While I’ve always held a fondness for Nintendo titles, Donkey Kong as a character never really resonated with me. I hold 1999’s Donkey Kong 64 responsible.

The initial 3D platforming venture featuring Nintendo’s ape icon debuted when I was a young gamer with lots of curiosity. It’s almost shockingly poor. DK64 is a grimy and unpleasant disaster, filled with monotonous collectibles that require hours to collect. (Avoid Donkey Kong 64. I loathed it back then, and I still do. That’s my review.)

Oh, right, I’m supposed to be reviewing a different game. Donkey Kong Bananza stands in stark contrast to 64 in all the key aspects. The first significant Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive to launch post-release offers a refreshing change from Mario Kart World for early buyers, thanks to its sophisticated movement mechanics, destructible settings, and a new(-ish) companion character for Donkey Kong who almost steals the show.

In summary, they finally produced a decent 3D platformer featuring Donkey Kong, and anyone who acquired a Switch 2 at launch should think about grabbing it. Mario Kart is fantastic, but this is the Switch 2 title you’ve been anticipating.

Donkey Kong Bananza introduces DK to a new best buddy

Bananza comes from the same Nintendo team that crafted Super Mario Odyssey, prioritizing charm and positive vibes over storyline and dialogue.

This is essentially a reboot for Donkey Kong, featuring a new design that makes the previous one appear unexciting. Bananza begins with DK, a miner on a quest for banana-shaped stones, getting drawn into a world below the surface. He quickly partners with Pauline, a 13-year-old girl who rides on his shoulder as they navigate the underworld to discover a way back to the surface.

Indeed, this is the same Pauline