Donkey Kong Direct: Key Announcements Recap

Nintendo's Donkey Kong Bananza Direct on Wednesday, June 18th unveiled exciting new details for the beloved franchise. Discover the latest gameplay insights and meet Pauline, Donkey Kong's new adventuring partner.

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Highlights

Journey Into the Underground

The 18-minute Donkey Kong Bananza Direct on June 18, 2025 showcased expansive new worlds to explore and innovative gameplay mechanics that can be utilized throughout the environment.

While preliminary gameplay was demonstrated during a previous Nintendo Treehouse Live event, this Bananza Direct provided deeper insights into the previously announced features.

After a violent storm separates him from the Golden Bananas of Ingot Isle, Donkey Kong finds himself transported underground. There he encounters Odd Rock, who reveals herself as Pauline - a human girl determined to return to the surface and fulfill her destiny.

Legend says that reaching the planet's core will grant one's deepest wish, setting DK and Pauline on an epic adventure. Their journey is threatened by the villainous Void Company, which seeks the planet's core for its own malicious purposes.

Dynamic Environmental Interaction

Donkey Kong Bananza features a highly interactive world where players can run, jump, and climb across diverse landscapes. DK can smash obstacles, throw objects, and reshape the environment to uncover hidden treasures and create new paths.

Players can weaponize hard materials like rocks against enemies, while softer materials like sand and soil can be molded into bridges and structures.

Pauline as Cooperative Partner

The game elevates traditional companion mechanics by making Pauline a fully playable second character. Using Joy-Con motion controls, Player 2 can harness Pauline's powerful vocal abilities to defeat enemies, complementing DK's physical strength. She can replicate environmental materials to enhance her vocal attacks.

This cooperative experience extends through the Switch 2's GameShare function, allowing players to join via Nintendo Switch 1 or Switch 2 consoles without requiring the game, supported by online play through GameChat.

Musical Transformations and Guidance

Pauline's magical singing voice enables DK to temporarily transform into various Bananza forms - including larger versions of himself, a zebra, or even a flying ostrich. These transformations are fueled by collecting gold to replenish DK's Bananergy meter.

Players can shift between forms seamlessly, adapting to different challenges from aerial gliding to ground-based demolition. Pauline's voice also serves as a navigational guide during quests.

Creative Customization Features

The game offers extensive creative tools for personalized gameplay. Players can purchase custom outfits for both DK and Pauline, adding stylistic flair to their underground exploration.

An integrated Photo Mode enables players to capture and customize screenshots with adjustable angles, filters, and editing options. Beyond the main adventure, DK Artist mode provides a stone-carving sandbox where players can sculpt, paint, and build elaborate creations.

These highlights from the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct showcase a unique action-adventure platformer with demolition elements that may hold additional surprises at launch.

Donkey Kong Bananza launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. For additional coverage, explore Game8's detailed article below!