Even though Donkey Kong Bananza isn't available for sale yet, but some fans have an opportunity to try a demo of the game beforehand. This will be the first major franchise title to come out exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 since its release on June 5. Fans won't have to wait long for the full game, as Donkey Kong Bananza will be officially released on July 17, but for those who just can't wait, this is at least one way to try it before deciding whether to make the full purchase.
Recently confirmed Donkey Kong Bananza customization options reveal a different approach for the franchise. One of the most interesting new features is the variety of clothing players can wear, especially since each individual item will have a special benefit to help Donkey Kong in the game. In addition to having the option to change outfits, players will also be able to collect music that they can enjoy during their playthrough including the fan-favorite song, "DK Rap."
Donkey Kong Bananza Details DK's Abilities
Donkey Kong Bananza unveils the different moves and abilities players can utilize to explore the game's open-world environment and take down enemies.
Gamers on Reddit have discovered that in some popular retail businesses, Nintendo Switch 2 kiosks have a Donkey Kong Bananza demo. Releasing this game demo only in stores means that some players might be limited to just 10 minutes of gameplay, but that depends on how popular the kiosk is at any given retail location. Although it hasn't been reported to be on Best Buy's kiosks, the demo was discovered in both Walmart and Target stores.
Donkey Kong Bananza Demo Available at Certain Retail Kiosks
If anyone is wondering why Nintendo hasn't simply released a Donkey Kong Bananza demo for download, there are currently only theories and no definitive answers. One argument for releasing a demo only in stores is to encourage sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 in retail locations. However, it's possible that the decision to demo Donkey Kong Bananza in stores was made before the record-breaking launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and that strategy might have been less necessary than the company anticipated.
Nintendo could still make this demo available for download before Donkey Kong Bananza is released, but the company has yet to reveal any such plans. Fans on Reddit raise a valid point about the effectiveness of a demo that can only be played in stores, but to be fair to Nintendo, this is a very traditional method of advertising video games. Anyone who lives close to a Walmart or Target should definitely take this opportunity to get a first look at both Donkey Kong's controversial new design and the additional gameplay elements added to this latest title in the franchise.
Players who are excited about the next big game on Nintendo's new console won't have to wait long, as there are three more Switch 2 exclusives being released this summer. The next notable release is Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, and it's coming on July 24.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 91 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- July 17, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
