Nintendo’s latest Direct brought the spotlight back to Donkey Kong Bananza, the upcoming Switch 2 title that’s turning more heads with every update. What began as a quirky platformer focused on banana hoarding has now been revealed to be much more ambitious, featuring character transformations, a creative co-op mode, and a few surprises that longtime fans will appreciate. And in a welcome move, Nintendo also confirmed that players on the original Switch will still be able to join in on the fun.
Transformations Add Depth to the Classic Formula
The first trailer teased destructible environments, but the newest showcase dug deeper. Donkey Kong Bananza introduces transformation mechanics that grant Donkey Kong new powers as the game progresses. Each form offers a unique ability. Kong Bananza enhances his strength and lets him charge through debris. Zebra Bananza grants him blazing speed and the power to run on water. Then there’s Ostrich Bananza, which lets him take to the skies, though not without looking comically awkward.
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Pauline Returns and She’s Not Just Watching This Time
One of the biggest surprises came with the return of Pauline, the original damsel from the Donkey Kong arcade era. While her appearance was leaked through box art ahead of the show, Nintendo confirmed she’s back in a much bigger role. Trapped in a rock by an evil mining company named VoidCo, Pauline’s new character arc adds intrigue. But it’s her role as a playable character that really sets the game apart.
In co-op mode, a second player can take control of Pauline, using her powerful singing voice to unleash soundwave attacks that shatter parts of the environment. This gameplay feature mirrors Donkey Kong’s brute-force approach but adds variety in both style and execution. What’s more, co-op play is available via GameShare, even on the original Switch, making it one of the rare Switch 2 exclusives to offer such compatibility. Online multiplayer is supported too, provided both players are on compatible systems.
Familiar Faces and Competitive Mini-Games
The trailer also featured a few familiar faces from the Donkey Kong Country series. Cranky Kong and Rambi the Rhino will play recurring roles throughout the adventure. Meanwhile, Diddy and Dixie Kong make brief appearances, shown racing against Donkey Kong and Pauline in a fast-paced minigame. It’s unclear how much these characters will factor into the core storyline, but the expanded cast is a nod to fans of the classic titles.
DK Artist Mode: A Creative Sandbox for Switch 2 Owners
One of the most unexpected features is DK Artist mode. Think of it as a spiritual successor to Mario Paint. This creative tool allows players to sculpt 3D models using the Switch 2’s mouse input. The showcase highlighted user-created models of Mario, Bowser, Donkey Kong, a pizza, and even a parakeet. There’s no clear link between this feature and the main campaign, which makes it feel more like a bonus sandbox for artistic expression. That may end up being a huge draw for players who love to tinker and create.
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A Promising Start for Switch 2’s Library
Launching a new console with a bold take on a familiar franchise is a risky move, but Donkey Kong Bananza appears to be one of the more imaginative platformers Nintendo has delivered in recent years. From inventive character mechanics and co-op accessibility to creative side modes, the game shows a clear intent to expand the boundaries of the Donkey Kong universe.
If this is the kind of innovation Nintendo is bringing to the early days of the Switch 2, fans have plenty to look forward to.
