Summary

  • Donkey Kong Bananza is confirmed to run at 1080p 60 FPS with HDR in handheld mode on the Switch 2.
  • The game is set to launch on July 17, 2025, exclusively for the Switch 2.
  • Fans eagerly anticipate the series' first 3D-platforming adventure in over 25 years.

Looking to take advantage of the improved hardware capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza has been confirmed to perform at 1080p 60 FPS with HDR in handheld mode. Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch exclusively for the Switch 2, and audiences now have a better idea of the graphics and performance expectations for the title ahead of its release.

First revealed during the April 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Donkey Kong Bananza will be the latest 3D-platforming Donkey Kong game, with the first and only other such title being Donkey Kong 64 for the Nintendo 64. With Donkey Kong fans already voicing their enthusiasm for the title, some players may be happy to learn about how the game will run in handheld mode for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Donkey Kong Bananza Teases Return Rambi
Donkey Kong Bananza Teases Return of Fan Favorite Character

Some fans think that another classic character could appear in Donkey Kong Bananza following a clue in a recent promotional video clip.

By 

According to the Japanese digital edition of the Nintendo Magazine 2025 Special Issue, Donkey Kong Bananza will run at 1080p resolution and 60 FPS with HDR in handheld mode. Previous launch titles for the original Nintendo Switch did not always take advantage of that console's full performance abilities, so some may be surprised to see a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title already set to utilize the improved capabilities of the new hardware. It should be noted that the details on Donkey Kong Bananza's resolution and frame rate are stated as simply being the maximum output with no specifications on stability, so it remains to be seen if the 1080p 60FPS graphics will be consistent. There was also no mention of the docked performance of Donkey Kong Bananza, which the April 2 Direct revealed to be higher than handheld mode across titles.

When Does Donkey Kong Bananza Release?

  • July 17, 2025

Donkey Kong Bananza is slated to launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 on Thursday, July 17, and will be one of the newest first-party Nintendo video games. The title will not only be the second-ever 3D Donkey Kong game but will also be the first new entry in the series since Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze originally launched for the Wii U back in 2014. As such, it should come as no surprise that audience hype for Donkey Kong Bananza is already soaring high, and that excitement may climb further as more details are revealed.

The Donkey Kong game franchise remains a pillar of the cultural zeitgeist, with the old arcade cabinets from the 1980s still just as popular today, and fans young and old enthusiastic as ever for the next entry starring the iconic ape. Interested players can stay tuned for more updates on Donkey Kong Bananza and other Nintendo Switch 2 titles ahead of the new console's release on June 5.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Donkey Kong Bananza Tag Page Cover Art

Donkey Kong Bananza
Display card tags widget
Action
Adventure
Platformer
Display card system widget
Systems
super greyscale 8-bit logo
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 91 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
Display card main info widget
Released
July 17, 2025
ESRB
Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start
Donkey Kong Bananza Press Image 1
6 Images
Donkey Kong Bananza Press Image 1
Donkey Kong Bananza Press Image 2
Donkey Kong Bananza Press Image 3
Donkey Kong Bananza Press Image 4
Donkey Kong Bananza Press Image 5
Donkey Kong Bananza Press Image 6
Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Genre(s)
Action, Adventure, Platformer