Upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Set for This Week
Nintendo has officially announced a dedicated Direct presentation focused solely on the highly anticipated upcoming Switch 2 exclusive, Donkey Kong Bananza. The event is scheduled for this Wednesday, June 18, with broadcast times at 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. UK time. Fans can expect a deep dive into the game’s features, gameplay, and more during this 15-minute showcase.
What to Expect from the Showcase
The announcement was initially shared via the Nintendo Today! app, confirming that the upcoming Direct will last approximately 15 minutes. This focused presentation indicates that Nintendo will concentrate exclusively on Donkey Kong Bananza, with no other Switch 2 titles featured during this livestream. This means players will get a detailed look at the game’s mechanics and visuals without any distractions from other upcoming releases.
Game Details and Release Information
Set for release on July 17, Donkey Kong Bananza marks a significant entry in Nintendo’s lineup of exclusive titles for the new console. The game is a 3D platform adventure, promising engaging gameplay and vibrant visuals that leverage the capabilities of the Switch 2. Fans eager for more gameplay insights will want to tune in to see what this title has to offer.
New Look for Donkey Kong
In line with his appearance in the recent blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Donkey Kong has received a fresh new look for Bananza. During an interview with IGN, Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto shared insights into the character’s redesign, explaining the creative process behind his updated appearance.
“When it comes to character creation and working with our characters, I still take an active role,” Miyamoto revealed. “Looking back at the original Donkey Kong Country, we collaborated with Rare to develop that version of Donkey Kong. Later, when we aimed to evolve the character further, we created Jungle Beat, working closely with the team behind 3D Mario. With the technology available at that time, we made Donkey Kong more expressive. Returning to the original design concepts by Rare, we reevaluated what could be done to make him even more expressive. For the movie, we decided to move forward with this new-generation design.”
Additional Titles and the Future of Switch 2
The release of Donkey Kong Bananza will help expand the relatively light lineup of Switch 2 exclusive games, which currently includes launch titles like Mario Kart World and Welcome Tour. Other upcoming exclusives announced for the new console include Survival Kids, Kirby Air Riders, and the recently revealed Splatoon Raiders. Fans can look forward to a growing library of titles that showcase the capabilities of Nintendo’s latest hardware.
Stay tuned for more updates and gameplay previews from this exciting event, as Nintendo continues to build anticipation for its next-generation console and its exclusive game lineup.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
