Nintendo closed out its big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this morning with the surprising announcement of a new platformer starring Donkey Kong. The game is called Donkey Kong Bananza and does not appear to be part of the Country series of games, though there were references to the beloved 2D platformer.
Footage of the game showed a new design for Donkey Kong as he explored 3D environments. Donkey Kong runs and jumps, but he can also terraform the environment by ripping up big chunks of the ground and throwing it. According to Nintendo, the game apparently takes place in a “vast underground world”.
Along with lots of 3D platforming gameplay, the trailer also showed 2D sequences, high-speed climbing, rock surfing, minecarts, and other Kongs. Some looked like friends. Some looked like enemies.
Donkey Kong Bananza arrives on Switch 2 on July 17, 2025 for $69.99.
