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[Hideous Snake]

NIntendo released new information, footage, and screenshots for 3D platforming action adventure game Donkey Kong Bananza during a dedicated Nintendo Direct broadcast today, revealing details on the game's story, abilities, transformations, cooperative play, collectibles, and more

The Donkey Kong Bananza game kicks off in Ingot Isle, where the discovery of the century has just been made within its cavernous depths: golden bananas! This turns out to be excellent news for renowned banana fan Donkey Kong, who just happens to be there for this incredible find. However, just before DK can indulge in the gilded treats, a tempest sends him hurtling deeper into the depths of the planet. There, he meets a mysterious new ally in Odd Rock, who turns out to be a talented young singer named Pauline! Together, the pair explore the vast Underground World by smashing, crashing, jumping and singing their way through it. A rollicking adventure you can play solo or in cooperative play with a friend, Donkey Kong Bananza gives you new ways to cut loose and unleash your inner Kong!

• New Ways to Smash and Bash – As Donkey Kong, you will be able to utilize powerful abilities to smash your way through obstacles and enemies and even unearth discoveries! Use Dive Punch to drill deep into the earth, roll yourself over obstacles, and perform a Hand Slap to help locate hidden items. You can also tear off chunks of ground to either throw at enemies or ride on top of by Turf Surfing and more. These abilities can even be combined for maximum mayhem!
• Bananza Transformations – While this unlikely duo explores the Underground World, Pauline can enhance Donkey Kong's destructive ability and even make him temporarily transform through the power of her singing! Collecting gold builds up their Bananergy, which allows Pauline's singing to activate the transformations, each with its own specialties. Like Kong Bananza, that makes Donkey Kong super strong, Zebra Bananza which makes him faster and lets him dash for short distances and Ostrich Bananza that allows DK to fly and drop Egg Bombs on enemies!
• Cooperative Play – By sharing a Joy-Con 2 controller, you and a friend can control Donkey Kong and Pauline separately in local cooperative play. Unleash Pauline's vocal blasts using the Joy-Con 2 controller's mouse functionality! You can also use GameShare1 to share the game and play in cooperative play with another player locally even if they don't have the game themselves and use GameChat to invite friends online to join you via voice or video chat.

• Race to the Planet Core – Legend has it, the Planet Core has the ability to grant your heart's desire, so Donkey Kong and Pauline set off on a quest to reach it. Pauline hopes it will be able to return her to the surface, while Donkey Kong plans to ask it for more (what else?) bananas! Unfortunately, they aren't the only ones seeking the Planet Core: The Void Company is also racing there for their own nefarious purposes! A villainous mining operation whose reach extends through every layer of the Planet, VoidCo is not only responsible for the banana-stealing maelstrom that sent Donkey Kong hurtling underground in the first place, but they are also responsible for turning Pauline into Odd Rock. As they all dig deeper towards the Planet Core, Donkey Kong and Pauline must do whatever they can to get there first!
• Collectibles – While you dig your way through the Underground World, you'll discover useful items to help you along your journey. Uncover golden bananas called Banandium Gems buried behind walls, under the ground, and sometimes right out in the open. Collecting these Banandium Gems earn you Skill Points that increase DK's power and even allows you to learn new Skills to add to your repertoire. You can also earn Banandium Gems through challenges like timed battles, side-scrolling stages, obstacle courses and more. You will also uncover banana slice-shaped items called Banandium Chips and gold nuggets called Banandium Gold. You can trade Banandium Chips for Banandium Gems at the Chip Exchange and Banandium Gold for useful items at the Stuff Shop. As you dig for these banana-shaped goodies, you may also discover Fossils. If you happen to find one during your excavations, take them to the Style Shops and trade them for different fashions for Donkey Kong and Pauline, almost all of which come with useful extra benefits, as well as fur colors for DK.
• Other New and Familiar Faces – While uncovering more about the villainous activities of the Void Company, Donkey Kong and Pauline encounter many inhabitants across the Underground World. In addition to the giant Elders, familiar faces like Cranky Kong and his companion Rambi show up as well. You'll also come face to face with Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong and others who work for VoidCo leader, Void Kong.
• Getaways and Eelevators – Need a break? Treat yourself to a Getaway while in the Underground World and sleep in a comfy bed to help restore your energy. You can even choose some music to enjoy while you rest. And if you want to explore areas you've already been to with ease, use the Eelevators—subterranean eels that can carry you quickly from layer to layer.
• Creative Game Modes – Get ready to explore new game modes and ways to play Donkey Kong Bananza. This includes Photo Mode, where you can change the in-game camera angle and adjust other settings to snap your ideal pic. And in DK Artist, you can use the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls to take a break from the action and carve designs into stone. You can even change the lighting and add banana effects to give your masterpiece its finishing touches.
• amiibo – Donkey Kong Bananza also supports amiibo! A Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo figure will be available on July 17, and it allows you to unlock Pauline's in-game Diva Dress early and receive KONG tiles with explosive power. Scan other Donkey Kong character amiibo figures and you will also earn gold KONG tiles. What's more, if you scan any other available amiibo, you'll receive a giant sphere of terrain material to aid you on your adventure!

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct details story, abilities, transformations, co-op play, collectibles, and more

Nintendo released new information, footage, and screenshots for 3D platforming action adventure game Donkey Kong Bananza during a dedicated Nintendo Direct broadcast today, revealing details on the…

www.gematsu.com

 

[Punished Miku]

People criticizing the "garish" colors are going to regret their words and deeds. Never seen so much deep black and gold in a Nintendo game. The art is phenomenal.

 

[SamuraiEdge]

Really impressive from what I saw and I can't wait to get my hands to play. Pauline is so adorable!

 

[Metnut]

This looks so good makes me think Nintendo should've delayed the Switch 2 launch so that this came out on day 1.

 

[HRK69]

This looks so good makes me think Nintendo should've delayed the Switch 2 launch so that this came out on day 1.

You should stop thinking for a while

 

[Mr Hyde]

Looks like a killer app for Switch 2. The physics based gameplay looks super fun to engage with.

 

[Lethal01]

This looks so good makes me think Nintendo should've delayed the Switch 2 launch so that this came out on day 1.

Yes, Nintedo should lauch their biggest games on the same day.....

 

[clarky]

This looks so good makes me think Nintendo should've delayed the Switch 2 launch so that this came out on day 1.

Why? Terrible take.

 

[LordCBH]

This game is gonna be fun as fuck. Can't wait

 

[clarky]

People criticizing the "garish" colors are going to regret their words and deeds. Never seen so much deep black and gold in a Nintendo game. The art is phenomenal.

The last trailer the colours were disgusting. No way would I want a full game like that. Thankfully looks like every level is really different.

Looked fantastic today tbh.

 

[Punished Miku]

The last trailer the colours were disgusting. No way would I want a full game like that. Thankfully looks like every level is really different.

Looked fantastic today tbh.

 

[Hideous Snake]

People criticizing the "garish" colors are going to regret their words and deeds. Never seen so much deep black and gold in a Nintendo game. The art is phenomenal.

Everything is impressive about this game. Magnificent effort! Although the development team isn't confirmed yet for some reason, I do believe its Mario Odyssey team

 

[phant0m]

Man I hope we get a surprise DK Rap 2 from Grant on the title screen

sung by Pauline

 

[DenchDeckard]

Mario Kart then this a month later and Metroid prime this year?

Thats how you do a console launch / first year.

 

[Reaseru]

So the rumors were true. That little rock was Pauline after all.

 

[Hideous Snake]

So the rumors were true. That little rock was Pauline after all.

Fuck yeah! She can be controlled in co-op too

 

[diffusionx]

This looks so good makes me think Nintendo should've delayed the Switch 2 launch so that this came out on day 1.

It's coming out right when people who bought the system in June played Mario Kart and whatever and are looking for something else.

Nintendo did this when the Switch 1 came out, strung people along all year, it worked out great.

 

[Hyet]

Why? Terrible take.

Why? Having 2 new games at release is better than having 1

 

[clarky]

Why? Having 2 new games at release is better than having 1

No it isn't. This is why you don't run a multi billion dollar company.

 

[Hyet]

It's coming out right when people who bought the system in June played Mario Kart and whatever and are looking for something else.

It's coming like 3 weeks after that. They entierty of June and 2/3 of july will have passed with no other Nintendo game to get other than Mario Kart.

 

[clarky]

It's coming like 3 weeks after that. They entierty of June and 2/3 of july will have passed with no other Nintendo game to get other than Mario Kart.

Oh no not almost 6 weeks without a Nintendo exclusive.

 

[Hyet]

No it isn't.

You left the 'Why?' part of my question unaswered

 

[Ridicululzz]

This looks so good. I haven't gotten the Switch 2 yet, but definitely will for this one

 

[Hyet]

Oh no not almost 6 weeks without a Nintendo exclusive.

More like 6 weeks without a brand new game to play

 

[clarky]

You left the 'Why?' part of my question unaswered

Plenty of stuff to play. Let Mario Kart do the heavy lifting at launch then keep the momentum going the month after with another banger. Seems fairly obvious to me.

If they release both at launch you'd still be here moaning now that we don't have anymore Nintendo games coming this month.

 

[RoboFu]

You left the 'Why?' part of my question unaswered

Sometimes is better to stagger your big crowd pullers to keep them entertained longer while your library builds.

 

[FoxMcChief]

Holy crap, this looks great!

 

[Hyet]

Sometimes is better to stagger your big crowd pullers to keep them entertained longer while your library builds.

If there are plenty of brand new games on your release lineup this is certainly true. Sadly not the case for Switch 2.

 

[clarky]

Holy crap, this looks great!

I know right?

 

[RoboFu]

If there are plenty of brand new games on your release lineup this is certainly true. Sadly not the case for Switch 2.

huh pretty sure switch games are topping the sells charts. even in the UK.

D

Thread 'UK software sales chart for the week ending June 7, 2025 (First Switch 2 SW sales)'

Jun 9, 2025

The latest UK software sales chart for the week ending June 7, 2025 is now available.

With Nintendo Switch 2 finally launching, the first games for the system are now appearing. Mario Kart World takes the top spot immediately at #1. Other titles in the top ten include Cyberpunk 2077, Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Street Fighter 6, and Bravely Default. A few other are scattered throughout as well.

Here's the full UK software sales chart for the week ending June 7, 2025:

Last Week	This Week	Game	Platform Split

...

• daxgame
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Gaming Discussion

• 
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[clarky]

If there are plenty of brand new games on your release lineup this is certainly true. Sadly not the case for Switch 2.

Switch 2's first month or 2 looks a hell of a lot better than most 1st party launches. I don't see the issue.

 

[HRK69]

More like 6 weeks without a brand new game to play

Ah yes, let's delay an entire console launch because checks notes… someone might be slightly bored for a month and a half

Lmfao

 

[FoxMcChief]

Game seems huge. Like Breath of the Wild huge.

 

[Danjin44]

This game is gonna soooo fucking FUN! this game could very well be my most hype game this year.

 

[Mister Wolf]

People criticizing the "garish" colors are going to regret their words and deeds. Never seen so much deep black and gold in a Nintendo game. The art is phenomenal.

That's the best game cover I've seen in quite some time.

 

[FoxMcChief]

Whoah!? Game share co-op to a regular Switch?

 

[Punished Miku]

That's the best game cover I've seen in quite some time.

It really is. It makes me want it physical for the first time in years. (I still pre-ordered it digital)

 

[Hyet]

huh pretty sure switch games are topping the sells charts. even in the UK.

Are those new?

 

[kunonabi]

No it isn't. This is why you don't run a multi billion dollar company.

Funny how the narrative has changed since the N64 days.

 

[Spukc]

So is it good?

 

[Hyet]

Ah yes, let's delay an entire console

Nintendo tends to sit on finished games for moths so I'd say bring forwars DK release date to lauch date instead

 

[Forth]

Have they said how big it will be?
I'm absolutely loving the look of this game and I want to to have large varied worlds.

 

[clarky]

Funny how the narrative has changed since the N64 days.

You mean business strategy.

No idea what you are talking about when you say narrative. Unless you think I was posting on forums 20 odd years ago cheering on 2 first party releases at launch.

 

[Zacfoldor]

I'm really hyped on this one fellas. I think it has that old Nintendo magic. I can't wait. Nintendo please let me order Switch 2 online!

 

[DenchDeckard]

2D stuff as well. Holy shit this games going to be amazing.

 

[PanzerCute]

The last trailer the colours were disgusting. No way would I want a full game like that. Thankfully looks like every level is really different.

Looked fantastic today tbh.

Agree. I also thought Mario Kart World looked like shit in the preview video and I find the game gorgeous now that I am playing it. The colors seemed washed out on YouTube.

I believe this will be the same for DK.

I have never been a big fan of these Nintendo platformers, but this one seems very good. I might buy it.

 

[clarky]

Have they said how big it will be?
I'm absolutely loving the look of this game and I want to to have large varied worlds.

My guess would be 8 worlds, layers I think they called them in the direct. Think we saw 4 today?

 

[Danjin44]

I LOOOVE how expressive the characters are especially DK…..I personally LOVE art direction in this game.

 

[Kataploom]

People criticizing the "garish" colors are going to regret their words and deeds. Never seen so much deep black and gold in a Nintendo game. The art is phenomenal.

It's about everything being so extremely colorful but not in a balanced way like, say, Mario 3D World or something like that... It's like they put saturation and complementary coloring to max or something like that, I really feel overwhelmed by it and not sure if I'll get the game based on that alone, I may enjoy it and even some of its visuals, but I can't see myself playing for long without some days or weeks long pauses to reduce or prevent overstimulation... It really is THAT bad for me

 

[Punished Miku]

It's about everything being so extremely colorful but not in a balanced way like, say, Mario 3D World or something like that... It's like they put saturation and complementary coloring to max or something like that, I really feel overwhelmed by it and not sure if I'll get the game based on that alone, I may enjoy it and even some of its visuals, but I can't see myself playing for long without some days or weeks long pauses to reduce or prevent overstimulation... It really is THAT bad for me

Yeah, that's weird. I find it exciting. A lot of interesting and dissonant color choices. I find it exciting how much black and harsh coloring is in the game. Feels really fresh and a bit edgy, which is unusual for Nintendo. Hope it works out for you though.