Donkey Kong is swinging back onto the gaming stage in a big way. Surprisingly, his latest adventure has been in development for nearly eight years. That’s possibly longer than even the long-gestating Grand Theft Auto 6. As Donkey Kong Bananza prepares to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, fans are getting a look at the ambition behind one of Nintendo’s most iconic franchises.
A Journey That Began in 2017
Donkey Kong Bananza’s story didn’t start yesterday. Producer Kenta Motokura, who also directed Super Mario Odyssey, confirmed that development began in 2017. Bananza was first planned for the original Nintendo Switch. Over time, it shifted to the new Switch 2, much like Mario Kart World.
Much of those early years were likely spent in pre-production. The team was refining ideas, experimenting with tech, and defining the game’s direction. Director Kazuya Takahashi, who joined Nintendo in 2020, replayed every previous Donkey Kong game to capture the right feel for the new title.
By comparison, GTA 6 reportedly didn’t enter serious development until 2020, after Red Dead Redemption 2. That means Donkey Kong may have the edge in sheer time spent in development, even though GTA is one of gaming’s biggest franchises.
What Is Donkey Kong Bananza All About?
Bananza is Donkey Kong’s first full 3D adventure since the Nintendo 64 days. This time, the iconic ape goes underground on a quest with Pauline, who has evolved into a capable co-hero.
The Story
VoidCo, a mysterious villainous group, steals the Golden Bananas. This sparks an underground journey where Donkey Kong and Pauline must recover the treasure. Deep beneath the planet’s surface, they might even get wishes granted. The story mixes classic Donkey Kong energy with new twists for modern players.
See Also: Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline’s Disney Connection Explained
Gameplay Mechanics
Bananza borrows some ideas from Super Mario Odyssey but stands out with unique features:
- Destructible Environments: Nintendo’s voxel tech lets players smash barrels, terrain, and objects in real time. It’s not just visual flair—it’s part of solving puzzles and exploring hidden areas.
- Co-op Dynamic with Pauline: Like Mario and Cappy, Donkey Kong and Pauline work together with special mechanics. Pauline isn’t just a sidekick—she’s playable and brings unique transformations, costumes, and abilities.
- Costume-Based Abilities: Donkey Kong wears different outfits that unlock special moves, adding variety to combat and exploration.
- Complex Levels: Stages are larger and more vertical. They’re filled with secrets and environmental storytelling.
- Single-Player Focus: Despite Pauline’s role, Bananza is a single-player game. Players switch between characters rather than playing co-op simultaneously.
- Cinematic Storytelling: The game features narrative moments and changes in tone. It aims for a more dramatic feel than older Donkey Kong games.
- Dynamic Interactions: Donkey Kong and Pauline perform unique combos and react differently depending on who’s in control.
- Physics-Driven Destruction: Smashing objects isn’t just fun—it’s tied directly into discovering secrets and solving challenges.
- First 3D Donkey Kong in Decades: Bananza is the first full 3D Donkey Kong game since the N64 era. That’s a big leap after years of 2D games.
Bananza wants to honor Donkey Kong’s roots while modernizing the series with new technology and ideas.
The Scope vs. the Wait
Donkey Kong Bananza has been in development for nearly eight years. That’s long for a 3D platformer. It’s not as huge in scale as GTA 6, but Nintendo’s time investment shows their commitment to quality and innovation.
While GTA 6 grabs headlines, Bananza could quietly become a standout 3D platformer for the Switch 2. Early pre-orders look strong. Experts think it could sell over a million copies on launch day, possibly making it the best-selling Donkey Kong game yet.
It’s worth noting Bananza will launch long before GTA 6, which was pushed to May 26, 2026. For gamers eager for a big release, Donkey Kong might be the perfect blockbuster to fill the gap.
A New Legacy for Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Bananza aims to do more than bring back a classic character. It might redefine what a Donkey Kong game can be. With new destruction mechanics, character-driven gameplay, and a dedicated development team, Bananza could sit alongside modern Nintendo hits like Super Mario Odyssey or Breath of the Wild.
Takahashi and Motokura said they wanted Bananza to blend “past memories along with new ideas.” They want to respect long-time fans while creating fresh experiences for new players.
Whether it’s truly “bigger” than GTA 6 might not matter. Donkey Kong Bananza looks set to be one of this summer’s must-play games—and possibly the start of a new chapter for gaming’s favorite gorilla.
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Donkey Kong Bananza launches only on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025, for $69.99. Get ready to smash barrels and hunt for those Golden Bananas!
