I did my best to cover everything meaningful that happened in yesterday’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, and the others at The Outerhaven have covered other elements of the presentation as well. However, we held off on talking about certain games because we knew that more details would drop soon enough. Right on cue, a bunch of previews came out featuring some of the Switch 2 games, and the one I wish to talk about now is Donkey Kong Bonanza. This is a game LONG overdue because DK has been relegated to ports over the last 8 years. Yet, by all accounts from certain previews, DK’s new journey is worth the wait.
Whether you look at the ones from IGN or ComicBook.com, the results are pretty much the same. For example, they both note that Donkey Kong Bonanza feels like an Odyssey-style take on the franchise, while also feeling like its own thing. For example, Donkey Kong’s main “thing” in the game is being able to destroy just about everything he wants to. Whether that be walls, the floors, and yes, enemies. You’re encouraged to go around breaking stuff, even if it’s just to hurl rocks at enemies or create a “boogle board” to help you get around the area. Yes. Really.
Furthermore, we know that DK is getting a companion that’s been dubbed “Odd Rock” by Nintendo. Said rock is apparently from this new underground land that Donkey Kong finds himself in…oh, and the rock sings. Because, of course, it does. Also, if you’re looking for a challenge, this game has it. There will be numerous challenge rooms to take on, some of which revert to the 2D level design that many are familiar with. However, the 3D open world is said to be rather large and the Switch 2’s graphics are impressive in bringing it to life.
Both previews also noted DK’s upgraded looks and expressions, which seem to be a big focus in the game. He does feel more “active” than he has in previous games, and that might make him more beloved in the fanbase once the game arrives. We still don’t know much about the other apes that inhabit this underground world, but, we do know the Golden Bananas are the goal for both them and Donkey Kong!
Oh, and there’s been confirmation that cranky Kong is in the game! Will the other Kongs make an appearance?
Nintendo confirmed Cranky Kong is in Donkey Kong Bananza.
— Stealth40k (@stealth40k.bsky.social) 2025-04-03T08:08:25.705Z
We’ll see how this all unfolds when the game arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17th. And if you need even MORE to view from the game, check out the Nintendo Treehouse Live demo for the title!
