To experience the latest 3D Donkey Kong game, you have to go back to the Nintendo 64 era. With no new mainline Zelda or Mario title ( not being a traditional release) scheduled for the Switch 2’s launch in June, Nintendo’s beloved ape is now taking center stage in . After playing a demo of the game before its July 17 release, I must say I’m impressed with this revamped gorilla.

Although I’m not entirely sure how DK transitioned from the jungle to being trapped in the banana mines, as the demo just dropped me in without much context, there’s no denying that this is the best the gorilla has ever looked. He boasts a fresh, nearly cell-shaded appearance similar to recent , along with a more youthful and expressive look. Additionally, his time spent digging seems to have granted him new skills, including the ability to punch, dig, and butt-stomp his way through various terrain, with dirt flying everywhere as you do it.

This opens up a world of exploration, as DK can now tunnel to new locations or shape his surroundings with a ground pound, in addition to the usual actions like running and jumping. This type of freedom immediately changes the way you tackle obstacles compared to a standard platformer. Nearly everything is destructible in some way, and between digging, rolling, or simply throwing giant rocks at foes, it feels like there are multiple ways to progress.

While the game still features familiar elements like collecting jeweled bananas and having a companion in the form of a friendly purple rock monster that rides on DK’s shoulder, this is not the same Donkey Kong experience. Thanks to its new traversal mechanics, Bananza reminds me more of Mario Galaxy than Odyssey, swapping out gravity-bending physics for explosive spelunking.

That being said, while the game looks great and handles well, I do have some initial concerns. After a while, the constant digging and rock smashing felt a bit repetitive. Additionally, the amount of debris that gets kicked up can be distracting, making it difficult to see where you’re going. This makes me wonder if the game is aimed at a slightly younger audience, similar to many Kirby games, rather than something meant to appeal to older players.

Despite these concerns, my brief time with the game was enough to make me want to come back. Alongside Mario Kart World, it’s clear that Donkey Kong Bananza is part of Nintendo’s strategy to carry the Switch 2 through its launch window, and I’m excited to see more.