Donkey Kong Bananza is Donkey Kong’s first major 3D adventure in a very long time, and it is a brilliant one. Developed by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, it is built around one simple and joyful idea: you can smash almost everything. Walls, floors, cliffs and ceilings break under DK’s powerful fists, turning every level into a playground.
We played through the adventure on Switch 2 and spent many extra hours digging for secrets.
The story
DK travels to an island to find rare golden bananas, but a villainous group is also after them. During his journey, he falls into an underground world where he meets a young Pauline, a talented singer with a mysterious power. Together, they travel deeper toward the planet’s core.
The story is light and charming, and the relationship between DK and Pauline is surprisingly sweet. Pauline’s singing plays a big role in gameplay and adds personality to the adventure.
Destruction as gameplay
The core mechanic is destruction. DK can punch in different directions, dig through the ground and rip chunks of terrain to throw or use as surfboards. Levels are built from materials that react differently. Some break easily, others are tougher, and some have special effects.
This makes exploration feel completely different from typical platformers. Instead of looking for a path, you often create one. Hidden items and secret rooms are buried inside walls and under floors, rewarding curious players who dig everywhere.
Layers and worlds
The adventure is divided into layers, each a large world with its own theme. As you go deeper, you discover new environments, characters and challenges. Each layer is packed with collectibles, especially banandium gems used to upgrade DK’s skills.
Bananza transformations
Pauline’s songs unlock Bananza transformations. These turn DK into powerful forms with special abilities, such as faster movement, stronger smashing or flying. Using these forms to solve puzzles and defeat bosses adds variety and spectacle.
Upgrades
You can upgrade DK’s abilities with a skill tree, improving his health, smashing power and special moves. Collecting gems feels rewarding because each one leads to meaningful improvements.
Co-op
A second player can control Pauline to help by shooting voice blasts, making it a fun option for families. The second player’s role is simpler, which suits younger players or less experienced gamers.
Visuals and performance
The game is colourful and full of personality. DK’s animations are expressive and funny. With so much destruction, performance occasionally dips in busy moments, and the camera can struggle in tight underground spaces. These issues are minor compared to the fun.
Weaknesses
Besides camera and performance issues, some players may find the focus on collecting gems repetitive after many hours. Boss fights are fun but not especially challenging.
Tips for new players
- Smash everything; secrets hide in walls and floors
- Listen for sound cues that hint at hidden items
- Upgrade health early to make exploration easier
- Experiment with throwing terrain chunks
- Use Bananza forms creatively in puzzles
Who is it for?
Donkey Kong Bananza is perfect for platformer fans, families and anyone looking for a joyful game on Switch 2. Fans of Super Mario Odyssey will love its exploration and secrets.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a Switch 2 exclusive? Yes.
How long is it? The main story takes around 15 to 20 hours, with more time for collectibles.
Is it good for kids? Yes, especially with the co-op Pauline mode.
Why destruction feels so good
Many games let you destroy objects, but Bananza makes destruction the core of everything. The sound and feel of DK’s punches, the way chunks of terrain fly apart and the rumble from the controller make every action satisfying. It is like playing with the world’s best sandbox of building blocks, only with more bananas.
Comparing it to Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey focused on precise platforming and creative transformations. Bananza takes Odyssey’s exploration and secrets but replaces precision with power. Instead of carefully jumping between platforms, you often break through obstacles. Both are excellent, but they feel quite different. Bananza is louder, messier and, in many ways, more relaxing.
Hidden secrets and replay value
After finishing the story, there is plenty left to do. Hidden challenge areas, rare collectibles and secret routes reward players who keep exploring. Completionists will spend many more hours finding every gem and fossil.
A great showcase for Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bananza shows what the Switch 2 can do with large destructible environments. It is one of the strongest exclusives on the console and a great reason to own one, especially for families.
Pauline steals the show
Pauline is one of the best parts of the game. She is not just a sidekick; her songs are central to DK’s transformations, and her personality brings warmth to the adventure. Her interactions with DK, who communicates mostly through grunts and gestures, are funny and heartfelt. By the end of the game, the pair feel like a genuine team.
Music
The soundtrack is energetic and fun, with remixes of classic Donkey Kong themes and new tracks that fit each layer. Pauline’s vocal songs are highlights, especially during Bananza transformations. The music makes smashing through walls feel even more satisfying.
Accessibility for younger players
Bananza is generous with checkpoints and recovery items, making it suitable for children. Since destruction is the main mechanic, even young players can enjoy breaking things without needing precise platforming skills. Parents can join as Pauline to help, which makes it an excellent family game for weekends and school holidays.
Our routine
We played one layer per evening, then returned later to dig for leftover gems.
Is it worth full price?
For Switch 2 owners, yes. The main adventure is substantial, the amount of hidden content is generous and the co-op option adds family value. Nintendo games rarely receive big discounts, so waiting for a sale may not save much. This is one of the console’s must-have titles.
Verdict
Donkey Kong Bananza is a joyful and inventive 3D platformer. Its destruction mechanics make exploration feel fresh, its worlds are packed with secrets and the DK-and-Pauline duo is charming. Minor camera and performance issues aside, it is one of the best games on Switch 2.
