Nintendo just held a Donkey Kong Bananza Direct on Wednesday, June 18th, revealing more of what’s to come for the classic franchise. Read on to learn more about its gameplay and to know more about Pauline, DK’s new companion.
Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Reveals
Welcome To The Underground
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Nintendo hosted the 18-minute-long Donkey Kong Bananza Direct where they revealed more of what players can expect when jumping into its world, such a whole new world to explore, and new gameplay mechanics that can virtually be used anywhere.
Snippets of the gameplay were already revealed during a previous Nintendo Treehouse Live, a showcase where Nintendo developers present hands-on footage and information about several Nintendo games. However, the recent Bananza Direct went more in-depth with what was previously announced.
Titular protagonist Donkey Kong is whisked into the underground after a harsh tempest whisks him away from the Golden Bananas of Ingot Isle. However, he quickly finds out that he’s not alone, for he teams up with a strange rock named Odd Rock—only Odd Rock isn’t just a rock, it’s actually a young human girl named Pauline, whose mission is to return to the surface and fulfill her dream.
It’s said that one’s wish will be granted when they reach the planet’s core, and thus, DK and Pauline are up for one heck of an adventure. However, it’s not going to be easy, as the evil Void Company is out to stop them from getting there, also aiming to get to the Planet Core to get their nefarious schemes and wishes granted.
Smash, Throw, Jump, Interact With The Environment
Donkey Kong Bananza is set to feature an immensely interactive environment that players can freely explore. Donkey Kong (also referred to as simply DK) can freely move in any direction possible—running, jumping and even climbing up cliffs! He can also smash, crash, throw, or build up anything in the world, letting him carve his own path. After all, there are secret items and treasures hidden within the environment as well, ripe for the picking after a bit of destruction.
Hard materials like rocks can be thrown directly onto an enemy to damage them, while softer materials like sand and soil can be thrown at one another to build a bridge or a tower.
Co-Op Multiplayer With Pauline
Donkey Kong Bananza expands upon the usual multiplayer found in other games, turning the game’s companion into more of a Player 2 than just a sidekick. The Player 2 is able to freely control Pauline using the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, using her vocal power to blast opponents into oblivion, just like how Donkey Kong can do with his fists. She can quickly copy items and material from nearby terrain to give her vocal powers a bit more strength.
Additionally, this can also be utilized through the Switch 2’s GameShare function, either to a Nintendo Switch 1 or Switch 2 console without the game so that they can join on their own system, or even online through GameChat.
Music Is The Heart of It All, DK Transformation Go!
DK’s new companion, Pauline, can make him transform with her magical singing voice, turning him into several different types of Bananzas to transform to, like a bigger version of himself, a zebra, or even an ostrich—a flying one! These transformations are only temporary, but can easily be charged by collecting gold to refill DK’s Bananergy.
You can transform whenever, and wherever, making sure that DK is able to smoothly transition from gliding in the air to smashing rocks on the ground. Pauline’s voice can also lead the way during quests, acting as a guide.
Outfit Customization, Photo Mode, DK Artist Mode
If you’re one of those players who would like to keep your gameplay fun and entertaining, kick it up a notch with the creative features set to come with the game. Firstly, players can buy custom outfits for both DK and Pauline, giving them style as they traverse through the lands of the underground.
Then, quick snippets and snapshots can be taken with the in-house Photo Mode, where players can freely change the angle and settings to capture those perfect moments, complete with edits and filters to make it personalized.
Outside of the main game, there is also the DK Artist mode for those who need a bit of artistic flair in their Donkey Kong playthrough. Players are treated to a stone-carving mode where they are free to paint, carve material, or even add more stone to make the best sculpture ever.
Those are just some of the highlights of the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, but this quirky action-adventure platformer and demolition game might have even more surprises up their sleeve during launch.
Donkey Kong Bananza is set to release on July 17, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch 2. For more information, check out Game8’s article below!
Source:
Donkey Kong Bananza Direct 6.18.2025
