Nintendo has officially confirmed that the development team behind the upcoming game Donkey Kong Bananza is the same group that created the beloved Super Mario Odyssey. This announcement was made during a presentation prior to a hands-on preview of the game, much to the delight of fans who had speculated about the talented crew behind Bananza. While specific details about the involvement of key figures such as Yoshiaki Koizumi remain unclear, it reinforces the notion that Bananza may not only captivate players with its gameplay but also serve as an important title in Nintendo's Switch 2 lineup, launching on July 17, 2025. The game brings back Pauline, a character significant to the Mario franchise, suggesting potential narrative ties to Odyssey and even links to the original Mario arcade game.

What is Donkey Kong Bananza about?

Donkey Kong Bananza focuses on Donkey Kong and features a younger version of the character Pauline, who serves as his sidekick. The game is set to emphasize musical elements, showcasing Pauline's powers and reintroducing her to the franchise in a significant way.

Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to be one of the most anticipated titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, building on the rich history of the Donkey Kong franchise that dates back to 1981. This new title aims to blend nostalgic elements with fresh gameplay mechanics, which should appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. The game's release aligns with Nintendo's strategy of producing high-caliber releases for its latest console, following in the footsteps of successful franchises like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda.