Donkey Kong Bananza Unveils Musical Twist with DK Rap

Nintendo has recently unveiled exciting details about its upcoming platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza, set to release on the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. The game will feature a unique musical twist with the introduction of a new character, baby Pauline, who serves as a musical companion to Donkey Kong. Players will learn songs from Giant Elders that will enable them to transform Donkey Kong into various forms, enhancing gameplay dynamics. The game also introduces the Void Company as the new antagonists, comprised of Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and the leader, Void Kong, who are on a mission to steal DK's bananas. Exploration and challenge completion will lead to the collection of Banandium Gems, used to upgrade character stats. Additional features include multiple character outfits, a soundtrack player focused on Pauline’s songs, a photo mode, and amiibo support.

The game introduces gameplay mechanics centered around music, allowing players to transform Donkey Kong through songs learned from Giant Elders. These transformations enable abilities like swimming over water or flying, adding layers of strategy and exploration.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a noteworthy addition to the beloved Donkey Kong franchise, marking a return to the series' roots while mixing in modern elements. Players will notice nostalgic callbacks to previous games, with character designs and references that highlight the characters' histories. The inclusion of Pauline as both a playable character and a musical asset brings a fresh perspective to gameplay, building on her recent roles in Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Overall, this title promises to deliver engaging platforming experiences while catering to long-time fans and newcomers alike.