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My first experience with a Donkey Kong game was with Donkey Kong Bananza, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But it turned out to be a real standout, and I’d say it’s the main reason you should consider getting a Switch 2 right now. The game is like a bigger, more intense version of Super Mario Odyssey—more expansive, with a stronger hero at its center. It mixes platforming, puzzles, and collecting into a gameplay loop that feels instantly familiar.
But what really sets Donkey Kong Bananza apart is DK’s incredible strength. While Mario needs to master jumping and his abilities with Cappy, DK can just smash his way through almost anything. This can be both fun and dangerous, as I learned firsthand when I tore through the main path so badly that I lost track of where I was. My obsession with excavating fossils and finding gold kept me from just enjoying the ride.
Getting sidetracked by collectibles is almost unavoidable. Make sure you’re on the lookout for Donkey Kong Bananza bananas—also called Banandium Gems—since they are key to DK’s progress. These edible mineral collectibles are hidden throughout the challenge levels like Hanging on Roof Road and Nostalgia Country. If you want to unlock the game’s full ending, you’ll need to gather as many as possible. Even more useful, though, is that bananas give DK skill points—every five bananas scores you a point you can use to unlock new skills, making DK stronger or giving him new tricks. Sometimes it’s worth leaving the main path to grab a few bananas and power up DK, even if collecting every single one isn’t your goal (there are nearly 800 in total).
You can play Donkey Kong Bananza on the original Switch, but only through online co-op, and you’ll be stuck controlling Pauline from over one shoulder. I found that some of the skills are less useful most of the time, which can mean wasting points. After resetting my skill points, I tested all of them to see which were really worth using, and I’ve laid out the best options in a detailed guide.
In addition to skills, you’ll unlock the game’s Transformations—temporary animal forms that give DK special abilities, like huge punching power or lightning-fast running to cross tricky terrain. Each form comes with its own set of skills, which I’ve also broken down in the guide.
Because there are so many systems—skills, transformations, outfits, environmental hazards, and unique terrains—it’s helpful to have some tips. For example, unlocking Getaways and buying Red Balloons can make a big difference. Don’t forget, you can also turn on the Donkey Kong Bananza Assist Mode any time, which provides objective markers and makes DK much more durable with extra health.
As you explore deeper into the game, you’ll encounter different sublayers that aren’t just straight paths. Take the Divide, for example, which offers branching routes to either the Freezer or Forest layer. This choice doesn’t drastically change the game, but knowing what to expect can be helpful. Later, you’ll reach a relaxing Resort Layer, where you can use a Collectone to scan amiibo figures for special Donkey Kong Bananza unlocks—though most of these aren’t particularly exciting.
Finish the main adventure, and you’ll reach the end of DK and Pauline’s journey to the planet’s core. But the game isn’t finished there—you can go on a post-game quest for the true ending. Be prepared, though; it involves collecting a ton of bananas, so thorough searching is essential. I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you complete this final challenge and see everything the game has to offer.
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