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Donkey Kong Bananza Is a Next-Gen Jungle Joyride. I Loved Every Minute of It

 

    When Nintendo revealed Donkey Kong Bananza, I had no idea it would end up being one of my favorite Switch 2 experiences so far. It’s bold, beautiful, and bursting with personality and a true showcase of what this new hardware is capable of. Even more impressive? It manages to feel fresh while still honoring the chaotic charm of past Donkey Kong Country titles. Let me get this out of the way early: Donkey Kong Bananza is not just “good for a Donkey Kong game.” It’s just good. Really good.

 

Big, Beautiful, and Bananas (In a Good Way)

 

    Right from the first level, it’s clear this is Nintendo firing on all cylinders artistically. Every environment is alive with detail, not just in the visuals, but in the way the world moves. Leaves flutter realistically, water reflects dynamically, and particle effects splash across the screen in a way the original Switch could only dream of.

 

    I played the game mostly docked on a 4K display, and it’s easily the best-looking first-party title on the Switch 2 right now. It’s a visual treat without ever sacrificing clarity or performance. It feels like a next-gen experience from the moment you press start. While I won’t spoil any story or set piece moments, I will say this: the creativity on display here is vintage Nintendo. The team clearly had fun making this, and that fun spills out of every jungle vine, mine cart, and banana pile.

 

Tight Controls and Smart Design

 

    The improved Joy-Cons really shine here. Movement feels more responsive and grounded, and the new vibration feedback system (you’ll know it when you feel it) adds a whole new layer of immersion. Precision platforming moments that used to be slightly floaty on older hardware now feel crisp and satisfying.

 

    Level design is another highlight. Without giving anything away, the game walks a perfect line between nostalgic callbacks and bold, new mechanics. Each world introduces something unexpected, and not once did I feel like I was simply going through the motions. There’s a surprising amount of depth tucked beneath the surface, whether you’re a completionist or just playing casually.

 

Not Everything Is a Smooth Swing

 

    If I had one nitpick, it’s that Bananza doesn’t always explain its mechanics as clearly as it could. There were a couple of moments early on where I felt like I had missed a tutorial prompt or was expected to "just know" how a new system worked. That said, nothing ever felt broken or unfair, only a bit vague at times.

Also, if you're looking for massive innovation or reinvention, Bananza plays things fairly safe structurally. It’s evolution, not revolution — but when the core formula is this fun, that’s not a deal-breaker.

 

Final Thoughts

 

    Donkey Kong Bananza is exactly the kind of game I hoped would launch within the Switch 2’s first year: technically impressive, joyfully designed, and confident in its identity. It proves that even after decades in the jungle, Donkey Kong still knows how to swing for the fences.

 

    This isn’t just a return to form, it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with these characters and this genre in the first place. Whether you’re a longtime Donkey Kong Country fan or a newcomer to the series, Bananza is well worth your time. And best of all? You don’t need to spoil a single moment to say it’s one of Nintendo’s best platformers in years.

By: Abraid @ PolyWire