Customer Ratings & Reviews

At first, I bought it because it was the only first-party Nintendo game from their main IP that was actually out, and I didn’t have any games on my Switch 2 yet. Since I really loved Super Mario Odyssey—and it’s from the same dev team—I figured I’d give it a try. The gameplay is chaotic, funny, and sometimes surprisingly challenging. I’ve always liked games with quirky boss fights and creative ways to move through the world, and this definitely scratches that itch. Visually, it’s stunning. The art style is super charming, the music fits perfectly, and the overall vibe of the game just feels good to play. The unique mechanic really makes it stand out too. That said, I wish there was a bit more substance. The main collectible—bananas—doesn’t really feel that meaningful. It would’ve been cool if you needed a certain amount to progress or unlock areas, just to give it a bit more drive. Still, I’d recommend it. It’s great for both kids and adults. I can easily see a parent and child taking turns on the couch for hours. Pros: Fun and creative gameplay Great visuals and music Easy to pick up and enjoy Cons: – Collectibles feel a bit shallow – Could use more content or progression goals Verdict: A charming and chaotic platformer that’s fun while it lasts, but could use a little more depth to keep players hooked.

The long anticipated follow up from Nintendo's Mario Odyssey team comes a brand new Donkey Kong adventure! The first 3D Donkey Kong game since the franchise's N64 foray over twenty years ago, Donkey Kong Banaza delivers a fluid experience that blends exploration with a more action-forward focus compared to the team's previous outing with Mario. Utilizing voxel technology the team experimented with in Odyssey, the team has created a collection of underground worlds ("Sublayers") that DK can climb, dig and punch through, reshaping terrain as you go and discovering hidden puzzles and collectibles throughout. Gameplay and Controls: Trapped far beneath the planet's crust, they only way back to the surface is to seek out the planet's core, where it's said lays a treasure that can grant any wish. DK and Pauline (a younger incarnation from her appearance in the original Donkey Kong arcade game) travel across gorgeously crafted biomes that feel vast and open despite their subterranean locations. By seeking out fossils, DK and Pauline can buy clothing upgrades that will boost DK's various stats allowing him to build faster special meters, withstand damage from environmental hazard or travel through them faster than he could initially. And by collecting Banandium Gems, giant jewel-bananas, DK can boost his stats getting more health, stronger punches and new abilities for his Banaza Forms. These forms, each themed after the other animals that dwell deep beneath the earth, allow DK to embrace new powers beyond his gorilla brawling prowess, like the speed of the Ice Cream crafting Zebras of the Freezer layer or the speed of the jungle dwelling ostriches of the Forest Layer and more! DKB is designed so that Donkey Kong can punch Up, Forward and Down at any given moment in order to more fluidly dig through and break down any barrier in his path, so each punch has been assigned to the appropriate face button on the controller (that is, the top face button will punch up, the left will punch forward, bottom will, of course, punch down). Some players may find this taking some getting used to given the near standardization of jump being placed on bottom in most platformers, but the game becomes very easy to adapt to (and for those who need, controls can be remapped as designed to bring it in line with other games' control schemes). More Brawny than Dexterous, DK by default has two alternate means of quickly getting around places that leans into the Bulky Brawler's vibes: A short roll and the newly introduced "Turf Surf", where DK can take any chunk of material he's grabbed and turn it into a surfing platform to traverse rapidly over any terrain. Likewise, Nintendo EPD cleverly envisions DK's ability to double jump not as simply kicking off the air, but by using any terrain he carries as a platform he can jump off of to reach greater heights. Story: Like other Nintendo EPD titles, Bananza is Gameplay over story, with just enough to give the game direction and charm both, with memorable characters who create lasting impressions even with short dialog scenes together. Pauline stands out, reimagined as a young girl learning to overcome her stage fright through the confidence she sees in DK and embrace her gift of singing... a talent that comes in handy to free the underground from the Void areas inflicted on it by Void Kong and his Void Company, the trio of villains also seeking out the power of the Planet Core. Summary: Donkey Kong Bananza offers a fantastic, action-platformer adventure that will provide hours of enjoyment to fans new and old alike, with a fantastic terrain destruction system that feels good to dig through (literally) and with a tactile bite that never gets old, with fun and creative boss battle, environmental puzzles and dedicated challenge levels that keep the experience feeling fresh and always keeping the player well paced in every play session. In a year stuffed with major contenders, Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to among the top of the best games of the year.

it's been over 20 years since a mainline Donkey Kong title. Donkey Kong Bananza brings a gameplay like never before. Smash your way through the planet's core before Void Kong and crew reach the Banandium Root!

Awesome game, very detailed and lots of items to collect. This is definitely a must play on the Nintendo Switch 2

Fantastic game. Nintendo has a special “something” with these games. Love it!

So far for what I've played, it's good. No complaints.

It's just a great platfoer game and boss fight is perfect

Donkey Kong Bananza is an absolute blast! The world design is imaginative, the mechanics are fresh, and the transformations (like Kong form or zebra gallop) keep gameplay exciting and varied. There’s a sense of discovery around every corner, and smashing through terrain never gets old. Playing in co-op mode adds a fun twist, too. Despite a few frame rate hiccups docked, I highly recommend this game to platformer fans—it’s one of the most fun adventures I’ve played lately.

Donkey Kong Bananza has been an absolute blast for me. Despite my ADHD occasionally pulling me away from the game, I always find myself returning because it's just so much fun. The world is incredibly interactive. Almost everything can be punched, thrown, or destroyed, which adds a layer of satisfaction to every action. The environments are rich with secrets, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. One of the standout features is the abundance of challenge rooms scattered throughout the game. These rooms offer a variety of puzzles and obstacles that test your skills and provide a refreshing break from the main gameplay. They're not only fun but also cleverly designed, making each one feel unique and rewarding to complete. The dynamic between Donkey Kong and Pauline is another highlight. Their interactions are heartwarming and add depth to the story. Kid Pauline, in particular, is an adorable little gremlin whose antics bring a smile to my face every time. Their partnership feels genuine, and it's a joy to see them work together throughout the adventure. The game offers exceptional value. The engaging gameplay, combined with the intriguing story, provides hours of entertainment. The balance between exploration, puzzle-solving, and action keeps the experience fresh and exciting. It's a game that offers both depth and accessibility, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players. As expected from Nintendo, the quality is top-notch. The game is polished, with smooth controls and well-designed levels. The attention to detail is evident, and the overall presentation is impressive. It's clear that a lot of care went into crafting this experience. The game is intuitive and easy to understand. The controls are straightforward, and the mechanics are introduced gradually, allowing players to learn at their own pace. Even with the game's depth, it never feels overwhelming, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.

Nintendo brings the jungle back to life in Donkey Kong Bananza, a vibrant and action-packed addition to the classic franchise for the Nintendo Switch 2. Staying true to its roots, the game perfectly combines the platforming fun of the Donkey Kong Country series with exciting new mechanics enabled by the enhanced hardware of the Switch 2. Fans of the banana-loving ape will feel right at home, while the fresh features breathe new life into this iconic series. The first thing that stands out is the stunning visual upgrade. The upgraded hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2 allows for ultra-smooth gameplay at 60 FPS with breathtaking 4K visuals. The environments are sprawling and diverse, with lush, vibrant jungles, icy tundras, volcanic caves, and even a brand-new floating island setting in the clouds. Each level is uniquely designed with clever puzzles and challenging platforming sequences that encourage exploration while capturing the charm of classic Donkey Kong. Gameplay has been refined with the addition of new moves for Donkey Kong and his crew. In Bananza, swinging, climbing, rolling, and ground-pounding all feel smoother and more dynamic. The game introduces a new teamwork mechanic where Donkey Kong can pair up with friends like Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky Kong to perform powerful "Tag Team Combos." These allow players to chain together exciting moves to overcome larger obstacles or take on tougher enemies. A new “Banana Fever Mode” — a high-energy, time-limited mode triggered by collecting enough golden bananas — adds a fast-paced layer of excitement and strategy to platforming sequences. For multiplayer fans, Donkey Kong Bananza shines even brighter. A robust co-op mode allows up to four players to team up locally or online, each controlling a different Kong with unique abilities. Whether you’re racing to collect the most bananas or tackling co-op-only platforming challenges, the multiplayer experience is a blast. The game also introduces some surprising new features, such as light RPG elements. Players can unlock and upgrade abilities for each Kong, providing deeper customization and encouraging replayability. The addition of a brand-new villain, Captain Vineclaw, and his mischievous crew of jungle pirates adds an engaging narrative to the game, complete with epic boss battles that feel fresh and creative. If there’s one area where Bananza falters, it’s in its difficulty balance. While fans of the original games may enjoy the challenge, newcomers could find some levels frustrating, even with the inclusion of assist items and friendly NPCs offering tips. Additionally, while the new features are exciting, some longtime fans may find the RPG elements a bit distracting from the pure platforming experience. Overall, Donkey Kong Bananza is a stellar return to form for everyone’s favorite Kong. With gorgeous visuals, enhanced mechanics, and plenty of new content, it strikes a great balance between nostalgia and innovation. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Donkey Kong, this game is a must-play for anyone with the Nintendo Switch 2.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a fantastic return to form for the series! The game looks stunning on the Nintendo Switch 2, with vibrant visuals, smooth performance, and incredible attention to detail in every jungle environment. The platforming feels tight and responsive, perfectly balancing classic Donkey Kong challenge with some fresh new mechanics that keep each level exciting. The new cooperative and motion features really add replay value, and the soundtrack is just pure nostalgia mixed with new energy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this is easily one of the best platformers on the Switch 2. Highly recommended!

This game is better than advertised. I didn’t like the original Donkey Kong SNES series, so I was hesitant to buy this. But this game plays like a combo of Mario Odyssey (open world, lots of side quests), Zelda BOTW/TOTK (leveling/skill quests similar to shrines), and relentless smashing unique to all things Kong. You could smash the entire world; think Power Wash Simulator… Very satisfying and cathartic. Fun for the whole family. My 10yr old daughter, my wife and I all love it (and they are way ahead of me… I gotta catch up).

Donkey Kong has always been a sort of appetizer to the main course that is Mario. Don't get me wrong, appetizers can be delicious and some people even order them for their full meal - but if you really wanted to taste the culinary excellence that was produced by the chef, you're going main course. Well, that was then. For the first time it feels like Donkey Kong is truly taking the leap from first page appetizer to center of the menu main course. A lot of what we saw in Mario Odyssey is borrowed here, but with a fresh coat of paint and absolutely bonkers playstyle. I never thought it would be enjoyable to run around an island destroying rocks as a giant gorilla with purple fur and funky disco pants but here we are in 2025 and I'm digging every moment of it. There is a story, but you're really here for the gameplay. Collecting bananas, destroying the environment, and progressing through the multitude of worlds is an absolute dream and if you have a Switch 2, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up. It's an instant Nintendo classic.

DK Bananza is THE flagship title to own with your new Switch 2 console. It provides great value in its fantastic creative gameplay, great soundtrack, excellent level design and most important the fun and joy you will have while playing. Absolutely recommended!

Is excellent game ! Funny and casual gameplay with deep controls !

Our sons were so excited to see this game loaded to their new console on Christmas morning! They play it as much as they can, and help each other as they take turns with all the different moves and transformations DK can do.

This game is very easy to get into, but very hard to stop playing. The freedom in its game design makes it a very addicting experience.

Donkey Kong is a really fun game that is an easy going playthrough. There is a lot to do a lot of destruction can be had and there is very little consequence. Overall a lot of fun!

Very good so far. The delivery came on time and had fun playing the game. I am satisfied.

Cool game. Fun for kids. My child loves this game you can break through anything. Banana!!