Every console generation needs a killer app, that one game that makes you want to buy the system just to play it. Back in the day, these were easy to spot: Tetris and Super Mario Land for the Game Boy, Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis, Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64. The Nintendo Switch had Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
In today’s multiplatform-heavy world, those “system-sellers” are rarer. However, Nintendo still adheres to the old rules, keeping its flagship titles exclusive to its consoles. With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, two games stand out as early killer apps: Mario Kart World and, more surprisingly, Donkey Kong Bananza.
Now, I’ve enjoyed Donkey Kong games in the past, especially the arcade classic, Donkey Kong Country and Tropical Freeze, but the series has never been in my personal hall of fame like Mario or Zelda. Bananza, however, changed that. It’s a perfect blend of Super Mario Odyssey’s creativity, the charm of a classic Rare 3D platformer like Banjo-Kazooie, and an addictively fun gameplay loop I couldn’t put down.
What I Loved
- Fun story with some unexpected twists (no spoilers here, but my jaw dropped more than once).
- Addictive gameplay, punching rocks, digging for treasure, and tearing apart fully destructible environments never get old.
- Creative power-ups for Donkey Kong that open up multiple ways to explore and tackle levels.
- Franchise love, the game is packed with nods to Donkey Kong history, from cameos to clever references. (Sorry, Donkey Kong 3 fans, I didn’t spot anything for you yet.)
What Didn’t Work for Me
- The story, while fun, isn’t the most captivating; it’s the gameplay that really shines.
- The camera occasionally gets awkward, a problem 3D platformers have been dealing with for decades.
- Co-op mode feels a bit like “little brother mode.” Player two controls Pauline, whose main move is shouting Batman ’66-style words at things to break them. It’s great for younger or less experienced players, but not all that engaging for older ones. This setup is reminiscent of helper modes in Super Mario Galaxy and Odyssey.
Final Thoughts
If you own a Nintendo Switch 2 and love 3D platformers, Donkey Kong Bananza is a must-play. It’s easily the console’s killer app so far, and it’s wild to say that about a Donkey Kong title instead of a Mario or Zelda game. Add it to your backlog; you won’t regret it.
Backlog Status: ✅ Completed
Would I recommend? Absolutely, especially for fans of 3D platformers and those with a fondness for Nintendo nostalgia.
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