TheDonkey Kongfranchise is finally making its long-awaited return on the Nintendo Switch 2. During the latest Nintendo Direct centered around the Nintendo Switch 2, the publisher announced the release ofDonkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer centered around Donkey Kong. This is the first wholly newDonkey Konggame in over a decade, following the release of 2014’sDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
Most interestingly, this is thefirst 3DDonkey Konggame since 1999’sDonkey Kong 64. It also comes after years of rumors surrounding the existence of such a game, along with reports of a canceled 3DDonkey Konggame being developed by Vicarious Visions. A newDonkey Konggame feels like a logical progression for Nintendo’s recent treatment of the franchise, especially considering its Nintendo Switch Online offerings.
Donkey Kong Bananza Comes Amidst Major Donkey Kong Hype
Nintendo Switch Online Has Been A Haven For Donkey Kong
Before the announcement ofDonkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo kept itself pretty busy, releasing severalDonkey Konggames on Nintendo Switch Online. Near the end of 2024, the publisher releasedtheDonkey Kong Landtrilogy on Nintendo Switch Onlineas part of its collection of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. That wasn’t all theDonkey Konglove on the service, as the Game BoyDonkey Konggame referred to by fans asDonkey Kong ’94was added to the service in March.
Given that Nintendo has been putting so much love into releasingDonkey Konggames on Nintendo Switch Online, it only seemed right for Nintendo to put out a new game to boost the franchise’s hype. These newly released titles arrive alongside the arcadeDonkey Kongtrilogy and theSuper Nintendo Entertainment System’sDonkey Kong Countrytrilogyon Nintendo Switch Online. With fans now able to experienceDonkey Kong’s classic lineage, it only makes sense for Nintendo to capitalize with something wholly new.
A New Donkey Kong Game Has Been A Long Time Coming
Obviously, a fresh game in theDonkey Kongseries has been a long time coming. While the Retro StudiosDonkey Kong Countryduology has been re-released on the Nintendo Switch, the franchise has not received a new gamesinceDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezein 2014. Considering the myriad of rumors and speculation regarding a newDonkey Konggame on the Switch, a new game feels long overdue for Nintendo’s iconic orangutan.
As previously mentioned, this is also the first 3DDonkey Konggame to be released sinceDonkey Kong 64in 1999. Despite being a solid commercial success during its initial run on the Nintendo 64, that game’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years thanks to its tedious collect-a-thon elements and over-reliance on backtracking. A new 3DDonkey Konggame has a great opportunity toimprove uponDonkey Kong 64’s downsidesfor a much smoother and more interesting 3D platformer.
Given that Nintendo has been putting so much love into releasing classicDonkey Konggames on Nintendo Switch Online, it only seemed right for Nintendo to put out a new game to boost the franchise’s hype.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Has Some Big Influence On Donkey Kong
A newDonkey Konggame also feels apt given the jump in popularity of the character in the wake ofThe Super Mario Bros. Movie. Donkey Kong received a new design in the film that also influenced his appearance in the games, as evidenced byhis redesign in the upcomingMario Kart World. The film’s incredible popularity has no doubt oozed into other elements of theMarioseries, andDonkey Kongcan absolutely take advantage of that with a new game.
Nintendo has certainly taken its time releasing the next newDonkey Konggame, but it’s certainly made sure to keep the franchise relevant through re-releases and Nintendo Switch Online offerings. Now, the publisher finally has the chance to take the series in an exciting new direction withDonkey Kong Bananza. Here’s hoping this new title breaks out as one of the many must-own titles on the Nintendo Switch 2.
