—and mostly succeeds.

With the arrival of Donkey Kong: Bananza, Nintendo’s legendary gorilla is finally back in the spotlight for a new 3D platformer. This sprawling journey is rich with challenging platforming sequences, a plethora of unique enemies, and features that will alter the DNA of this franchise moving forward. Top it all off with a story full of heart, and you’ve got an excellent addition to the Switch 2’s young library.

Bananza sets out to act as a fresh start for new and old fans alike, taking a fresh twist on what a Donkey Kong game feels like.

It’s not flawless, but what they’ve done here is take a character who’s been out in the wild and bring Donkey Kong back home, with Nintendo putting its own stamp on DK in a fresh new way. Like Breath of the Wild and Odyssey, Nintendo has taken a cornerstone character, thrown out most of the rulebook, but kept the soul. Donkey Kong Bananza feels like a blueprint for DK’s future, and a reminder of how ambitious and richly designed Nintendo’s games can be. Bananza is here now, though—and it’s really something special.

While Donkey Kong Bananza has a few frustrating moments, the new 3D adventure with DK and Pauline is a pleasure throughout thanks to fun visuals, colorful worlds and impressive gameplay that has you grinning from ear to ear (almost) every step of the way.

Donkey Kong Bananza could've easily been a reskinned Mario game with Stars replaced with bananas, but Nintendo chose the riskier path. While it has the familiar structure of past 3D platformers, everything about how I engaged with Bananza felt like a deconstruction of the genre (pun intended). While it may stick a bit too close to a familiar core structure, Bananza goes deep in exploring clever and unique ways to use its destructive systems to build a confident new platformer.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the perfect launch window title for the Nintendo Switch 2. It highlights the kind of creative whimsy that Nintendo can achieve with its new hardware, demonstrates that the Switch 2 really is more than a slightly bigger Switch… and is just a very fine game on top of all of that. Donkey Kong has finally appeared in a 3D platformer worth a damn.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a wild ride of destruction that’s hard to resist. It’s absolutely packed with content and turns our gaming habits upside down - and it’s devilishly addictive. I keep telling myself I’ll grab just one more banana and then take a break. But it never stops at just one!

When I first played Switch 2 and DK Bananza in Paris I was saying that the mechanics and ideas expected from the studio would have to more than make up for a supposed difference in appeal, but the two paragraphs above make it clear that the Japanese devs were more than aware of this and chose to cover both avenues, just in case. So, whether you're interested in the story of this new pairing of big goofy ape and charming singing girl, you'll find a very original game that, beneath its destructive appearance and platforming legacy, is actually more about exploration and game feel. If you know how to let yourself be carried away by the sonar hooks and enjoy digging into its mechanical quality, Donkey Kong Bananza is undoubtedly the first solo must-have exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. As such, it offers you a layered game with a great personality to keep unearthing the treasure trove of its fun throughout the summer and beyond.

Donkey Kong Bananza is just the best Switch 2 exclusive so far. The destruction system alone offers so much fun and is rounded out by world exploring, a cool combat system, nice puzzles and a high variety of motivating challenges. The bosses could have been a little harder, but ultimately that's just a minor weak spot in a fantastic 3D platformer.

As part of the launch line-up for the Switch 2, [Donkey Kong Bananza] nicely fills the gap for one of Nintendo's signature substantial single-player adventures. But more importantly, it's an excellent game in its own right, and deserves to be mentioned alongside games like Mario Odyssey as among Nintendo's best recent work.

Donkey Kong Bananza delivers tons of creative fun and is the first compelling reason to buy Nintendo's new hybrid console.

A triumphant return to centre court for Donkey Kong, with the best destruction effects in gaming and mountains of bizarre and wonderful ideas - and a surprising amount of jank when it comes to the camera.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a dream come true for fans of 3D-platforming collectathon sandboxes. While the ambitious visuals can cause some noticeable framerate issues, the gameplay loop of exploration and destruction is more than satisfying enough to make up for it. With a fun cast of characters, wholesome narrative, surprisingly deep worldbuilding, and vast open areas bursting with creativity (and plenty of bananas), if you enjoyed Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza is sure to make you sing your heart out.

Donkey Kong Bananza is another good reason to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 if you haven't already, after Mario Kart World. But if the kart franchise will get better with post-launch support, DK and Pauline adventure is already a great game at day one, albeit too simple even for Nintendo standards. A triumphant level design and a mesmerizing destruction rage will accompany both veterans and newcomers to the center of the earth.

Donkey Kong Bananza is Nintendo’s daring challenge to breathe new life into a series that once stood alongside Mario, extending the realm of 3D platformers deep beneath the ground. This endeavor—to dig with bare hands, to give form to a wonderfully pure imagination—is an experience so powerful, it unearths a childlike joy you thought was long buried by the weight of years.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the second must-play title of 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2 owners. From start to finish, the game puts a smile on your face—one that won’t fade even after the credits roll. Bananza offers a great deal of freedom, features a fantastic soundtrack, and looks stunning 99% of the time. Add to that the excellent platforming elements and the unique twist of the transformations, and I can’t help but wholeheartedly recommend this game.

It’s easy (and generally a delight) to get lost in the worlds of Donkey Kong Bananza In this lavishly animated extravaganza, Donkey Kong is the muscle that pounds, digs and slaps like the Incredible Hulk in fur, oversized necktie and ragged britches.

It doesn’t quite have the variety and spark of Mario Odyssey, though it does offer a lot of the same rewarding collectathon structure. Unlike most of the ground beneath DK’s feet, it’s really solid stuff.

Donkey Kong Bananza tries a lot of new ideas, and the vast majority of them not only work, but revolutionize the idea of a 3D platformer. There are definitely problems along the way, and it is a long way from perfect, but I can’t argue with how much pure fun there is to be had in playing Donkey Kong Bananza.

Donkey Kong Bananza is fun and best enjoyed in small sessions, with a great destruction mechanic and creative side challenges that are the game's highlight. The lack of difficulty might bother some, but it’s exactly what the Switch 2 needs in its early days.

Donkey Kong Bananza delivers everything we hoped for in a modern 3D adventure starring Nintendo’s most beloved ape. Its addictive, destruction-focused gameplay, clever level design, and surprisingly developed story are definite highlights. However, the lack of real challenge makes it feel too easy at times. On top of that, the overwhelming amount of collectibles feels excessive and unnecessary for a game that didn’t need them to shine.

Innovative, refreshing and incredibly entertaining: Donkey Kong Bananza inspires with new ideas without forgetting its roots.

Donkey Kong Bananza impresses with its freedom, creative puzzles, and engaging mechanics. But its resemblance to Super Mario Odyssey and the lack of a truly groundbreaking element keep it from reaching the heights of Nintendo's most iconic games.

Donkey Kong Bananza isn't the absolute masterpiece some were expecting, but it's an excellent action-adventure game with effective, accessible gameplay and plenty of fresh ideas. It carves out a new direction for Donkey Kong without revolutionizing the formula, but with enough bananas, transformations and discoveries to please a wide audience. A title with groove, that hits the mark (and hard), and that makes you want to come back again and again.

Despite some of its flaws, Donkey Kong: Bananza perfectly fills a niche hungry for a colorful, joyful adventure, which provides a lot of unrestrained fun. The game draws extensively on the ideas from Super Mario Odyssey, with the addition of great mechanics of dynamic destruction. Fingers crossed that further games designed for Switch 2 will prove equally successful.

With a few hiccups, Donkey Kong Bananza succeeds in bringing back the character to the spotlight. The game’s ambition charges its price with technical difficulties, but still checks all the boxes and shows that there’s still space to subvert the most essential genre in gaming – and it makes all sense that this new approach comes from Nintendo.

Donkey Kong Bananza is probably the game that will be best remembered as the main attraction within Switch 2 launch window. As with most Nintendo titles, the main focus is providing as much fun as possible.

Bananza is a lot of fun, but it's also a game that I wish I could have appreciated more. If its particular brand of sandbox gameplay had clicked with me, I might have considered calling it a Nintendo classic. Despite this, I still found the main campaign to be a wonderfully imaginative ride. DK and young Pauline's team-up is bright, colourful, and full of charm, and is a worthy addition to the Switch 2's early line-up of games.

While a loose structure and light story elements means there’s a lack of push for progress, Donkey Kong Bananza allows that feeling, and provides ample reasons to take your time, to smash everything in sight, and to see what you might uncover. It’s best played without a sense of time limit, to open your eyes to the possibilities of your journey.

Donkey Kong Bananza is without a doubt the true launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2. It's a very fun and super satisfying game that will give you many hours of endless enjoyment featuring excellent destruction mechanics, a cute storyline and huge amounts of things to collect. At the same time, it's not a perfect execution, being hurt mainly by a lack of polish when it comes to performance and annoying camera issues alongside a distinct sense of lack of challenge, a collection of negative features that manages to somewhat cloud the overall experience.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a worthy successor to the sublime Super Mario Odyssey and a very impressive new entry in the DK series, in general. It’s jam-packed with creativity that will keep players coming back for more, and a huge supply of fantastic nods to past entries that make the whole experience a thorough delight. Despite the moderately disappointing soundtrack, framerate issues faced, and craziness of the camera at times, there is enough tantalising adventuring, hidden discoveries, and even intriguing RPG elements within to cover any cracks.

Fans of Donkey Kong have long waited for the hairy primate to get a Mario or Link style glow-up. One where he gets to star in his own 3D platforming adventure on the same level as a 3D Mario or The Legend of Zelda. Donkey Kong Bananza delivers on that, giving DK his first 3D adventure in decades and solidifying him as one of Nintendo's top stars, even if the final product is too derivative of Super Mario Odyssey. The narrative is a step in the right direction by focusing on the relationship between the two leads and delivering a truly stellar final act. There's a lot of Odyssey in Bananza's world design, but that does mean there's a lot to see and do across the beautifully rendered layers. Gameplay isn't refined with a lot of issues surrounding the destruction mechanics and the underutilization of the Bananza transformations, but there's still a lot of fun to be had exploring the layers and seeing what you can discover. Donkey Kong Bananza might not reach the same heights as a 3D Mario or The Legend of Zelda, but it remains fun and lays a solid foundation for future 3D Donkey Kong titles. It's alright to go bananas for Donkey Kong Bananza.

The first new Donkey Kong 3D platformer since 1999 is all about destroying your environment in the most entertaining way. The furry brute has to punch through to the world’s centre in a quest for yet more delicious bananas – and to help his popstar mate Pauline return home. Each step of their journey is colourful and compelling, and the animal-themed Bananza transformations keep the thumping action fresh. Add in an ace soundtrack, the addictive DK Artist minigame and more puns than you can shake a banana at, and Donkey Kong Bananza is a consistently brilliant good time. Mario who?

With Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo brings back its iconic gorilla in a bold, fresh take on the 3D platformer. On paper, it has all the right ingredients for a hit: a core mechanic built around full-on destruction, fully destructible environments that encourage exploration, a fun set of transformations, a dash of RPG systems, and a colorful, modern visual style. At first, it works. The game makes a strong first impression, smashing everything in sight is instantly satisfying, and there’s real freedom in how you approach levels. But after a few hours, the cracks start to show. The level design, which is so important in a 3D platformer, runs out of steam pretty fast. The early zones feel fresh, but later areas tend to blur together, with lots of rocky, cave-like environments that feel repetitive. Honestly, it feels like you spend 80% of the game underground.Pacing is also a bit off. The game throws a ton of stuff at you (objectives, collectibles, side systems), but rarely takes the time to give them real meaning. You start to feel overwhelmed, and after a while, the gameplay loop gets a bit too repetitive. There's so much going on that it ends up feeling cluttered, and the experience loses some of its clarity. Still, don’t get us wrong, we had a good time. But after our preview, we were kind of expecting a masterpiece, maybe even a game-changer for 3D platformers. So yeah,we came back down to earth a bit.

Donkey Kong Bananza occasionally slips on its own banana peel, but thankfully has enough charm to recover with a smile. This inventive platformer leans into playfulness, destruction, and enjoyable co-op, supported by great physics, vibrant visuals, and a big heart, outshining most of its technical and design stumbles.

Nintendo keeps tinkering and perfecting its 3D platformer formula through Donkey Kong Bananza, a really good collectathon and a heartfelt homage to the entire franchise. Early levels are far too easy and controls can be finicky at times, sure, but the gorilla's new adventures offer cristallized joy and sunshine with intuitive mechanics, colorful biomes and wacky hijinxes through the Earth's underground.

The biggest comparison to Mario Odyssey is probably in how, simply put, fun this game is. There’s a lot of imagination on display, and there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had as you wreck your way through each layer in chaotic fashion. I never knew I needed Zebra DK in my life, but my life is very much better for having experienced it. If this game was a bunch of bananas, there would be a couple of fruit looking bruised and disappointing. But they’d be far outnumbered by the colourful, beautiful bananas ripe for enjoyment.

I’m not sure Bananza has the same legs as Mario Odyssey. Where that game blossomed in a rich, post-credit endgame, DK lives more in the moment: moving ever forward, chewing through new ideas and never stopping to pulverise the roses. Come the game’s epic climax, he has smashed through concrete, rubber, watermelon, ostrich eggs, entire Donkey Kong Country homages, glitter balls – even the NPCs he’s trying to protect. If the weight of Switch 2 does lie on his shoulders, that’s just one more tool to bash a hole in the universe. His appetite for destruction is infectious.

A brilliant core mechanic and clever design twists make Bananza a delightfully sticky 3D platform adventure topped off with a sweet central character relationship.

Sometimes a game seems to be trying too hard with throwing every conceivable item, mechanic or even end boss(es) at the player, making it feel like it isn’t so sure of itself. DKB starts out strong and finishes relatively strongly but wobbles on the way there.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a fantastic platformer with a lot of ideas hidden inside of its barrels, but falls short of the perfection it aims for by playing a little safe. Though still a great experience for Nintendo fans, I don't think its shadow will loom as large over the Switch 2 as Super Mario Odyssey did for the original console. It's just a good honest video game, and sometimes that's enough.

Donkey Kong Bananza is an intoxicating cacophony of brawling, digging and platforming. It's a new style of 3D platformer from Nintendo that, for better and for worse, embraces the destructive chaos of letting players tunnel through and deform the world.

Falling slightly short of Odyssey’s genius, Donkey Kong Bananza is still a thoroughly entertaining Switch 2 platformer, with a heartfelt story, and DK’s most memorable adventure in years.

From start to finish, Donkey Kong Bananza is a riot. I wrapped up my journey to Bananza's credits in a little over 20 hours. Your mileage will vary wildly depending on how much optional content you decide to invest time in, but that's the beauty of it. If you're not big on collectathons, there's still plenty of game here for platforming purists to enjoy. I can't recommend enough taking on the various trials – think Shrines from Breath of the Wild – littered throughout the world, though, especially if you're a fan of 2D Donkey Kong. While performance issues were largely nonexistent in handheld mode, quite severe frame rate drops were commonplace when docked, especially during certain boss battles. This doesn't take into account any day one patches that may or may not arrive on release, and not egregious enough that your enjoyment will be hampered.

Donkey Kong Bananza is hectic, chaotic, barrels of fun, and overflowing with charisma, but it also has clear areas where it could be streamlined and improved, and that's mostly the story of this game.