The highly anticipated donkey kong bananza has officially received its first review score from Japan’s prestigious Famitsu magazine, earning an impressive 38 out of 40 points just hours before its July 17, 2025 launch on Nintendo Switch 2. This remarkable achievement places the game among the top-rated titles of the year.
Out of four reviewers, two gave the game 10 points and the other two gave it 9 points, bringing the game’s final review score to 38 out of 40 (95%). Reviewers praised the game for its destruction and action mechanics, saying that everything feels fun and refreshing. The score demonstrates strong confidence in Nintendo’s latest 3D platformer adventure.
Developer Insights Revealed in New Interview Series
Nintendo has unveiled the 19th volume of their “Ask the Developer” series, providing unprecedented insight into the creation process behind the upcoming title. In this 19th volume of Ask the Developer, an interview series in which developers convey in their own words Nintendo’s thoughts about creating products and the unusual details they hone in on, we’re talking to the developers behind Donkey Kong Bananza.
The development team has shared fascinating details about their approach to creating this Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, which marks a significant evolution for the franchise.
Donkey Kong Bananza Launch Preparations Intensify
The much-anticipated Nintendo 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza will only be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17. This is the first time in decades… that fans will experience a completely new 3D adventure featuring the beloved ape character.
Early copies have already begun circulating, with some retailers breaking the street date. It appears that the street date for Donkey Kong Bananza has been broken in North America after one user got their hands early on a physical copy of the game. The user who got a copy five days ahead… This has led to increased excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the official release.
Key Points Summary
- Famitsu awarded the game 38/40 points (95% score)
- Official launch date: July 17, 2025
- Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 platform
- Developed by the Super Mario Odyssey team
- Features 3D platforming with destruction mechanics
- Nintendo’s “Ask the Developer” series provides behind-the-scenes insights
Comparison to Super Mario Odyssey
The development pedigree becomes even more impressive when considering the team behind this project. Since Donkey Kong Bananza was made by the Super Mario Odyssey team, you might be wondering how the two titles compare. Back in 2017, Famitsu gave scores of 10, 10, 9, and 10 for… Super Mario Odyssey, which achieved a perfect 39/40 score.
This comparison highlights the consistently high quality expected from this development team, with the new donkey kong bananza following closely behind their previous masterpiece.
Player Anticipation Reaches New Heights
Fan excitement has been building steadily, with the game consistently ranking high on Famitsu’s most wanted games list. All votes were cast between June 25 and July 1. 1. [NSW] Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake – 647 votes 2. [NS2] Donkey Kong Bananza – 451 votes, securing the second position among anticipated releases.
The game’s focus on destruction mechanics and open-world exploration represents a bold new direction for the franchise, promising players an unprecedented level of freedom and creativity in their adventures.
Technical Innovation and Visual Excellence
Famitsu awards Donkey Kong Bananza a solid 38/40, highlighting its exciting movement, dynamic destruction mechanics, and vibrant presentation. The game breaks new ground for the franchise on Nintendo Switch 2. These technical achievements demonstrate Nintendo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on their latest hardware.
The enhanced capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2 have allowed developers to create more immersive environments and smoother gameplay experiences than ever before.
As launch day approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be one of the most significant platforming adventures in recent years. With its strong review score and innovative gameplay mechanics, this latest entry appears ready to swing into players’ hearts tomorrow.