Donkey Kong Bananza Is The Best Showcase of The Nintendo Switch 2’s Mouse So Far

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Over the past several decades, Nintendo’s gaming consoles have always had unique features that distinguish them from their competitors. For instance, the GameCube boasted a carrying handle and minidiscs, the Wii introduced motion controls, the DS showcased a touch screen, the Wii U featured a GamePad, and the Switch was a versatile home-handheld console hybrid. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 introduces more innovative features, some of which even “Donkey Kong Bananza” explores.

As an excited fan, I can’t help but notice that one of the standout features of the Nintendo Switch 2 is its GameChat social aspect. During the console’s initial unveiling and marketing blitz, GameChat was a significant talking point. While it works wonderfully for multiplayer games like “Mario Kart World,” it doesn’t seem to add much value in a primarily solo experience like “Donkey Kong Bananza.”

However, what catches my attention is how “Donkey Kong Bananza” leverages the Nintendo Switch 2’s mouse functionality. It could very well be the best demonstration of this feature so far.

Donkey Kong Bananza Might be The Best Use of Switch 2’s Mouse So Far

The Nintendo Switch 2’s Mouse Mode Is Sorely Underutilized Right Now

It was frequently speculated in the preceding months before its unveiling, but the sideways-adjustable Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch 2 allow for seamless transition to a mouse mode, enabling users to move a cursor around the screen by sliding their Joy-Con across a surface. At launch, only a limited number of games supported the Switch 2’s mouse functionality.

As a gamer, I found that the games most compatible with a mouse on the Switch 2 were Fortnite, Cyberpunk 2077, and Civilization 7. Initially, the controls didn’t feel entirely intuitive, but after making some adjustments in each game’s settings, the mouse functioned quite smoothly on the Switch 2. However, using a mouse to play these Nintendo Switch 2 launch games still felt somewhat subpar compared to traditional controls.

Donkey Kong Bananza Makes The Most of The Switch 2’s Mouse Mode

In the thrilling world of Donkey Kong Bananza, I personally don’t rely on my trusty mouse during solo gameplay. However, when teaming up with another player in local co-op mode, the Joy-Cons’ innovative mouse capabilities kick into action! One player continues to control DK as usual with a single Joy-Con, while the other player transforms their Joy-Con sideways and uses it like a digital mouse. This lets us aim at the terrain, gather materials, and unleash them into the environment through an on-screen cursor. It’s like having a whole new level of control in this banana-tastic adventure!

As a gamer, I find it refreshing to explore the fun side of Donkey Kong Bananza on my Nintendo Switch 2 for a couple of hours. It’s not a revolutionary change, but Nintendo has cleverly integrated one of its novel features without overwhelming the core gaming experience.

In addition to the exciting gameplay of Donkey Kong Bananza, there’s also an intriguing “DK Artist” mode. This feature is reminiscent of Super Mario 64’s menu screen, where players could interact with a 3D model of the mascot’s face. Similarly, in Donkey Kong Bananza, players can use the mouse function on the Switch 2 to sculpt, carve, and paint various in-game models. While not the main highlight of the game, this feature adds a delightful touch and effectively demonstrates the capabilities of the Switch 2’s mouse controls.

Upcoming Switch 2 Games With Mouse Functionality

Fortunately, a handful of additional Nintendo Switch 2 games that are compatible with mice are coming soon, and we can only hope that they will present an even more impressive demonstration of the feature than Donkey Kong Bananza.

  • Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV – July 24, 2025
  • No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files – July 25, 2025
  • Drag x Drive – August 14, 2025
  • Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road – August 21, 2025
  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – TBA 2025
  • Mouse Work – TBA 2025

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2025-07-24 14:05