Nintendo recently hosted a Donkey Kong Bananza Direct on Wednesday, June 18th, giving fans a deeper look into the future of this beloved franchise. Discover more about its gameplay and get to know Pauline, DK’s new ally.

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Highlights

Entering The Subterranean World

On June 18, 2025, Nintendo aired an 18-minute Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, offering players insight into what they can expect from the game—ranging from a completely new world to explore, to innovative mechanics that can be applied almost anywhere.

Gameplay footage was previously showcased during a Nintendo Treehouse Live event, where developers demonstrate hands-on gameplay and details for various Nintendo titles. However, the latest Bananza Direct provided much deeper insights than before.

The main character, Donkey Kong, is swept underground by a powerful storm, separating him from the Golden Bananas of Ingot Isle. Soon after arriving, he realizes he isn’t alone—meeting up with a peculiar rock called Odd Rock. But Odd Rock is no ordinary stone; it's actually a young girl named Pauline who dreams of returning to the surface to fulfill her aspirations.

Legend says that anyone reaching the planet’s core will have their wish granted, so DK and Pauline set off on an epic journey. Unfortunately, the sinister Void Company plans to stop them at all costs, also seeking the Planet Core to grant their own dark wishes.

Smash, Toss, Leap, Engage With The World

Donkey Kong Bananza features a highly interactive environment that invites exploration. DK can move freely in any direction—running, jumping, and even climbing rocky terrain! He has the ability to smash, crash, toss, or build using objects around him, enabling him to forge his own path through the world. Hidden items and treasures await discovery, often requiring some creative destruction.

Hard materials like stones can be hurled at enemies for damage, while softer substances such as sand and dirt can be used to construct bridges or towers.

Cooperative Multiplayer With Pauline

Donkey Kong Bananza enhances traditional multiplayer by making Pauline more than just a sidekick—she becomes Player 2. Using Joy-Con mouse controls, Player 2 can maneuver Pauline, unleashing her voice to blast foes similarly to how DK uses his fists. She can replicate nearby materials to boost her vocal abilities.

This feature can also be accessed via Switch 2’s GameShare function, allowing another player on a Switch 1 or Switch 2 without the game to join remotely, or even connect online through GameChat.

Music Fuels Transformation, DK變身!

Pauline, DK’s new partner, possesses the magical ability to sing and transform him into different types of Bananzas, such as a larger version of himself, a zebra, or even a flying ostrich. These transformations are temporary but can be recharged by collecting gold coins to refill DK’s Bananergy meter.

Transformations can happen anytime, anywhere, letting DK smoothly shift between gliding through the air and smashing obstacles on land. Pauline’s singing also acts as a guide during missions.

Personalization Options, Photo Mode, and DK Artist Mode

For those who enjoy customizing their gaming experience, Donkey Kong Bananza offers several creative features. Players can purchase unique outfits for both DK and Pauline, adding flair to their underground adventures.

Additionally, the built-in Photo Mode allows players to take screenshots from customizable angles and settings, complete with editing tools and filters for personalization.

Beyond the main story, there’s the DK Artist mode for creatively-minded players. This stone-carving mode lets you paint, sculpt, or add material to create your own masterpiece.

These are just a few highlights from the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, but this imaginative action-adventure platformer may still hold more surprises for launch day.

Donkey Kong Bananza will launch on July 17, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. For further updates, check out Game8’s full coverage below!

Donkey Kong Bananza

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