Donkey Kong Bananza is a Logical Next Step After Switch…

The Donkey Kong franchise is finally making its long-awaited return on the Nintendo Switch 2. During the latest Nintendo Direct centered around the Nintendo Switch 2, the publisher announced the release of Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer centered around Donkey Kong. This is the first wholly new Donkey Kong game in over a decade, following the release of 2014’s Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

Most interestingly, this is the first 3D Donkey Kong game since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64. It also comes after years of rumors surrounding the existence of such a game, along with reports of a canceled 3D Donkey Kong game being developed by Vicarious Visions. A new Donkey Kong game feels like a logical progression for Nintendo’s recent treatment of the franchise, especially considering its Nintendo Switch Online offerings.

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By Jack Peachey

Donkey Kong Bananza Comes Amidst Major Donkey Kong Hype

Nintendo Switch Online Has Been A Haven For Donkey Kong

Before the announcement of Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo kept itself pretty busy, releasing several Donkey Kong games on Nintendo Switch Online. Near the end of 2024, the publisher released the Donkey Kong Land trilogy on Nintendo Switch Online as part of its collection of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. That wasn’t all the Donkey Kong love on the service, as the Game Boy Donkey Kong game referred to by fans as Donkey Kong ’94 was added to the service in March.

Given that Nintendo has been putting so much love into releasing Donkey Kong games on Nintendo Switch Online, it only seemed right for Nintendo to put out a new game to boost the franchise’s hype. These newly released titles arrive alongside the arcade Donkey Kong trilogy and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s Donkey Kong Country trilogy on Nintendo Switch Online. With fans now able to experience Donkey Kong’s classic lineage, it only makes sense for Nintendo to capitalize with something wholly new.

A New Donkey Kong Game Has Been A Long Time Coming

Obviously, a fresh game in the Donkey Kong series has been a long time coming. While the Retro Studios Donkey Kong Country duology has been re-released on the Nintendo Switch, the franchise has not received a new game since Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze in 2014. Considering the myriad of rumors and speculation regarding a new Donkey Kong game on the Switch, a new game feels long overdue for Nintendo’s iconic orangutan.

As previously mentioned, this is also the first 3D Donkey Kong game to be released since Donkey Kong 64 in 1999. Despite being a solid commercial success during its initial run on the Nintendo 64, that game's reputation has taken a hit in recent years thanks to its tedious collect-a-thon elements and over-reliance on backtracking. A new 3D Donkey Kong game has a great opportunity to improve upon Donkey Kong 64’s downsides for a much smoother and more interesting 3D platformer.

Given that Nintendo has been putting so much love into releasing classic Donkey Kong games on Nintendo Switch Online, it only seemed right for Nintendo to put out a new game to boost the franchise’s hype.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Has Some Big Influence On Donkey Kong

A new Donkey Kong game also feels apt given the jump in popularity of the character in the wake of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Donkey Kong received a new design in the film that also influenced his appearance in the games, as evidenced by his redesign in the upcoming Mario Kart World. The film’s incredible popularity has no doubt oozed into other elements of the Mario series, and Donkey Kong can absolutely take advantage of that with a new game.

Nintendo has certainly taken its time releasing the next new Donkey Kong game, but it’s certainly made sure to keep the franchise relevant through re-releases and Nintendo Switch Online offerings. Now, the publisher finally has the chance to take the series in an exciting new direction with Donkey Kong Bananza. Here’s hoping this new title breaks out as one of the many must-own titles on the Nintendo Switch 2.

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