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Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct: Everything We Learned

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☽ DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC out now!
☽ Learn how to solve Banandiumtone's Puzzles.
☽ All Collectibles: Banandium Gems and Fossils
☽ Learn How to Skip Layers Entirely!
☽ How to Beat the Final Boss
☽ Post-Game: Rehearsal Halls | Secret Ending

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct
A Donkey Kong Bananza Direct aired on June 18th, 2025 showcasing details about the gameplay, characters, and exploration of the game. Check out a summary of everything we learned from the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct.

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Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Recap

Aired June 18th on Nintendo's Official YouTube Channel

Nintendo showed off a Direct Livestream focused on Donkey Kong Bananza on June 18th, 2025.

The presentation ran for about 17 minutes and covered details about this upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game.

Everything We Learned from the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct

Donkey Kong Bananza's Direct was packed with key reveals. Here's a quick summary of the major announcements:

Characters, World, and Story

  • Donkey Kong's companion Odd Rock is revealed to be Pauline!
  • The story follows Donkey Kong and Pauline on a joint adventure to the Planet Core to have their wishes granted.
  • The game takes place in the subterranean layers of the world, each with unique scenery and depth.
  • The antagonists are a trio of Kongs, members of VoidCo. Their aim is to reach the Planet Core first and have blocked the path. DK must defeat their guards to move deeper into the world.

Gameplay

  • Donkey Kong's Controls and moveset were shown.
  • The underground world is filled with life, including the Giant Elders, who grant Bananza Powers. Pauline’s singing lets DK transform into powerful forms like a mighty gorilla, swift zebra, or flying ostrich.
  • DK can freely transform between unlocked Bananza Powers using the D-Pad, as long as he has enough Bananergy, charged up from collected Gold.
  • Banandium Gems, shaped like bananas, are scattered underground.
  • These gems can be found out in the open, hidden in caves, or earned by clearing Challenge Course Ruins.
  • Each layer has a set number of Banandium Gems. For example, the Lagoon Layer has 43.
  • Collecting Banandium Gems earns Skill Points. Spend them to upgrade DK’s abilities.
  • Banandium Chips, shaped like banana slices, are another collectible. 10 Chips can be exchanged for 1 Banandium Gem at Chip Exchange shops.
  • While digging, you can also find Gold Nuggets, or Gold, which acts as currency in Stuff Shops.
  • Fossils are another form of currency used in Style Shops to unlock outfits and fashion items.
  • Each layer features up to 3 types of Fossils. For example, the Lagoon Layer has 61 Ammonite Fossils, 1 Whale Fossil, and an uncertain amount of an unknown type.
  • You can customize DK and Pauline’s appearance by interacting with closets. DK can change his neckwear, britches, and fur color. Pauline has set outfits.
  • Clothing items come with perks, which can level up to boost their effects.
  • Treasure Chests may appear as you dig. These may hold Treasure Maps that mark Banandium Gems or Fossils on your in-game map.
  • An in-game menu tracks all collectibles, helping you see what you're missing.
  • You can spend Gold to unlock Getaways, custom bases where you can rest, change outfits, or play Music Discs.
  • Music Discs may drop from enemies and contain music tracks to enjoy.
  • Fast travel between layers with Eelevators, or Teeleport within a layer using found Tuning Fork checkpoints.

Other Features

  • A Photo Mode lets you take cinematic screenshots at any time.
  • Co-Op Play includes Couch Co-op, Local Co-op, and Online Co-op through Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat.
  • An Assist Mode is available. It offers guidance, reduces damage taken, and more.
  • The DK Artist mode (separate from the main game) lets you sculpt and paint 3D models.
  • amiibo support is confirmed. A new Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo will launch with the game. Scanning it unlocks Pauline’s Diva Dress and boosts Music Disc drop rates.
  • Scanning Donkey Kong series amiibo spawns Gold Tiles with explosive properties.
  • All other amiibo are compatible and will spawn spheres of various materials and terrain.

The Direct ended with the confirmed release date of July 17, 2025, for the game and amiibo.

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    Donkey Kong Bananza Walkthrough & Guides Wiki

    Quick Access
    Guide Index

    Recommended Guides

    Location Guides

    Collectible Guides

    Banandium Gems

    Layers and Levels

    Challenge Ruins

    Lagoon Layer

    Hilltop Layer

    Canyon Layer

    The Divide

    Freezer Layer

    Forest Layer

    The Junction

    Resort Layer

    Tempest Layer

    Landfill Layer

    Racing Layer

    Radiance Layer

    Groove Layer

    Feast Layer

    Forbidden Layer

    How-To Guides

    Bananza Forms

    Walkthrough

    Post-Game

    Bananza Rehearsal Halls

    Bosses

    Outfits

    Music Discs

    Items

    Fossils

    Terrain Types

    Skills

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    News and Game Info

    Japanese Wiki (日本語版)