Donkey Kong Bananza’s Newest DLC Dissection

Mark your calendars for September 12, 2025, because on that day, fans of Donkey Kong are set to experience the latest DLC, Emerald Rush, on Nintendo Switch 2. But is it truly worth the $20 investment?

With recent controversies surrounding Nintendo’s pricing strategies, including the jaw-dropping $70 Super Mario Galaxy collection, this DLC has stirred the pot even further. While the base game of Donkey Kong Bananza has been a hit, many are curious if this follow-up is more than just a cash grab.

What’s New in Emerald Rush?

First off, many have fretted over what to expect from DK Island, which was heavily showcased in the marketing. Is it the new heart of gameplay? Not exactly. While DK Island serves as a lush backdrop reminiscent of the Mushroom Kingdom, it lacks any true substance, with no collectibles or unique treasures to discover. Instead, it’s primarily a pretty setting for the new Emerald Rush mode.

Emerald Rush is a roguelike experience, something many wouldn’t associate with a 3D platformer. However, if you enjoy roguelike gameplay, this may be your jam. Just know that DK Island is merely a playground for this mode, and the game shines brightest when you dive deep into Emerald Rush.

Unlocking Challenges and Rewards

Prepare yourself for a grind! Unlocking the full potential of Emerald Rush requires dedication, as you’ll progress through increasingly difficult rounds across various game layers. Each round converts Gold into Emeralds, challenging you to collect enough within a set time limit. Prowess will be necessary—especially at higher difficulty levels—if you want to stand a chance at completing all challenges.

The rewards for mastering Emerald Rush include upgrades and new layers to challenge yourself on, alongside some fresh attire for DK and Pauline. If you have a soft spot for competition and like replaying levels, then you might find value in the $20 entry fee.

Is It Worth It?

In conclusion, Donkey Kong Bananza’s Emerald Rush DLC is a mixed bag. It might serve as an entertaining distraction, but many players could find themselves moving on after just a few hours. While hardcore fans eager to delve into the nuances of Emerald Rush will likely find joy in the challenge, casual gamers might wonder if the gameplay thrives independently.

Ultimately, if the idea of a Donkey Kong roguelike doesn’t excite you, it might be best to skip this one. Given the potential for more dynamic content within Donkey Kong Bananza, players may feel disappointed that this DLC doesn’t deliver a more enriching experience. Think of it as a pretty wrapper lacking the substance you might expect. If you’re on the fence, consider researching gameplay online before committing to the purchase.

The Bottom Line

In the grand landscape of Donkey Kong titles, DK Island and Emerald Rush sits somewhere between intriguing and forgettable. In an ideal world, it would have offered exclusive levels and collectibles to warrant the price tag, but as it stands, it may leave fans yearning for more.