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Nintendo confirms that the DK Rap is back in Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct ahead of the game's launch on the Switch 2

The old theme song for Donkey Kong 64 lives on, now as a hidden track in Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong 64 Opening
Image credit: Rare

The Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct has come and gone and left us with a great glimpse of the gameplay that awaits us when the game launches on the Switch 2. However, between all of Donkey Kong’s new forms and the reveal that he and Pauline have been friends for years before Mario tried to break them up in the original arcade game, Nintendo gave us what we’ve all been waiting for. That’s right, the DK Rap is back in Donkey Kong Bananza.

The reveal came when the Nintendo showcased the soundtrack function in Donkey Kong Bananza, explaining that players can find new records out in the wild. What song should they play but the infamous DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64, much to the relief of Nintendo fans around the world.

Look, we know that the DK Rap is a little bit dumb and silly, but that is alright. This is a game series about a monkey named Donkey that smashes up the terrain with a young woman clinging to his back. The inclusion of something like the DK Rap, which has a very special place in the Nintendo fandom. The focus on music is understandable as Donkey Kong is accompanied on his new quest by Pauline, who is hoping to become a famous singer. Many of her abilities seem tied to the songs she sings, which can trigger transformations for Donkey Kong.

Donkey Kong Bananza, DK Rap included, is out for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.


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Trent Cannon

Trent Cannon: Trent is a freelance writer who has been covering anime, video games, and pop culture for a decade. (He/Him)

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