The first major review for Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo’s latest 3D action-platformer, has been published by Famitsu, one of Japan’s most renowned gaming outlets. The game earned an impressive score of 38 out of 40 in Famitsu’s well-known cross review system, with individual reviewers awarding it 9, 10, 10, and 9 points respectively. The review points toward a game that successfully reinvents key elements of the Donkey Kong franchise while delivering a thoroughly modern gameplay experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Famitsu’s reviewers praised the exhilarating sense of freedom offered by Donkey Kong Bananza, especially in how players can move along seemingly non-existent paths. The game’s blend of classic series elements with brand-new, previously unseen stages was noted to add an extra layer of excitement. The destructive environment mechanics stood out as a major highlight, with reviewers commending how fun it feels to dismantle the world around you.
Another aspect lauded in the review was the transformation music, which effectively energizes players during key gameplay moments. The game also earned praise for its seamless movement system that allows for smooth navigation across changing terrain without interruptions. The combat, particularly Donkey Kong’s striking moves, was said to retain a consistently satisfying feel.
The review noted a minor critique regarding accidental wall climbing when using a single-stick control scheme, especially during digging sections. However, this slight inconvenience was overshadowed by the overall fluidity and exhilaration of movement. In terms of difficulty, Donkey Kong Bananza appears accessible, with a forgiving challenge curve for those focused on clearing the game, though its challenge stages offer a more demanding experience for hardcore action fans.
The visuals and presentation were also praised, with particular attention given to the visual effects and Donkey Kong’s new character portrayal in this installment. Famitsu encouraged players of all ages, not just children, to give the game a try, highlighting its broad appeal.
This review comes after earlier reports revealed the game’s development history. Initially started on the original Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Bananza underwent significant changes after transitioning to the more powerful Switch 2. During a recent developer interview on Nintendo’s official website, producer Kenta Motokura confirmed that the game began development on the Switch 1. Visual comparisons showed a marked improvement on Switch 2, including denser environments, higher-quality assets, enhanced lighting, and increased level of detail.
Designer Daisuke Watanabe elaborated that the shift to Switch 2 allowed the development team to realize gameplay ideas that were previously impossible due to hardware limitations. More objects could be placed in environments, adding not only visual richness but also increasing opportunities for destruction—an essential part of the game’s core design.
Programming lead Wataru Tanaka explained that voxel-based destruction mechanics were particularly demanding on system memory, which the Switch 1 could not fully support. The expanded memory and processing power of Switch 2 enabled the inclusion of advanced physics, such as larger explosions and more dynamic environmental collapses, giving designers creative freedom to enhance gameplay in ways they had previously abandoned.
Donkey Kong Bananza appears poised to make a significant impact as one of the flagship titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a fresh take on the iconic franchise with gameplay innovations and technical achievements that set it apart from its predecessors.
The game is scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
