New 3D Donkey Kong Game Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 This Summer

Nintendo is bringing the big ape back in a huge way. Announced during their latest Direct showcase, Donkey Kong Bananza is a brand-new 3D platformer launching exclusively for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. This marks the franchise’s first fully 3D adventure since the cult classic Donkey Kong 64 way back in 1999.

The game drops just over a month after the Switch 2’s official release on June 5, and it will retail at $69.99, with no plans for a release on the original Switch.

A Smash-Filled Quest for Golden Bananas

In Donkey Kong Bananza, players will guide the iconic gorilla through a series of underground worlds, all in search of golden bananas stolen by a mysterious new villainous force called VoidCo. But this isn’t your typical banana run. This time, destruction is the name of the game — Donkey Kong can smash, drill, punch, and pulverize his way through the environment in a physics-heavy romp designed for the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware.

The debut trailer showed off a mix of high-octane mine cart sections, dynamic 2D side-scrolling levels, and plenty of destructible terrain. Nintendo is calling it a “destructive adventure,” and judging by the footage, they’re leaning all the way in.

Meet Odd Rock: DK’s New Crystal Companion

A standout addition is Donkey Kong’s new sidekick: a glowing purple crystal creature called Odd Rock that rides on his shoulder. This mysterious companion helps DK tackle Void terrain — a strange new material that can’t be smashed through with brute force alone. Odd Rock even helps Donkey Kong sing his way out of mazes, adding an unexpected layer of puzzle-solving and exploration.

The Nintendo Treehouse segment following the Direct revealed a deeper look at Odd Rock’s abilities, hinting that this little companion may be essential to uncovering secrets and navigating tougher sections of the game.

Familiar Faces and New Lore

Eagle-eyed fans have also noticed Donkey Kong’s updated look, which now matches his recent appearances in Mario Kart World and the Super Mario Bros. movie — another sign that Nintendo is unifying its visual style across franchises.

Even more intriguing? A leaked piece of artwork — briefly posted and quickly removed by Nintendo Korea — appears to show Pauline joining Donkey Kong on his journey. That’s right: New Donk City’s mayor and Mario’s former flame could be a playable or companion character in Bananza. While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed her involvement, the leak has ignited speculation across the fanbase.

And for those wondering — no, there’s no weird tension here. The original Donkey Kong who kidnapped Pauline back in the arcade era is actually Cranky Kong, the grandfather of the current Donkey Kong. So if Pauline shows up, it’s all family-friendly fun.