Donkey Kong Bananza, the best platform game of 2025?

The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been quite an event, and many new users were waiting for an additional title in addition to Mario Kart World. Summer is the perfect pretext for the arrival of Donkey Kong Bananza, the long-awaited game that launches this July 17. Developed by the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey, this new Donkey Kong installment has aroused great expectations, especially because in Kyoto they know how to master the platform genre. Will it meet the quality standards we expect? Below, we share our final impressions of a title that is looking to become Nintendo’s next console seller.

Nintendo, the king of platformers

The beginning of Donkey Kong Bananza is somewhat unusual. It seems anything but a classic platformer: we start by digging, tapping and solving simple objectives as a tutorial.

From the first few minutes, the processing power of the console is surprising, allowing us to fluidly represent all the destruction and paths that can be created. There are literally no limits to what you can break or build with this new gameplay proposal.

More than a “destruction game”

Although at first glance the game seems to focus on destroying scenarios, its proposal goes much further. Under the surface there is a good amount of mechanics and content to discover in each level. This elevates it to another category within the genre, and makes it addictive for those who love to complete everything.

The adventure is full of collectibles, such as bananas and fossils, which are not only useful to advance, but also to improve movements and skills. The secondary missions combine puzzles and varied obstacles, some in 2D and others in 3D, from overcoming levels to defeating specific enemies.

Brilliant level design with a role-playing essence

One of the highlights is the level design, which constantly introduces unique mechanics. Many times we will be able to advance thanks to our skill, the use of unlockable special abilities or the paths we create ourselves. For example, in lava levels, it is possible to cool the magma with ice or simply dig an alternative route.

The gameplay is, without a doubt, its greatest strength: it feels fluid, progressive and natural. The skill tree upgrade system is intuitive and motivating. It also incorporates RPG elements such as camps, stores to buy costumes, bananas and items with in-game currency, which enriches the experience without complicating it.

Pauline, more than a companion

Pauline is also part of this adventure. Through her passive abilities, we can unlock special sections with key objects. One of the great successes is her Latin dubbing, which gives her a lively and endearing presence throughout the game.

Technical aspect

When we demand the game to the maximum -especially when digging- framerate drops can occur, but in general it remains stable, both in portable mode and in the dock. The bosses are very well designed, although in some sections the camera can become uncomfortable. Visually, the game delivers within the capabilities of this next-generation handheld.

With a duration that can exceed 40 hours if you’re looking to complete it 100%, Donkey Kong Bananza is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining games of the year on the Nintendo Switch 2. Its story is not particularly deep, but it manages to get several smiles out of us. In addition, its optimization in handheld mode, with average sessions of more than 2.5 hours, demonstrates the good technical work behind the game.

Donkey Kong Bananza may not be the GOTY, but it is undoubtedly one of Nintendo’s best platformers in recent years and the most outstanding title of the new console. A must-have for any Nintendo’s hybrid owner.

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