While the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch line-up is focused onMario Kart World, Mario’s not the only Nintendo character getting a new title early in the Switch 2’s life.Donkey Kong Bananzais launching just over a month after the console’s release, giving theSwitch 2 a new 3D platformerfor players to enjoy right out of the gate. However, Donkey Kong isn’t the first character many players had expected to get a new 3D platformer on the Switch 2, leaving Mario without a new 3D entry since 2017.
AlthoughSuper Mario Odyssey 2or another 3DMariogame was often speculated to be one of the Switch 2’s launch titles, it seemsDonkey Kong Bananzahas snatched that role from the iconic plumber. It’s a daring move from Nintendo to relegate Mario to his kart racing spin-off series for a new console launch and shine the spotlight on DK instead. In doing so, it seems Nintendo is reigniting the long-held rivalry between the two characters that dates back to the company’s earliest video game days.
Mario and Donkey Kong Seem to Be Competing Once More on the Switch 2
The Switch 2’s Launch Has Mario and Donkey Kong Going Toe to Toe
Before there was Bowser, Mario’s fiercest foe was Donkey Kong, with the ape playing the villainous role in the arcade classicDonkey Kong. Since the birth of this rivalry, Mario and Donkey Kong have faced off on numerous occasions, such as in theSuper Smash Bros. series, theMario vs. Donkey Kongseries, and, of course, theMario Kartseries. While in the modern gaming age, these longtime rivals are mostly on friendly terms, the proximity of their Switch 2 releases could pit them against each other once again.
With roughly a month between thelaunch ofMario Kart WorldandDonkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo Switch 2 owners will get to experience the latest games from both of these titans of gaming. Mario may be getting a new kart racer on the Switch 2, but the ensemble cast and status as a spin-off franchise keepMario Kart Worldfrom feeling like a true starring role for the plumber. On the other hand,Donkey Kong Bananzawill be the first 3D platformer for the Kong sinceDonkey Kong 64on the Nintendo 64.
Donkey Kong 64launched in 1999, meaning it will have been over 25 years since the Kong’s last 3D platformer appearance.
Donkey Kong is Stealing Mario’s Thunder with Bananza
Mario has been Nintendo’s 3D platformer icon sinceSuper Mario 64revolutionized the genre, so seeing a new Nintendo console launch with a platformer starring anyone other than the plumber seems strange. However,Donkey Kong is the best fit for a new 3D game, given that the Kong has been sidelined for much of the original Switch’s life, really only seeing ports of older titles. WhileDonkey Kong Bananzais an exciting title to see early in the Switch 2’s life, it could put the 3DMarioseries in an awkward competition with the plumber’s former rival.
From the looks of it,Donkey Kong Bananzais everything aSuper Mario Odyssey 2could have been; it’s just missing Mario as the hero. That’s not to say aSuper Mario Odyssey 2couldn’t still happen, but it would have to live up to the expectations of the original and those set byDonkey Kong Bananza. With Donkey Kong leading the charge for Nintendo’s platformer presence on the Switch 2, it will be interesting to see how Mario responds to his old nemesis stealing his throne as the flagship 3D platformer mascot for Nintendo. In the meantime,Super Mario Bros. Wondershows that the plumber still has a solid foundation in the 2D platformer space.
