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It has been a long time since we had a new 3D Donkey Kong game, so it isn’t surprising that Nintendo is finally giving the big ape his due. Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t quite a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, but it will be out just a few weeks after the console just in case it takes you a bit of time to get your hands on one. Donkey Kong Bananza’s release date will be one of the first big tests for the Switch 2’s improved power and graphics.

While the Switch 2 will land on shelves on June 5, 2025, fans will need to wait a little longer to play the latest Donkey Kong game. Donkey Kong Bananza will be out on July 17, 2025 for the Switch 2, and it looks like it is taking advantage of the improved graphics and display that Nintendo spent their entire April Direct telling us about.

While we haven’t had a chance to play it just yet, Donkey Kong Bananza looks like Nintendo has taken the best parts of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and made them more destructive. Donkey Kong is on a quest to recover the Golden Bananas from a group of villainous apes. However, where Link might need to be sneaky and tactical in how he approaches enemies, Donkey Kong looks like he is going to just smash his way through the open world to get what he’s after.

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

You don't need to beat the game to prepare for the next one—here are all the major new and upcoming games coming our way.