Donkey Kong is back in action, and this time, he’s bringing a microphone. Donkey Kong Bananza, a brand-new 3D platforming adventure, is launching exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17. Announced during today’s Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, the game blends classic DK-style chaos with musical powers, co-op gameplay, wild transformations, and a banana-fueled storyline that takes players deeper into the Earth than ever before.

New Allies and Underground Adventures

The journey begins on Ingot Isle, where golden bananas have been discovered in its mysterious depths. Donkey Kong arrives just in time to celebrate, until a violent storm throws him into the planet’s core. There, he meets Odd Rock, a mysterious figure who turns out to be Pauline in disguise. Together, they’ll explore a sprawling Underground World, fighting enemies, solving puzzles, and uncovering secrets.

The world is packed with new locations and powered by DK’s signature moves, Dive Punch, Turf Surf, and Hand Slap return, along with brand-new ways to combine and chain them.

Transformations Powered by Music

Pauline’s singing gives DK transformative powers, turning him into a variety of themed forms:

• Kong Bananza: Bulked-up brawler with max power
• Zebra Bananza: Speedy sprinter with quick dash attacks
• Ostrich Bananza: Aerial menace that can fly and drop Egg Bombs

These transformations are activated by collecting Bananergy, a resource built up during exploration and battles, and can turn the tide of tough challenges.

Built for Co-Op Fun

Grab a Joy-Con 2 and team up with a friend in local co-op mode, with one player controlling DK and the other managing Pauline’s musical abilities. Switch 2 features like mouse-style controls, GameShare, and GameChat make multiplayer even more accessible. Even if your co-op buddy doesn’t own the game, they can join locally through GameShare.

A Race to the Planet Core

The main goal? Reach the Planet Core, a mythical location said to grant wishes. DK wants bananas. Pauline wants to return to the surface. But VoidCo, a mining mega-corporation run by Void Kong, is racing there too. With a crew of rival Kongs like Grumpy Kong and Poppy Kong, the villains won’t go down without a fight.

Banandium, Fossils, and Custom Styles

Exploring the underground leads to all kinds of collectibles:

• Banandium Gems: Earned by completing challenges; used to upgrade DK’s abilities.
• Banandium Chips & Gold: Trade these for extra items and unlockables.
• Fossils: Found during excavations and exchanged for new outfits and DK fur colors.

Players can customize both DK and Pauline, gaining gameplay perks from stylish gear.

Extra Modes, Extras & amiibo Support

There’s more to do between battles:

• Photo Mode: Adjust angles, lighting, and add banana-themed effects.
• DK Artist: Carve designs into stone using Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
• Getaways & Eelevators: Rest spots and fast-travel eels help keep the action flowing.

Donkey Kong Bananza also supports amiibo, launching with DK and Pauline figures. Scan them to unlock Pauline’s Diva Dress early and gain powerful KONG tiles for use in-game.

Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. You can watch the full Direct presentation here. For updates and more, follow Nintendo’s official channels.