Donkey Kong Bananza Reviews Persuade Switch 2 Purchase
- By Jack
- Nov 23,2025
When preorders for the Switch 2 initially went live (and quickly sold out), I argued that the original Switch was still a worthwhile purchase. I hadn't intended to buy the new Nintendo console immediately, but the overwhelmingly positive reviews for Donkey Kong Bananza convinced me to jump in much sooner than planned. IGN awarded the game a coveted 10/10, and within just a week of its release, fans are already suggesting it has Game of the Year potential. As a lifelong Nintendo enthusiast, the thought of waiting a full year to play a potential Donkey Kong masterpiece was simply too much to bear.
What We Said in Our Review:
"Donkey Kong Bananza is a truly groundbreaking 3D platformer, with satisfying movement, powerful abilities, impressive destructible environments, and clever challenges that all come together in complete harmony to create Nintendo’s first Switch 2 masterpiece." —Logan Plant
My first encounter with Donkey Kong was on the Super Nintendo. Donkey Kong Country was both challenging and incredibly fun, and my brother and I devoted countless hours to it. Then came Donkey Kong 64, which, if I recall correctly, actually required the Expansion Pak to run. It was the first 3D game I’d played that felt genuinely innovative, and it remains one of my all-time favorite childhood games.
These nostalgic feelings are definitely what accelerated my Switch 2 purchase, but who am I to deny myself a little magic every now and then? I was initially worried I wouldn't find a console in stock, given the shortages since launch, but I managed to snag a Mario Kart Switch 2 bundle at Target today. We're also hearing reports of people receiving Switch 2 purchasing invites from Amazon.
If you, like me, have decided to take the plunge on the latest Nintendo console, you can follow IGN's live Switch 2 stock updates or check the links below to see if any are available near you.
Where to buy Switch 2 Consoles
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World
See at Amazon See at Target See at Walmart See at GameStop See at Best Buy
Nintendo Switch 2
See at Amazon See at Target See at Walmart See at GameStop See at Best Buy For instant stock updates, follow @IGNDeals on Twitter/X and Bluesky.
Why I'm Excited to Start Playing Bananza
Nintendo Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bananza
Release Date: July 17, 2025. $69.99 at Target $69.99 at Amazon
I wasn't particularly interested in Bananza until Nintendo showcased it in a full Direct presentation. We later discovered that the team behind Mario Odyssey was developing the game. Then, reading IGN's in-depth review from a trusted Nintendo source ultimately convinced me.
Like so many others, I adored Mario Odyssey on the Switch. It was pure, unadulterated fun, and exploring its vibrant 3D worlds and overcoming its challenges was an absolute joy. The prospect of experiencing that same magic in a Donkey Kong game promises to satisfy a nostalgic craving I didn't even realize I still had. I'm genuinely excited about the freedom to smash, climb, and barrel through the world as Donkey Kong.
Unfortunately, my Switch 2 isn't scheduled to arrive until three days after my copy of Bananza. I suppose I'll just have to admire the game case in eager anticipation until my console finally gets here.
