For years, Nintendo fans have been hoping for a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey. The open-world adventure game was a massive success and remains one of the most beloved titles on the Nintendo Switch. But when Nintendo finally announced a new game, it wasn’t Odyssey 2... instead, they introduced a brand-new Donkey Kong game called Donkey Kong Bananza.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Nintendo surprised many by unveiling Donkey Kong Bananza, a new action-packed adventure set to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

This game brings back the classic Nintendo icon in an action-adventure genre full of chaos and destruction. In Donkey Kong Bananza, DK must save his island from a mysterious group called VoidCo, who have stolen all of the legendary and highly prized Golden Bananas—Donkey Kong’s all-time favorite fruit.

Set in the Underground World, players will help Donkey Kong explore deeper layers of a dangerous underground environment, packed with secrets, traps, and intense battles. The deeper you go, the more visually striking and mysterious the levels become.

A Very Different Gameplay Style

While Super Mario Odyssey emphasized open-world exploration, movement freedom, and creative mechanics through Cappy, Donkey Kong Bananza takes a more explosive approach. The gameplay focuses heavily on raw action and environmental destruction—Donkey Kong can smash through walls, platforms, and enemies using his brute strength.

The game also introduces a new companion character who will accompany DK on his mission against VoidCo, though Nintendo has yet to reveal this character’s name or abilities.

New World, New Console

Interestingly, Donkey Kong Bananza is positioned as a flagship launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s next-gen console that promises better performance, improved graphics, and faster load times. Priced at $69.99, this game is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s boldest moves to show what the new hardware can really do.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

The reaction from fans has been mixed. Many are excited to see Donkey Kong return in a solo game with modern mechanics and visuals. But others can’t help but feel let down that Super Mario Odyssey 2 still hasn’t materialized.

Even so, Donkey Kong Bananza's fresh approach may unlock new potential for a character who’s long been associated with spin-offs like Donkey Kong Country, or as a supporting role in Super Smash Bros.

Nintendo seems to be answering the call for a new adventure game—but in a way no one expected. Donkey Kong Bananza might not be the sequel people asked for, but it could be the surprise they didn’t know they needed. With intense gameplay and the full power of the new console behind it, this title has all the potential to be one of the biggest hits in the second half of 2025.

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