The latest focused Nintendo Direct wrapped earlier today, and its focus was on Donkey Kong Bananza. The Donkey Kong Bananza Direct gave us 17 minutes of new information and details about the upcoming destruct-a-thon.
The Direct, taking place a month before the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza was a fantastic look at what’s instore for us when we take control of the ape’s first 3D outing in over 25 years looks set to be a special one.
You can watch the full direct below, or read on for a breakdown of all the key bits of information and reveals.
Donkey Kong Bananza Direct – 18.06.2025
Donkey Kong Bananza (DK Bananza) looks set in an underground world below Ingot Isle, where there’s just been the discovery of ‘Golden Bananas’, which of course, DK covets.
Standing in DK’s way is the Void Company, quoted to be the “fiercest mining operation above and below ground”. They stole all the bananas from Ingot Isle using their maelstrom. They’re heading to the planet’s core too.
Pauline’s Back
Pauline, the singer from Super Mario Odyssey, is returning for DK Bananza. It seems Pauline is trapped in the purple rock like creature, Oddrock, who we saw when the game was first revealed.
Pauline wants to escape from the Tempest that engulfed her and DK. To do that, the pair must head to the planet’s core in order to receive a wish that will free them.
This adventure will take them through many different worlds within the layers, leading to the planet’s core. All underground, though lots look like they’re worlds of their own.
Run, Jump and Climb AND SMASH!
DK can get around all over the place in the different layers of the underground with his physical abilities. He can run, jump and climb everywhere to scale obstacles, find hidden items, or just get a better view from up high.
The whole world is pretty much destructible meaning you can smash and destroy everything in your path, and underneath you too. Dig Down (great Muse song), entirely level a rock formation, or create tunnels somewhere new, the choice is yours.
We Got the Moves, We Got the Moves
DK has a whole host of different abilities and moves to get around DK Bananza.
- Punch walls
- Smash enemies
- Smash the ground
- Smash enemies into things (causing chain reactions) and uncover new secrets
- Dive punch (go deeper underground depending on how strong the terrain is)
- Roll, which can be combined with punches and jumps to create a varied way to traverse and deal with enemies
- Hand slap to pick up nearby collectibles and detect hidden items (can also be done with your feet if your climbing with your hands)
- Tear off, whether it’s pieces of enemies, chunks of wall or floors, or pulling up turnips to uncover hidden items
- Swing can be used to swing large pieces of torn off rock as a weapon or to get through obstacles
- Chunk Jump to use torn off chunks of stone to perform double jumps (using the stone for a boost) and get higher
- Throw a torn off chunk to take out enemies. You can also throw boom rocks to blow holes in walls
- Turf surf allows you to slide around on a torn off chunk.
- Make music with Pauline to unlock strange seals in the world, as well as give you direction as to where to head next
There also appear to be different elements at play, which allow you to do various things with theabilities mentioned above. We see DK sliding through some lava using an chunk of ice that gets smaller as the heat melts it.
Kong Bananza!
Throughout the game you’ll encounter planet’s Giant Elders who have special abilities, Bananza Powers. Pauline can learn the Bananza Power and when she sings, she can make Donkey Kong transform for a limited time. You can build up your Bananergy by collecting gold. You can switch between the different Bananzas as you see fit.
- A Kong Bananza gives DK high destructive powers
- Zebra Bananza turns DK into a zebra, allowing him to run super fast, he can run on water and across collapsing paths
- Ostrich Bananza turns DK into a (you guessed it) an ostrich that allows DK to fly and drop egg bombs!
aVOID at all Costs
The Void Company are the villains of the piece and are made up of an interesting bunch of Kong characters (are they related?), including:
- Grumpy Kong – he works to create giant corporate soldiers
- Poppy Kong – seeks out underground information
- Void Kong – leaders the Void Company
The Void Company have blocked access to the each of the lower levels, and DK and Pauline must take out the enemies guarding these entrances (i.e. boss battles).
However, once you’ve unlocked access you can use the EELavators to travel between the layers, so you can easily mop up missing collectibles and secrets. You can also Teeleport across the layer of the map you’re on.
Kong and Kong and Kong
A host of familiar faces were shown returning in the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct.
Cranky Kong and Rambi are on their own adventure in the game, and I’m sure we’ll see more of what they’re up to before long.
Golden Bananas
It’s all about the Golden Bananas, or Banandium Gems! Donkey Kong wants them, and they are scattered all over. Some are hidden underground, in walls, and all over.
You can also grab them by completing challenge course ruins. These courses come in different forms including, timed stages, puzzle rooms, and side-scrolling stages (loved the throwback 2D mine cart level).
Skill Streak
Collecting Banandium Gems unlocks skill points which you can use to beef up DK. This includes improve your punch power, health, the strength of your sonar when you hand clap, as well as new skills too.
You’ll also find Banandium Chips, which you can exchange for Banandium Gems for those upgrades.
Fashion Parade
You can also find Fossils scattered throughout the game. Collecting them allows you to unlock new outfits and colours for DK and Pauline.
A lot of the clothing you can buy provides boosts to your gameplay, for example increasing your swim speed, or the range of your hand clap sonar.
Maps the Way (uhuh uhuh) I like It
Hidden treasure chests contain maps to the location of Banandium Gems and Fossils. It also includes a tracker so you can see which ones you have and haven’t collected. Great for those completionists who want to get everything!
I Want to Getaway
If you’re looking for some DK downtime, you can create a ‘Getaway’ where you can relax and listening to music from the over 100 tracks in the game. You can find more by defeating certain enemies.
Also, shoutout to the music so far, I heard elements of very familiar DK tunes, including the DK Rap!
Picture Perfect
DK Bananza includes a photo mode, and the Direct showed off some great shows captured with it.
Banana Split
The Donkey Kong Bananza Direct revealed that the game will have 2 player co-op included. One players control DK and the other, Pauline. Using Pauline you can create vocal blasts that do damage to the environment and enemies.
The game also supports Game Share, meaning you can share the game with another player, even if they don’t have the game, locally or online using GameChat. You can also share the game between the Switch 2 and the original Switch.
I Must Assist
The game’s Assist difficulty mode gives you more guidance and reduced damage in the game. So if you’re looking for an easier ride, Assist Mode is the way to go.
I Am an Artiste
Outside of the main game mode, there’s DK Artist, which allows you to sculpt and create pieces of artwork. You can paint, create and sculpt a range of different characters and items.
Amiibo Support
Donkey Kong Bananza Direct confirmed Amiibo support, and that a Donkey Kong & Pauline Amiibo will be releasing with the game. Scanning it will unlock Pauline’s ‘Diva Dress’.
Scanning DK related Amiibos create giant KONG letters in the world that can be used as explosive throwables.
Impressively, every released Amiibo is also compatible. Scanning other Amiibos generates a giant sphere in the game that could help you out.
Donkey Kong Bananza releases exclusively on Switch 2 on 17 July 2025.
Are you excited for DK Bananza? I was largely interested but this deep dive piqued my interest. Very excited to get playing with DK for sure.,
