New Donkey Kong game is real and out this year for Nintendo Switch 2Michael BeckwithPublished April 2, 2025 4:15pmUpdated April 2, 2025 4:16pmTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextIts been a long time coming, but Donkey Kong gets to be the star of a new 3D platformer thatll serve as one of the Nintendo Switch 2s first exclusives.There had been chatter of a new Donkey Kong game being in the works for years, but only now has Nintendo finally acknowledged its existence and, as some had expected, its coming to Nintendo Switch 2.Titled Donkey Kong Bananza, it was unveiled during todays Nintendo Direct and it looks to be for Donkey Kong what Super Mario Odyssey was for Mario: a massively sprawling 3D platformer.The very first rumours claimed that Nintendo EPD, the studio typically responsible for the 3D Mario platformers, would be developing the new Donkey Kong game. Although not confirmed, Donkey Kong Bananza certainly has a very similar energy to Super Mario Odyssey so it wouldnt be surprising if Nintendo EPD is responsible.What is the release date for Donkey Kong Bananza?Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled to launch on July 17, 2025. So, just one month after the launch of the Switch 2, making it one of Nintendos very first exclusives for the console after Mario Kart World.Nintendo hasnt said much else about the game, but the trailer indicates that its defining feature will be its destructible environments. DK can be seen digging underground and then punching his way out, as well as ripping out chunks of the earth to swing as a club or throw as a projectile.In a post Nintendo Direct interview on the companys website, Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto explicitly says players will be able to destroy anything you want in the game without restrictions, adding that this is something only possible thanks to the improved hardware.There were some suspicions that any new Donkey Kong game would see Mario make an appearance as well, but it seems this will strictly be a DK only adventure.More TrendingIn fact, the trailer doesnt feature any other established characters from previous games, with no sign of Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong, or even Funky Kong.We are introduced to what are likely the games villains, which are a gang of evil-looking apes, and a sentient purple rock that looks to be a new companion character, like how Cappy was for Mario in Super Mario Odyssey.How much will Donkey Kong Bananza cost?Donkey Kong Bananza is set to cost 66.99 physically and 58.99 digitally according to the official Nintendo UK website. Not as much as Mario Kart Worlds asking price, but its still rather steep.The digital version being cheaper than the physical one will likely become the norm for Nintendos first party output, and its unlikely these high price points will be the exception going forward. Are you willing to pay this much for Switch 2 games? (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy