Donkey Kong Bananza

A 3D platformer where you tunnel through destructible terrain and reshape levels while Pauline's songs power up your punches.

Last reviewed: May 1, 2026

Released Jul 2025 Adventure

Switch 2's Mario Odyssey moment — DK Bananza's destructible-terrain platforming is the rare 3D-platformer mechanic that's actually new, and it carries the whole game.

9.0 /10

Mighty

Previously an Editor's pick

For you if

Mario Odyssey was your last great 3D platformer and you've been waiting for the next Nintendo idea-bomb.
Destructible terrain as a primary movement system (tunnel down, knock walls in, reshape levels) sounds like a feature you'll engage with for 30+ hours.
Pauline-and-DK as a duo with mechanical interplay (DK punches, she sings to power-up) is the kind of design you'll appreciate.

Not for you if

You don't own a Switch 2 — Bananza is exclusive, no PC/PS5/Xbox release window.
3D-platformer collectible-hunting fatigue sets in for you fast — Bananza has a lot of post-completion gather work.
You wanted a sequel to Donkey Kong Country (2D platformer) — Bananza is firmly 3D and shares more with Odyssey than DKC.

What critics say

4/5Eurogamer
A brilliant core mechanic makes Bananza a delightfully sticky 3D platform adventure
Alex Donaldson Read review →
9/10Game Informer
A showpiece for Nintendo's new console meeting incredibly high standards since the '80s
Kyle Hilliard Read review →
9/10GameSpot
A raucous, wildly inventive, and propulsive platformer that reboots an iconic mascot
Steve Watts Read review →

Before You Play

Refreshed monthly

What should new Donkey Kong Bananza players prioritize?

Bananza isn't a class-based game — your "build" is which Bananza Transformation you've unlocked. Kong Bananza (raw destruction) is the default heavy hitter; Zebra Bananza speeds across water and crumbling terrain; Ostrich Bananza enables flight and Egg Bomb drops. Always keep Red Balloons in your inventory (buy them whenever you visit a vendor — they're your respawn safety net). The map's "+" button resets the current layer's terrain if you've dug yourself into a stuck position. Unlock Getaways at every opportunity for fast travel.

Source: Revolution Arena Beginner's Guide

Does Donkey Kong Bananza have selectable difficulty modes?

Not in the traditional easy/normal/hard sense. The game has an Assist Mode you can toggle on at any time, which provides persistent objective markers (so you'll rarely get lost in the open destructible levels) and increases DK's health. Most players don't need it for the main story, but it's a clean accessibility option for younger players or anyone wanting to focus on exploration over platforming challenge. The post-game Elder Rehearsal content is significantly harder than the main campaign.

Source: Nintendo Life Walkthrough

Are any collectibles missable in Donkey Kong Bananza?

Nothing is permanently missable — the game lets you return to every layer/world after the credits to clean up Banandium Gems (777 total), Fossils (696), and Discs (110). The secret ending requires finding all of them, so completionists won't run out of content. Layers also let you reset terrain via the map "+" button if you've broken an environment in a way that hides a collectible.

Source: Game Rant Post-Game Content

Do I need to play earlier Donkey Kong games before Bananza?

No. Donkey Kong Bananza is a fresh 3D platformer experience designed for the Switch 2; it shares characters and world-flavor with the Donkey Kong Country and Mario universe (Pauline appears as a key co-protagonist), but the gameplay is built from scratch around terrain destruction and voxel manipulation. No prior series knowledge is required. If anything, the gameplay is closer in spirit to Super Mario Odyssey than to past DK platformers.

Source: Wikipedia

Is there content to do after beating Donkey Kong Bananza?

Substantial. After defeating King K. Rool in New Donk City, Pauline's new Elder Rehearsal questline opens up — these are some of the most intense platforming challenges in the game and unlock the Diva Dress cosmetic for Pauline. Beyond that, returning to earlier layers to mop up Banandium Gems, Fossils, and Discs unlocks the secret ending if you collect all 777/696/110. Most completion-focused players spend 30+ hours in post-game alone.

Source: GamesRadar Post-Game Guide