Nintendo unveiled a wealth of new details during its Donkey Kong Bananza Direct on Wednesday, June 18th, showcasing the future of this beloved franchise. Read on for a closer look at the gameplay and to learn all about Pauline, Donkey Kong's new partner.

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct: Key Announcements

Welcome To The Underground

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Nintendo broadcasted an 18-minute Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, revealing what players can anticipate from this new world. The presentation highlighted a vast new area to explore and innovative gameplay mechanics that can be utilized in countless situations.

While brief glimpses of gameplay were shown during a prior Nintendo Treehouse Live—a showcase where developers present hands-on footage—the Bananza Direct provided a much deeper dive into the previously announced features.

The story begins as the protagonist, Donkey Kong, is swept into a vast underground realm by a violent storm, separating him from the Golden Bananas of Ingot Isle. He soon discovers he isn't alone, partnering with a peculiar sentient rock named Odd Rock. Odd Rock, however, is actually a young human girl named Pauline, whose goal is to return to the surface and realize her destiny.

Legend says that a wish is granted to whoever reaches the planet's core, propelling DK and Pauline into an epic adventure. Their journey won't be simple, as the sinister Void Company is determined to stop them, seeking the Planet Core's power to fulfill their own malicious ambitions.

Smash, Throw, Jump: Interacting With The World

Donkey Kong Bananza is built around a highly interactive environment that encourages free exploration. Donkey Kong (or DK) can move in all directions—running, jumping, and scaling cliffs. He can also smash, crash, throw, or assemble nearly anything in the world, allowing him to create his own paths. Secret items and treasures are concealed within the environment, rewarding players who experiment with destruction.

Hard materials like rocks can be hurled at enemies to inflict damage, while softer elements like sand and soil can be thrown together to construct bridges or towers.

Co-Op Multiplayer Featuring Pauline

Donkey Kong Bananza elevates the traditional co-op experience, transforming the companion character into a fully-fledged Player 2 rather than a mere sidekick. A second player can take direct control of Pauline using Joy-Con 2 motion controls, using her powerful voice to blast foes, much like DK uses his fists. She can also replicate items and materials from the surrounding terrain to amplify her vocal abilities.

This cooperative mode is also accessible via the Switch 2's GameShare function, allowing players on a Nintendo Switch 1 or Switch 2—even without the game—to join the adventure on their own system, or online through GameChat.

Music Drives the Adventure: DK Transformations

Pauline, DK’s new companion, can trigger his transformation with her magical singing, turning him into various Bananza forms. These include a larger version of himself, a zebra, or even a flying ostrich. These transformations are temporary but can be recharged by collecting gold to refill DK’s Bananergy meter.

You can transform at any time and place, enabling seamless transitions from gliding through the air to smashing obstacles on the ground. Pauline's voice can also guide you during quests, serving as a helpful navigational aid.

Outfit Customization, Photo Mode, and DK Artist Mode

For players who love to personalize their experience, the game includes several creative features. First, you can purchase custom outfits for both DK and Pauline, adding style to their underground journey.

Then, you can capture memorable moments with the built-in Photo Mode, which offers free camera movement and various settings to get the perfect shot, along with editing tools and filters for a personal touch.

Separate from the main story, the DK Artist mode offers a creative outlet. This mode provides a stone-carving studio where players can paint, carve materials, or add stone to create their own masterpieces.

These are just a few highlights from the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, but this unique action-adventure platformer and demolition title may have even more surprises in store at launch.

Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled for release on July 17, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. For more details, check out the article below on Game8!