Fri Jul 18 02:20:00 UTC 2025: **Nintendo Unveils “Donkey Kong Bananza” for Nintendo Switch 2, Aiming to Redefine the Iconic Ape in 3D**

**Kyoto, Japan** – Nintendo is set to release “Donkey Kong Bananza” for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17th, promising a fresh take on the beloved character in a 3D action-adventure. In a recent “Ask the Developer” interview, the development team, largely comprised of veterans from the 3D Mario series, including “Super Mario Odyssey,” shared insights into the game’s development and vision.

Producer Kenta Motokura, along with directors Kazuya Takahashi and Wataru Tanaka, art director Daisuke Watanabe, and sound director Naoto Kubo, explained that the project was born from a desire to expand the Donkey Kong franchise with a groundbreaking 3D title. Motokura stated the aim was to “aim for another big innovation,” akin to the original arcade game and the Donkey Kong Country series.

To ensure the new game remained true to the essence of Donkey Kong, the team consulted with industry legends Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi. This led to a focus on Donkey Kong’s signature moves and strength, while leveraging the team’s expertise in 3D action game development.

A key element of “Donkey Kong Bananza” is the “Bananergy” gauge, which allows Donkey Kong to transform into various animal forms, unleashing devastating attacks and chaining together destructive combos. According to Takahashi, this “chain of destruction” is a core gameplay element.

Art director Daisuke Watanabe revealed a revamped character design for Donkey Kong, intended to capture the character’s multifaceted personality – from the rugged king of the jungle to the lovable goofball. The redesign was informed by consultations with Miyamoto himself, preserving the original image while adding fresh elements. This updated design has already influenced Donkey Kong’s recent appearances in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Mario Kart World.”

The team promises more details on the game, including its use of voxel technology, in the next installment of the interview. “Donkey Kong Bananza” seeks to establish a new branch for the franchise by bringing Donkey Kong’s unique strengths and actions to the forefront on the Nintendo Switch 2.

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