Donkey Kong Bananza review

Donkey Kong Bananza is the strongest new platformer built for Switch 2. Nintendo's page describes a vast underground world that you explore by smashing it: punching through walls, carving tunnels, punching straight down and tearing off chunks of terrain to throw. The more you smash, the more opens up. Pauline, a 13-year-old with a powerful voice, rides along and triggers Bananza Transformations that boost DK's strength and speed. In 2-player co-op, the second player becomes Pauline, using vocal blasts to clear paths, with optional Joy-Con 2 mouse aiming. Assist Mode helps newer players, a free demo is available, and GameShare lets a friend join locally or online. The negatives are platform and price: it requires a Switch 2, costs $69.99, and the DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC adds $19.99. Switch 2 owners who enjoyed Super Mario Odyssey should play this next.

Who it is for

Switch 2 owners who want a new 3D platformer, and pairs who want to play one together.

Price

$69.99 one-time digital purchase on the US Nintendo eShop.

Donkey Kong™ Bananza Regular Price: $69.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Smash through walls, tunnel and tear off terrain to throw
• Pauline's singing triggers Bananza Transformations
• 2-player co-op with the second player as Pauline
• Assist Mode for new players
• Free demo and the DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC for $19.99

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Destructible worlds reward curiosity
• Strength: Co-op mode gives a second player a real role
• Strength: Assist Mode and a free demo lower the barrier
• Weakness: Only on Nintendo Switch 2
• Weakness: $69.99 is high for a platformer
• Weakness: DLC adds another $19.99

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Released: July 17, 2025
• Players: 1-2
• File size: 9 GB
• eShop price: $69.99

Where it ranks

Donkey Kong Bananza is No. 7 in our Best Nintendo Switch Games verdict.