Last week, during an exhilarating Nintendo Direct event for the Switch 2, fans were treated to a bounty of exciting announcements and reveals. Among them was the anticipated unveiling of a brand new 3D Donkey Kong game titled “Donkey Kong Bananza.” While it may not be the 3D Mario experience that some had hoped for, this title appears to be an impressive showcase of what Nintendo's powerful new console has to offer. Set to release exclusively on Switch 2 on July 17, 2025, here are 11 amazing things we discovered about Donkey Kong Bananza that will blow your mind!

1. Destruction Unleashed:

Players will relish the fact that they can obliterate nearly everything in the game world. Want to tunnel through mountains or explore underground caves? You can do it all with Donkey Kong’s strong punches—thanks to the enhanced processing power of the Switch 2.

2. Persistent Damage:

Every punch and explosion leaves a mark! The destruction you create isn’t just temporary. It’s persistent, meaning the changes you make to the environment remain as you continue to explore. Return to a spot after a long adventure, and you’ll see the results of your earlier destruction still intact.

3. Dynamic Material Interactions:

Different materials react in unique ways. For example, soft mud can’t destroy harder substances like rock or metal, but it can be thrown at enemies. Conversely, harder materials can be used as improvised weapons to increase Donkey Kong’s destructive potential.

4. Advanced Punch Mechanics:

Forget just having a single punch button; Donkey Kong Bananza features three distinct punches that allow players to attack up, down, and forward. Plus, by slapping the ground, players can unearth hidden treasures buried beneath layers of dirt and debris.

5. Mysterious Motivations:

While Donkey Kong wreaks havoc across the levels, he isn’t doing it just for fun. His primary motivation is to collect a newfound mineral called Banandium, which acts like the stars from Mario's universe. But instead of collecting them, Donkey Kong munches on this rare resource—an unusual and risky motive!

6. Meet Odd Rock:

Early in the game, players will encounter Odd Rock, a peculiar talking stone that falls from the sky. This quirky companion helps guide players through the game, especially useful when it’s easy to forget objectives due to all the destruction!

7. Environmental Combat:

Enemies aren’t just stationary targets—they can damage the environment, creating permanent scars that can change the landscape. Expect remnants from battles to become a part of the world as you navigate and interact with it.

8. Expansive Open World:

The game promises a vast, open-world experience filled with secrets, challenges, and destructible environments, encouraging exploration and creativity in how players tackle tasks.

9. Upgraded Graphics:

Utilizing the power of the Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza is set to feature stunning graphics with vibrant colors and dynamic animations that make every scene pop.

10. Fan-Favorite Characters:

Alongside Donkey Kong, expect to see appearances from other beloved characters within the Kong family, enhancing the nostalgic factor for long-time fans of the franchise.

11. Soundtrack and Voice Acting:

The game will feature a lively soundtrack that evolves with gameplay, paired with voice acting that brings characters to life in ways never seen before in previous Donkey Kong installments.

With its blend of classic gameplay mechanics and innovative features, Donkey Kong Bananza is positioning itself to be a highlight of the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup. Are you ready to smash your way through this adventure when it launches next summer? Keep an eye out for updates as we approach the release date!