Donkey Kong Bananza received a surprise DLC launch during the Nintendo Direct for September 2025 called DK Island and Emerald Rush. While technically not the launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, many players have regarded Donkey Kong Bananza as the first real must-have exclusive title for the incredibly popular console.
After launching in July, Donkey Kong Bananza has proven to be a big hit for NIntendo, quickly becoming one of the highest rated titles in 2025 so far. Developed largely by the Super Mario Odyssey team, Bananza definitely taps into the classic "collect-a-thon" style of 3D adventure games, while also allowing players to essentially destroy the levels through terrain deformation. Players will need to dig and punch their way through the various layers to uncover Banandium Gems, gold, and much more. However, Nintendo is surprisingly giving players even more to do once the credits roll.
Donkey Kong Bananza Review
Donkey Kong Bananza is an incredibly impressive 3D platformer for the Nintendo Switch 2 and one of Donkey Kong's greatest adventures to date.
Nintendo Launches Paid DLC for Donkey Kong Bananza
In a surprise announcement during the September 2025 Direct, Nintendo revealed premium DLC for Donkey Kong Bananza. The content takes players to DK Island, a familiar location from games in the franchise's past, including the Donkey Kong Country titles. Only this time, players are free to explore and roam the island. For players who have already finished the main story campaign for Donkey Kong Bananza, they'll be able to take part in a new activity called Emeral Rush. Players have limited time to fill a specific Emerald quota, so they'll need to smash and crash their way through the green ore to clear each round. Fossils will unlock new perks for players to select from, such as more ore appearing after beating enemies, chests spawning with more emeralds, and more to discover.
Players can also discover Banandium Gems on the island, unlock more fashion items, and new perks based on how well they do after an Emerald Rush run. Perks and Skill sreset after each run, though Banandium Gems and Fossils remain in static locations. Statues are also rewarded, based on various characters in the franchise which can be placed throughout DK Island. Finally, Emerald Rush can also be played on the various other layers found within Donkey Kong Bananza. Interested players can purchase the new DLC from the Nintendo eShop later today.
In the meantime, players have been pushing what's possible in Donkey Kong Bananza, some by trying to sequence break and speedrun the main game, while others set difficult challenges for themselves. In fact, one player managed to actually finish Donkey Kong Bananza without collecting any Banandium Gems at all. Akin to stars in the 3D Mario games, Banandium Gems technically aren't required to progress in Donkey Kong Bananza, though they do help unlock skill points to help players strengthen DK and hiw abilities.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 91 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- July 17, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
The big guy is back! Donkey Kong swings onto the Nintendo Switch 2 system with a brand-new action adventure.
Help Donkey Kong make his way through the depths of the Underground World. The deeper he goes, the more amazing places he finds! There's no shortage of things DK can pulverize with his powerful punches. Break on through this truly destructive adventure.
Behold the golden bananas! The mysterious group, known
as VoidCo, has its eyes on this
prized bunch. But no one messes with DK's favourite food!
Golden bananas? The whole island was buzzing about the discovery of this tasty treasure. But then, distaster struck! During the chaos, VoidCo stole every breathtaking bunch of bananas. Now Donkey Kong must venture deep underground to get them back!
- Number of Players
- 1-2 players
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- July 17, 2025
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
