Donkey Kong Bananza is a Logical Next Step

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The beloved “Donkey Kong” series is set to come back after a long hiatus on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. In the latest Nintendo Direct focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2, the company unveiled the launch of “Donkey Kong Bananza,” a fresh 3D platformer starring Donkey Kong himself. This marks the debut of an entirely new “Donkey Kong” game in over ten years, since the release of 2014’s “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.”

As a devoted fan, I can’t contain my excitement! It’s been more than two decades since we last had a 3D “Donkey Kong” game, with the last one being “Donkey Kong 64” in 1999. The anticipation has been building for years due to whispers about a new 3D “Donkey Kong” game, and even rumors of one that Vicarious Visions was developing. Now, with Nintendo’s recent focus on the franchise and their Nintendo Switch Online lineup, it seems like the perfect time for a brand-new “Donkey Kong” adventure!

Donkey Kong Bananza Comes Amidst Major Donkey Kong Hype

Nintendo Switch Online Has Been A Haven For Donkey Kong

Prior to the launch of “Donkey Kong Bananza,” Nintendo had been quite active, rolling out numerous “Donkey Kong” games on the Nintendo Switch Online platform. Towards the end of 2024, they further expanded this collection by adding the “Donkey Kong Land” trilogy from Game Boy and Game Boy Color to their online service. This wasn’t the entirety of their focus on “Donkey Kong,” as the game often referred to by fans as “Donkey Kong ’94” for the Game Boy was also added in March.

Since Nintendo has been pouring a lot of affection into launching Donkey Kong games on Nintendo Switch Online, it felt fitting for Nintendo to introduce a fresh game to generate excitement for the franchise. The latest installments were released alongside the arcade Donkey Kong trilogy and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s Donkey Kong Country trilogy on the Nintendo Switch Online platform. As fans can now relive the classic Donkey Kong legacy, it seems logical for Nintendo to capitalize on this momentum with something completely new.

A New Donkey Kong Game Has Been A Long Time Coming

It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a fresh installment in the Donkey Kong series, and fans have been eagerly awaiting it ever since the Retro Studios’ Donkey Kong Country duology was re-released on the Nintendo Switch. However, it’s been six years since Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze hit shelves in 2014, leaving many wondering if a new game starring the beloved orangutan is on its way to the Nintendo Switch. With all the buzz and speculation surrounding a potential new Donkey Kong game, it certainly feels like it’s high time for a new addition to this classic franchise.

Previously noted, this marks the first 3D “Donkey Kong” game since “Donkey Kong 64” in 1999. While the original game was commercially successful on the Nintendo 64, its reputation has suffered over time due to its repetitive collect-a-thon elements and excessive backtracking. The upcoming 3D “Donkey Kong” game presents an opportunity to address these issues, potentially offering a more enjoyable and engaging 3D platformer experience.

Since Nintendo has been lavishing care on bringing back classic Donkey Kong games via Nintendo Switch Online, it feels fitting that they’d also unveil a fresh installment to fuel excitement for the franchise.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Has Some Big Influence On Donkey Kong

It’s quite fitting to have a fresh installment of the classic game, Donkey Kong, given the character’s surge in popularity following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The movie has inspired changes in Donkey Kong’s design, which is evident in his redesign for the upcoming Mario Kart World. It’s clear that the movie’s massive success has had an impact on other aspects of the Mario universe, and a new Donkey Kong game could certainly capitalize on this renewed interest.

Nintendo has undeniably been patient in unveiling the next installment of the beloved Donkey Kong series, yet they’ve cleverly maintained its relevance through reissues and Nintendo Switch Online features. Now, with the upcoming release of Donkey Kong Bananza, there’s a golden opportunity for the publisher to steer the franchise in an exhilarating new trajectory. Fingers crossed that this latest title becomes one of the many essential additions to the Nintendo Switch 2 library.

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2025-04-04 04:05