Donkey Kong vs. Mario: The Battle for Nintendo’s Heart Begins with Switch 2!

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The Nintendo Switch 2’s initial game lineup primarily revolves around “Mario Kart World,” but it’s not just Mario who is receiving a fresh title early in the Switch 2’s lifespan. The game “Donkey Kong Bananza” is set to debut barely a month after the console’s release, providing an exciting new 3D platformer for players from day one. Interestingly, Donkey Kong wasn’t the character many anticipated would be getting a new 3D platformer on the Switch 2 first, which means Mario has been without a fresh 3D game since 2017.

As a devoted fan, I must admit my excitement was building around the prospect of a brand new 3D Mario adventure gracing the Switch 2 at launch. However, it appears that role has been swiped by none other than Donkey Kong Bananza! It takes guts for Nintendo to divert attention from their beloved plumber and focus on DK for the debut of a new console. This bold move seems to revive the timeless rivalry between these two characters, a competition that dates back to Nintendo’s early video game era.

Mario and Donkey Kong Seem to Be Competing Once More on the Switch 2

The Switch 2’s Launch Has Mario and Donkey Kong Going Toe to Toe

Initially, Donkey Kong was Mario’s most formidable adversary instead of Bowser. In the iconic arcade game Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong assumed the antagonist’s role. Over time, they have clashed multiple times in various games such as the Super Smash Bros, the Mario vs. Donkey Kong, and undeniably, the Mario Kart series. Though they are generally friendly nowadays in the current gaming era, their upcoming Switch 2 releases might reignite their rivalry once more.

In approximately a month’s time, owners of the Nintendo Switch 2 can look forward to playing both the new releases from gaming giants, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. While Mario might be gearing up for another kart racing adventure on the Switch 2, the ensemble cast and spin-off nature prevent Mario Kart World from being a full-fledged leading role for everyone’s favorite plumber. Conversely, Donkey Kong Bananza will mark the first 3D platformer featuring the Kong since Donkey Kong 64 on the Nintendo 64.

The game “Donkey Kong 64” was first released back in 1999. This indicates that more than 25 years have passed since the Kong series last appeared in a three-dimensional platformer.

Donkey Kong is Stealing Mario’s Thunder with Bananza

Mario has been synonymous with Nintendo’s 3D platformer genre ever since “Super Mario 64” dramatically transformed the genre. Therefore, launching a new Nintendo console with a platformer featuring anyone other than the plumber feels unusual. However, Donkey Kong appears to be the most suitable character for a new 3D game considering that he has been somewhat overlooked during the primary Switch’s lifespan, mainly appearing in ported versions of older titles. The announcement of “Donkey Kong Bananza” early in the Switch 2’s life is intriguing, but it may potentially create an uncomfortable competition between the 3D “Mario” series and its former rival, Donkey Kong.

It seems that Donkey Kong Bananza embodies what many expected from a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, with one notable exception: Donkey Kong takes Mario’s place as the main character. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of a Super Mario Odyssey 2. If it does come about, it would need to match the quality of its predecessor and the high standards set by Donkey Kong Bananza. As Donkey Kong emerges as Nintendo’s lead character in their Switch 2 platformer series, it will be intriguing to observe how Mario reacts to his longtime adversary usurping his position as the primary 3D platformer mascot for Nintendo. In the interim, Super Mario Bros. Wonder demonstrates that Mario remains firmly established in the 2D platformer genre.

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2025-04-09 15:04