Even though we didn’t know anything about the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct heading into it, one thing many of us were almost certain of was that the next 3D Mario game would be shown off. That didn’t happen. Instead, Nintendo’s closer was a 3D Donkey Kong game. It’s a credit to just how good Donkey Kong Bananza looks that people were okay with it occupying the spot we expected to be filled by Mario, and we don’t have long to wait until it gets here.
Donkey Kong Bananza will be released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. That means you won’t be able to play it right away if you get a Switch 2 on its June 5 launch date, but you won’t have to wait long. Nintendo likes to space out its big first-party games during console launch windows, and Bananza will be this year’s big July release. As for securing a copy ready for release day, pre-orders will open soon, and everything you need to know about placing them can be found below.
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Where To Pre-Order Donkey Kong Bananza
One of the biggest talking points coming out of the Switch 2 Direct was Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag. The good news is Bananza won’t be following in Mario Kart’s $80 tracks. The bad news is the next Donkey Kong game will be the $70 industry standard. Based on what we’ve seen from Bananza so far, it looks like it will almost certainly be worth that, but obviously that’s up to you to decide.
If you are okay with Bananza, and probably most first-party Switch 2 games moving forward, costing $70, then you’ll want to place a pre-order. No pre-order bonuses for Donkey Kong’s next adventure have been revealed yet, but that’s not out of the ordinary for Nintendo. If it’s sticking with the method it used during the original Switch era, pre-order bonuses will be exclusive to certain retailers and will be revealed closer to release day.
Everywhere you can pre-order Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as how much the game costs at each retailer, can be found below along with the links that will take you directly to its store pages. Pre-orders aren’t live yet, but the store pages are which means the game will be available to buy any moment now.
- Released
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July 17, 2025
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Number of Players
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Single-player
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
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July 17, 2025
Nintendo Switch Games That Are Getting Switch 2 Editions
While Bananza and Mario Kart World were Nintendo’s focus during the Switch 2’s first Direct, another big reveal revolved around what it has planned for some of its bigger Switch games. Four of them will be getting Switch 2 editions – Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and The Forgotten Land, and Super Mario Party Jamboree.
All four of those games will be getting Switch 2 releases, priced at either $70 or $80. However, if you already own any of the games on Switch, you will be able to pay for their Switch 2 upgrades separately. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom’s upgrades will be $10 each, or if you have Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack, they’ll be included with your subscription. The Kirby and Mario Party upgrades will likely cost more since they will include more content.
FAQ
Is Pauline In Donkey Kong Bananza?
Yes, Nintendo has accidentally revealed Pauline will be in Bananza. Pauline is the mayor of New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey, and she’s the woman you need to save in the original Donkey Kong.
Is Donkey Kong Bananza A Switch 2 Exclusive?
Yes, Bananza will be a Switch 2 exclusive. You will not be able to play it on an original Switch or any other console.
Will Mario Be In Donkey Kong Bananza?
Mario has not been shown in Bananza, but that doesn’t mean he’s not in the game.
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