Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2: Why the Real Fun Starts When Things Get Tough
Donkey Kong is back and swinging harder than ever! At a recent hands-on event in New York, I finally got to try out Donkey Kong Bananza on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. The first thing that hits you? The sheer joy of smashing everything in sight with DK’s massive fists. But the real fun only starts when things get tricky, and that’s exactly when this new action-adventure game shows its true colors.
- First impressions from hands-on gameplay
- How difficulty and new mechanics make the game shine
- Transformations, collectibles, and co-op details
- Release date and platform info
Donkey Kong Bananza – First Steps Are a Breeze
At first, Donkey Kong Bananza feels almost too easy. The first boss, an evil Grumpy Kong, is more of a punching bag than a threat. Smashing your way through the environment is satisfying, but if you’re looking for a challenge, don’t worry – it ramps up fast. As I pushed deeper underground with DK and his sidekick Pauline, I discovered that the game is full of secrets and surprises.
Digging Deeper, Finding the Juice
The real excitement begins as you move from the easy intro levels to the more complex layers of the world. Each zone, from the Ingot Isle mines to the waterlogged Lagoon Layer, is packed with Banandium (banana-shaped gems, much like Power Moons from Super Mario Odyssey). The joy of smashing and tunneling through the environment is undeniable, though the default camera can be a bit wild—adjusting settings helps a lot.
As you explore, you’ll meet unique characters like the Great Elder ape and quirky gem people in the Canyon Layer. The real test comes in the Forest Layer, where the level design ramps up the platforming and danger. Poisonous water and spiky enemies mean you can’t just punch your way through. Here, Donkey Kong’s evolving toolkit becomes essential, and you’ll need to think before you leap.
Transformations, Co-Op, and Collectibles Galore
By this point, DK can transform into two powerful forms: Kong Bananza (with a cool banana headdress) and Ostrich Bananza (offering limited flight and egg bombs). These transformations open up new ways to explore and uncover hidden collectibles, secret side missions, and all kinds of surprises. If you love exploring big, open levels packed with secrets, Bananza is sure to keep you busy.
For those who prefer playing with friends, Donkey Kong Bananza features a breezy two-player co-op mode. The second player can control Pauline, who helps out by shouting at enemies and even blowing up parts of the environment. It’s a fun twist that lets both players stay involved without stepping on each other’s toes.
Challenging Endgame? We Hope So!
If you’re a fan of tough platforming challenges and 100% completion runs, there’s plenty of reason to be excited. Bananza looks set to follow in the footsteps of Super Mario 3D Land and Odyssey, with difficult endgame levels and a huge checklist of things to collect. Exploring every corner, finding every Banandium, and unlocking every secret promises hours of fun.
Donkey Kong Bananza launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17. If you’re looking for a game that starts simple but gets juicier and more challenging the deeper you go, keep your eyes on this one. The juice is down there, and it’s waiting for you to find it.
