Nintendo has officially confirmed that the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza, set for release on July 17 is being developed by the same internal team behind Super Mario Odyssey.
This exciting announcement was made during a recent preview event attended by select media outlets, including Eurogamer, and it confirms speculation long held by fans regarding the game’s visual and gameplay similarities to the acclaimed 3D Mario title.
This revelation underscores Nintendo’s increasing commitment to diversifying its first-party lineup, moving beyond its traditional reliance on the Mario and The Legend of Zelda franchises. With the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2, the company appears eager to elevate another of its beloved mascots, Donkey Kong, to the forefront, aiming to deliver a bold and memorable experience that justifies early investment in the new hardware.
What is Donkey Kong Bananza?
Donkey Kong Bananza marks a significant evolution for the franchise. Unlike previous entries that focused on 2D platforming or cooperative side-scrolling action, this instalment embraces a fully open-world 3D environment, offering players the chance to explore and interact with a destructible world using a range of powerful new abilities unique to Donkey Kong.
Many fans had already drawn comparisons between Bananza and Super Mario Odyssey based on early trailers and gameplay footage, noting the similar art style, level design philosophy, and general tone. Nintendo’s confirmation validates these observations and suggests the game may deliver a similarly high-calibre platforming experience.
Developed by Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) division, the same prestigious team responsible for some of the company’s most innovative titles, Donkey Kong Bananza is positioned as a flagship release for the Switch 2. This is extremely important, as the only new title to accompany the console’s launch is Mario Kart World.
With a legacy team at the helm and a fresh new gameplay direction, the title is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s most ambitious non-Mario releases in years.
