Donkey Kong Bananza is the first 3D DK platformer in a very long time, and now that Switch 2 owners have spent more than enough time with Mario Kart World (or not), a lot of people are hungry for that next flashy AAA Nintendo game. You'll get to take control of the hairy ape and go on a destruction-fueled journey with a younger version of Pauline, who uses her beautiful singing voice to aid DK.
Of course, being a major Nintendo release, Donkey Kong Bananza will be released physically and digitally for Switch 2 owners. You can choose to preorder from the eShop and play the game right when it launches, or pick it up from your local brick-and-mortar. For those curious about the exact digital release time for Donkey Kong Bananza, this guide can help.
We will also answer some burning questions surrounding the upcoming exclusive.
Donkey Kong Bananza Has Co-Op, But There's a Catch
The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game Donkey Kong Bananza features a co-op mode, but it may not appeal to all fans.
What's the Expected Release Time for Donkey Kong Bananza?
Wednesday Night!
Nintendo does not announce the release times for its games like other major developers and publishers typically do. Still, if you head over to the support page for the eShop, you'll find out that first-party Nintendo Switch games, like Donkey Kong Bananza, typically release around 9 PM PT (Los Angeles) and midnight ET (NYC). This means that you should be able to play Donkey Kong Bananza on Wednesday night. If you live in other regions, you might have to wait until midnight local time to be able to play Bananza.
Is Donkey Kong Bananza Coming to Switch 1?
Donkey Kong Bananza actually started in development as a Switch 1 exclusive, but was converted into a Switch 2 game. However, the game will not be coming to Switch 1.
Is Donkey Kong Bananza Open World?
It's Layered
Like Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza will have contained levels for you to explore. There isn't a huge open-world map you'll spend hundreds of hours exploring.
Is Donkey Kong Bananza Two Players?
DK and Pauline Co-Op
Yes! One player can hop into the game and control Pauline on DK's back. The second player can shoot text blocks at enemies and bosses to help player one out. It's not the most impressive or immersive multiplayer mode, but it's great for a younger person playing with a parent or other adult.
It's worth noting that if the second player has a Switch 1, GameShare can be used. They won't be able to play the full game on their own with the old console, but they can still hop into the game as Pauline if they have a friend with a Switch 2.
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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
