Donkey Kong Bananza brings 3D platforming and chaos to Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup
Nintendo's upcoming console, the Switch 2, will launch with Donkey Kong Bananza, a vibrant and action-packed platformer that puts the spotlight back on one of its most iconic characters. According to Jordan Minor of PCMag, the game was the standout title at Nintendo's recent hands-on event—so compelling it briefly made him forget about Mario.
In Bananza, Donkey Kong features a refreshed design—first seen in The Super Mario Bros. Movie—with expressive eyes and finely detailed, feather-like fur. The first level is set in a gold mine, where Kong dons a miner's outfit and powers through mud, crystals, and hidden bananas in a richly interactive, destructible environment.
Though not officially confirmed, Minor speculates that the game could be the work of Nintendo's Tokyo studio, the developers behind Super Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Bananza mixes 3D platforming with classic 2D-style sequences, like barrel blasts and mine carts, while leaning into Donkey Kong's brute strength. Rather than bouncing around like Mario, players smash through terrain, unearth collectibles, and hurl explosive rocks to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
Other mechanics include rolling into a ball, climbing walls, and interacting with a mysterious talking rock companion. While not all abilities were needed in the demo, Minor noted the controls felt intuitive and teased deeper exploration possibilities ahead.
Donkey Kong Bananza will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, retailing at $70. With stunning visuals, tactile gameplay, and a fresh direction for the franchise, Bananza is shaping up to be the 3D Donkey Kong adventure fans have been waiting for.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Donkey Kong Bananza brings 3D platforming and chaos to Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup
Nintendo's upcoming console, the Switch 2, will launch with Donkey Kong Bananza, a vibrant and action-packed platformer that puts the spotlight back on one of its most iconic characters. According to Jordan Minor of PCMag, the game was the standout title at Nintendo's recent hands-on event—so compelling it briefly made him forget about Mario. In Bananza, Donkey Kong features a refreshed design—first seen in The Super Mario Bros. Movie—with expressive eyes and finely detailed, feather-like fur. The first level is set in a gold mine, where Kong dons a miner's outfit and powers through mud, crystals, and hidden bananas in a richly interactive, destructible environment. Though not officially confirmed, Minor speculates that the game could be the work of Nintendo's Tokyo studio, the developers behind Super Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Bananza mixes 3D platforming with classic 2D-style sequences, like barrel blasts and mine carts, while leaning into Donkey Kong's brute strength. Rather than bouncing around like Mario, players smash through terrain, unearth collectibles, and hurl explosive rocks to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Other mechanics include rolling into a ball, climbing walls, and interacting with a mysterious talking rock companion. While not all abilities were needed in the demo, Minor noted the controls felt intuitive and teased deeper exploration possibilities ahead. Donkey Kong Bananza will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, retailing at $70. With stunning visuals, tactile gameplay, and a fresh direction for the franchise, Bananza is shaping up to be the 3D Donkey Kong adventure fans have been waiting for.
Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Express Tribune
The Outer Worlds 2 hits $80, Brandon Adler says we don't set the prices
The release of The Outer Worlds 2 is set to make waves with a price tag of $80, marking it as the first Xbox-published game to carry such a hefty price point. However, in an interview at the Summer Game Fest, Obsidian Entertainment's director, Brandon Adler, was quick to clarify that the developers had no say in the pricing decision. 'The price is set by the platform holders,' Adler said, referring to Xbox, which recently confirmed that several first-party games will carry the same price from this holiday season onward. The Outer Worlds 2, set to launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on October 29, is the first example of this price shift. 'I wish everybody could play my game,' Adler continued, acknowledging the challenges the higher price could pose to some fans. 'But for the reasons behind the $79.99 price point, you'd have to talk to the Xbox folks,' he said, carefully deflecting any personal opinions on the matter. This price hike follows a trend seen with other major titles, such as Nintendo's Mario Kart World for the Switch 2, which debuted at the same price earlier this year. With the rising costs of AAA game production, discussions surrounding $80 games have intensified, especially as other publishers like Sony and Nintendo have implemented similar pricing structures. While the high cost of games may continue to be a point of contention, it's clear that the industry is evolving in response to production costs and market trends. Fans of the video game franchise have been voicing their criticisms online. The Outer World 2 trailer being sarcastic about "Capitalism" and whatnot just to launch with the $80 price tag... — Vboy (@The_Vboy) June 8, 2025 "Oh, it's Inflation raising game prices." Yeah, no. Expedition 33 is $50 and was released like 8 weeks ago. It's one of the greatest games I've ever played. And it cost $50 bucks. $80 for Mario Kart and Outer Worlds 2 is PURE GREED. — Fake Wizard (@RealLifeFakeWiz) June 9, 2025 PSA: Do Not buy The Outer Worlds 2 for $80. Instead get it on Game Pass, as it will be on that service at launch. This Xbox $10 price increase feels REALLY bad, especially on games like this. — Joe Vargas (@AngryJoeShow) June 9, 2025 As someone who is insanely hyped for The Outer Worlds 2, $80 is a scam. No, " just get Game Pass" is not a valid counter. I do not want my access to games locked behind a subscription, which keeps getting more expensive. Shame on @Xbox for hurting the hype of this for greed. — 🅁🄴🅃🅁🄾 🏳️🌈🇺🇦 (@totallynotretro) June 9, 2025 Whether The Outer Worlds 2 will become the new norm remains to be seen, but fans of the RPG are already gearing up for its launch, eager to explore the absurd perks that Adler and his team have packed into the new title. The conversation around pricing is set to continue as other upcoming titles, like Borderlands 4, spark heated debates among fans and developers alike. Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford, for instance, has faced backlash after suggesting that true fans would find a way to afford the higher price tag. As the industry moves forward, how players and developers navigate these changes will likely shape the future of gaming. In the meantime, The Outer Worlds 2 promises an eccentric journey through its RPG universe, with the game's quirky features already catching the attention of many. The launch in October will no doubt spark further discussions, not only about its pricing but also about its place in the ever-expanding world of AAA gaming.
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Nintendo Switch 2 smashes record as company's fastest-selling console
TOKYO: Japan's Nintendo said on Wednesday it had sold more than 3.5 million Switch 2 units in the first four days after its launch, making the console the company's fastest-selling gaming device to date. Last month, the Kyoto-based company forecast Switch 2 sales would reach 15 million during the current financial year ending next March. 'Fans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go,' Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser said in a statement. Gamers line up for Nintendo Switch 2 launch with global shortfall expected Nintendo has sold 152 million Switch devices since it was first launched in 2017, creating a games juggernaut with titles including 'The Legend of Zelda' and COVID-19 pandemic breakout hit 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons'. The more powerful second-generation version, which went on sale on June 5, bears many similarities with its predecessor but offers a larger screen and improved graphics. It is sold with titles including 'Mario Kart World'.
