Tag: Donkey Kong
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: All Banandiumtone Puzzle Solutions
Glyph hanger
One neat little surprise in the Donkey Kong Bananza DLC is Banandiumtone. This Banana-shaped Fractone can be found hanging out on DK Island, communicating through a series of strange symbols. Cracking the mystery behind these symbols will open up another puzzle with a different set of rules. Make it through all eight puzzles and...
Random Wait, Is Donkey Kong Bananza's DLC Hiding A Neat Namco Easter Egg?
High score!
There is a lot to be distracted by in the Donkey Kong Bananza DLC. It might be the beautifully reimagined DK Island, the fast and frantic Emerald Rush mode or... actually, that's about it. But those are two pretty distracting things! Distracting enough, we'd say, for a sneaky Easter Egg to slip under the radar. If you had asked us...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Emerald Rush Tips
One short day
So, you've splashed out and bought the Donkey Kong Bananza DLC, briefly explored DK Island and dived into a couple of games of Emerald Rush — nice one! But after a few runs, with the difficulty ramping up, you find yourself unable to fulfil Void's quotas. Don't worry, we've been there! In this guide, we'll lend you a helping hand...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: All Emerald Rush Unlocks And Rewards
Item Void
If you're playing through the Donkey Kong Bananza DLC and you're keen to know all of the sweet, sweet rewards that are coming your way, then you've come to the right place. In the following guide, we've laid out every unlock and reward that you'll pick up for playing Emerald Rush and listed how many Rating Points you'll need to nab 'em...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Emerald Rush - Full Perks List
Perk up
Throughout your roguelike runs in Donkey Kong Bananza's Emerald Rush DLC, you'll come across a series of different Perks to boost your abilities and grant you some sweet Emerald Ore bonuses. These Perks are essential for completing a good run, so it's a good idea to gain a decent understanding of all the options on the table before diving...
News Donkey Kong Bananza Has Been Updated To Version 2.0.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
A new paid DLC update is now available
Nintendo's latest Direct broadcast was filled with all sorts of surprises, but one thing you might not have expected was DLC for Donkey Kong Bananza. Yes, just months after the game's initial release on the Switch 2, DK's latest outing has now been bolstered with some smashing new content, and it's available...
News Surprise! Donkey Kong Bananza Is Getting DLC, And It's Out Today
That's bananas
Donkey Kong Bananza has only been out for a couple of months, but it's already getting paid DLC. Plus, it's out today. The DLC is called DK Island & Emerald Rush and is set on DK's very own home, so expect another huge nostalgia rush. In Emerald Rush mode, you'll be attempting to join the ranks of Void Co. by breaking and...
Random Donkey Kong Bananza's Idle Animations Are Outrageously Cute
"Who's a good ape? You are."
Like many first-party Nintendo games, Donkey Kong Bananza is absolutely stuffed with fun little details and easter eggs. Some are pretty obvious, like the short challenge level that's basically a recreation of Donkey Kong Country, but others take a little more time and patience to notice. For example, you might be so...
News Donkey Kong Bananza Is Selling Like Bananas On Switch 2 (US)
It's already made the top 20 for 2025
Circana has released data for game and hardware sales for July 2025 in the US, and despite a competitive month, Donkey Kong Bananza has made a bit of a splash. Shared by Mat Piscatella on Bluesky, DK's latest adventure was the third best-selling game of the month, beaten only by EA Sports College Football 26...
News Donkey Kong Bananza's Dig Button Placement Is All Thanks To Miyamoto
Digging deep
Okay, how many of you automatically went to press the 'B button to jump the first time you picked up Donkey Kong Bananza? It's been a staple in Mario games for a long time, so it's pretty natural to assume things would be similar here. Except it isn't, but the change actually makes a lot of sense here. And we have one Shigeru Miyamoto...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Walkthrough
Your ultimate Donkey Kong Bananza resource
Donkey Kong Bananza is absolutely packed with things to do and see. Fortunately, we here are Nintendo Life are on hand to help with our ultimate Donkey Kong Bananza Guide. In this guide, we'll be running through everything you need to know about DKB and where to find every collectible, including All...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Post-Game - What To Do After Rolling Credits
All the Kongtent
So, you've defeated Donkey Kong Bananza's final boss, rolled credits and been greeted with a mysterious "The adventure continues..." message at the end of it all. The question is, what do you do next? Have no fear, we're here to help! In this guide, we'll run through all of Donkey Kong Bananza's post-game content, including the...
Opinion We Really Don't Need A Donkey Kong Timeline
Lore of the Swings
From the moment Nintendo revealed Pauline's presence in Donkey Kong Bananza, I knew one thing for certain: I was going to be writing a feature on the DK timeline in the next two months. Look, you know I love Bananza. DK and Pauline have such a wholesome little relationship, I adored hearing the same senile rant from Cranky on...
Opinion Donkey Kong Bananza's Delightful World Map Is Another Nintendo Banger
Mario's miniature marvels
There's a lot of fun to be had in smashing the place to tiny little voxel pieces in Donkey Kong Bananza, it's easily its biggest draw. People have been into the sweet catharsis of wanton destruction since way back before there were even people. Probably. However, the one thing that's caught my attention most whilst playing...
Opinion Can We Stop Comparing Donkey Kong Bananza's Tactile Thrills To Odyssey Now?
My favourite one is both
Note. This article contains minor, non-narrative spoilers (specifically, Bananza forms and mid-game layers). Did you know there was a U-turn jump in Bananza? I just realised this morning! He does a roll jump (that can be chained into another air roll) and lands with a sonar splash. I'm not exactly sure how useful it is but...
Watch Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase July 2025 - Live!
Howdy, partner!
Well, who could have seen this coming! The rumours were true, and we are mere minutes away from another Nintendo Direct. The Partner Showcase will be kicking off in a little under half an hour at 6am PST / 9am EST / 2pm BST / 3pm CET, with Nintendo promising "roughly 25 minutes of information on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and...
Random DK's Fur Gets Brighter In Bananza When He's Powered Up
Here's a look
Donkey Kong Bananza has been out for a few weeks now, and unsurprisingly, players are still discovering all sorts of things about it. Apart from new ways to speedrun the game, as you've probably noticed, there's some lovely attention to detail, and it extends to DK's fur. Supper Mario Broth on social media notes how a full "Bananergy"...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Final Bananza Rehearsal - How To Beat The Great Harmoneel Challenge
Run the gauntlet
After making it through five Bananza Rehearsals with the other elders, it's time to take on Donkey Kong Bananza's final challenge: The Great Harmoneel's Windpipe. This gauntlet-running mission is arguably the toughest you'll face in the game, so we've assembled the following guide to help you survive all six of its phases and pick...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Ending Explained - Is It A Prequel To Mario Odyssey?
Newer Donk City
Even before Nintendo EPD was confirmed as the developer behind Donkey Kong Bananza, people started to speculate about how the game may, or may not, be connected to Super Mario Odyssey. Yes, this is the same developer, and Pauline makes a return (albeit at a much younger age), but do the connections go beyond mere aesthetics? Is...
News Nintendo Announces New Donkey Kong Maximus Cup Event For Tetris 99
Unlock a new theme next month
DK is back in his latest outing Donkey Kong Bananza, and apart from new merch and promotions in mobile games like Super Mario Run, he's also getting his very own Tetris 99 event. Yes, Nintendo's Switch Online-focused battle-royale Tetris game will be hosting a special event between 1st - 4th August, 2025. In this...
Random DK Would Go Bananas For This Fan-Made Switch 2 Dock Cover
Docky Kong
If you're anything like us, your Switch 2 has likely become a Donkey Kong Bananza machine for the past two weeks. We mean that in a figurative sense, of course — it's the game that has dominated most of our time of late — but some arty fans have taken it much more literally. Take Reddit user freakintoddles, for example, who recently...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: How To Use DK Artist
Ap-peel-ing works of art
Want to become a master sculptor? Well, Donkey Kong Bananza has a mode just for you. And it's not just DK smashing things to pieces. DK Artist allows budding artists to create their own sculptors in their own time. Utilising the Joy Con 2's Mouse functionality, it's a completely separate mode from the rest of the game that...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: How To Use Photo Mode
Say 'Bananas!'
What is a video game without photo mode? Not a video game? Probably, at this point. Well thank goodness Donkey Kong Bananza has one, then. Using DK's Photo Mode isn't immediately obvious, but we're here to tell you how to access it and how to make the most of this staple mode. How To Use Photo Mode in Donkey Kong Bananza: Accessing...
News Donkey Kong Bananza Takes Inspiration From Dark Souls For These Gold Statues
You Refined
Donkey Kong Bananza is stuffed full of amazing little details and references, and thanks to some chatter online, we've discovered yet another incredible detail that takes more than a little soul from... well, Dark Souls. On social media, we spotted a thread from the donkeykong
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: How To Reset Terrain
Can something be too smashing?
Donkey Kong Bananza is the perfect game to play after a long, stressful day at work. Why? Well, besides just simply being delightful, you can break absolutely everything with no consequences. Though, if you're like us, you might be a bit rambunctious in the destruction department. Luckily, you can reset all of the...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: All Getaway Locations
Nap time!
If you want to make sure you've got the hearts to tackle Donkey Kong Bananza's toughest challenges, you're going to need to keep an eye out for Getaways. These buildable locations spring up all over the underground world, signposted by a house-shaped Fractone. A brief chat with these square fellows (and a small Gold exchange) will open up...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Landfill Layer Boss - How To Defeat Re-Peekabruiser
Wait, I know you
It's time to face Donkey Kong Bananza's first returning boss, as we dig through the trash of the Landfill Layer and come face-to-face with Peekabruiser once again (albeit called Re-Peekabruiser this time). This battle plays out pretty similarly to when we fought it back on the Lagoon Layer, but there are a handful of differences to...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Radiance Layer Miniboss - How To Defeat Poppy Kong
Guess who's back
Void Co.'s biggest perfume fan, Poppy Kong, is back on the Radiance Layer, and it's up to you to send her packing again. In this Donkey Kong Bananza boss guide, we'll be running through the best techniques for beating Poppy Kong, so you can continue your trek through the snake-filled region. Donkey Kong Bananza: Poppy Kong...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Feast Layer Miniboss - How To Defeat Re-Mad Mixer
Mix it up... again!
Another returning boss faces you halfway through Donkey Kong Bananza's Feast Layer, with Mad Mixer popping back up for another battle. In this guide, we'll run through the best way to beat Re-Mad Mixer, and explain all the differences in this battle that you'll need to keep an eye on. Donkey Kong Bananza: Re-Mad Mixer...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Forbidden Layer Boss - How To Defeat Void Kong
Penultimate punch-up
Donkey Kong Bananza isn't done with the surprises just yet, but it's finally time to properly face off against Void Kong. In this guide, we'll share the best strategy for beating Void Kong on the Forbidden Layer, so you can polish off the head of Void Co. once and for all. Donkey Kong Bananza: Void Kong Walkthrough: Void...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Planet Core Miniboss - How To Defeat K. Stompenclomper
Big stepper
You know who you're chasing now, and the end is almost in sight, but the Forbidden Layer has one more miniboss to throw your way before the grand finale In this Donkey Kong Bananza boss guide, we'll share everything you need to know to beat K. Stompenclomper with ease. Donkey Kong Bananza: K. Stompenclomper Walkthrough: K...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Radiance Layer Boss - How To Defeat Grumpy Kong
Grumpiest Kong
After polishing off Poppy Kong earlier in the layer, there's yet another familiar face waiting for you at the bottom. Yes, Grumpy Kong is back for another face-off. In this guide, we'll break down exactly how to defeat Grumpy Kong on the Radiance Layer, explaining all the differences between this battle and the last, and giving you...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Feast Layer Boss - How To Defeat Muckety-Muck
Salt Bae
It's time to put all your salt knowledge to the test, in a final showdown against the Feast Layer's boss: Muckety-Muck. In this boss guide, we'll share the best way to beat Muckety-Muck and give you some general tips to keep in mind while you fight. Donkey Kong Bananza: Muckety-Muck Walkthrough: Muckety-Muck General Tips Here are...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Planet Core Boss - How To Defeat The Final Boss
Everybody wants to Rool the world
This is it, the final boss battle in Donkey Kong Bananza, and it's a biggie. After making it through all 10 sublayers of the Planet Core, you'll arrive at the Banandium Root and the game's ultimate big bad: King K. Rool. In this guide, we'll be explaining how to beat K. Rool, and sharing all the tips you'll need to...
Random Donkey Kong Bananza Players Are Already Skipping Layers And Transformations
It's a race to the top, no wait, the botto...no wait, the core!
We've been absolutely addicted to Donkey Kong Bananza over the past week or so and various members of the team are, as expected, at different points along the way in the adventure. Some, like this writer, are still fairly early on in DK's latest outing, whilst others, such as our very...
Japanese Charts Donkey Kong Bananza Sells A Bunch, But Can't Beat Mario Kart
Not quite top banana
The latest Japanese boxed charts are in, courtesy of Famitsu, and Nintendo is back to dominating the top ten this week. The big new release of the moment, Donkey Kong Bananza, has sold a smashing 127,905 units in the week of 14th July to 20th July, but can't quite take the number one spot from the Switch 2 launch title Mario...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Lagoon Layer Boss - How To Defeat Peekabruiser
Peekaboo! I see you!
So, you've sped through Donkey Kong Bananza's first full layer and you're ready to take on your first boss: Peekabrusier. This boss is a fair introduction to how many of your early DKB boss fights will go — punch, punch, and punch some more — and it can be a breeze if you tackle it correctly. That's where this guide comes...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Canyon Layer Miniboss - How To Defeat Grumpy Kong
Grumpier Kong
We're just two layers into Donkey Kong Bananza, and it's already time to face off against the first member of the Void Company: Grumpy Kong. This miniboss is your one-way ticket to the Canyon Layer's deeper sublayers, but don't worry, it's a breeze with the right technique. In this guide, we'll explain the best strats for defeating...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Freezer Layer Miniboss - How To Defeat Poppy Kong
Poppy gone
Void Co. return for a brawl once again on the Freezer Layer, and it's Poppy Kong that you'll have to face off against this time. Donkey Kong Bananza's boss battles have been pretty straightforward up to this point, but Poppy requires a little more thought to ensure you come out on top. Fortunately, we're here to help. In this guide,...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Forest Layer Boss - How To Defeat Abracajabya
Do it for the vine
Donkey Kong Bananza's Forest Layer has just one boss to its name in the shape of Abracajabya, but gosh, is it a big one. In this guide, we'll explain how to beat Abracajabya, and give you some tips you might want to consider while you're flying into battle. Donkey Kong Bananza: Abracajabya Walkthrough: Abracajabya General...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Tempest Layer Boss - How To Defeat Sinister Blusterwing
Windy old weather
Pack your raincoat and stick your wellies on because it's time to take a trip to the Tempest Layer and tackle its big-bad Sinister Blusterwing. In this guide, we'll be breaking down how to beat Donkey Kong Bananza's Sinister Blusterwing across all of its locations in the Tempest Layer with a full step-by-step walkthrough...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: The Junction Boss - How To Defeat Void Kong
Junction Gumption
DK's face-off against Void Kong hops between multiple layers, but you'll be starting (and finishing) the brawl right here in The Junction. There's a lot to keep track of at once in this fight, so we've laid out the best way to beat Void Kong in the guide below. Donkey Kong Bananza: Void Kong Walkthrough: We've broken the...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: All Bosses - Tips & How To Beat
Kongquest
Welcome to our hub for all things boss battles in Donkey Kong Bananza. The underground adventure is home to its fair share of big bads, each of which becomes progressively bigger and progressively badder. Fortunately, we're here to help. In this Donkey Kong Bananza Boss Guide, we'll break down the ins and outs of every boss battle in the...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Canyon Layer Miniboss - How To Defeat Mad Mixer
Mixing things up
It's time to take on the Canyon Layer's second miniboss, Mad Mixer, and this one's got an on-the-rails spin to it. In this guide, we'll be running through how to beat Mad Mixer in Donkey Kong Bananza's Canyon Layer, with general tips and a full walkthrough on hand. Donkey Kong Bananza: Mad Mixer Walkthrough: Mad Mixer General...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Canyon Layer Boss - How To Defeat Stompenclomper
Stomp it out
After two minibosses, it's time to head down another sublayer and face off against the Canyon Layer's big boss: Stompenclomper. In this guide, we'll be sharing the best techniques to defeat Stompenclomper, and giving you some general tips you might want to keep in mind throughout the fight. Donkey Kong Bananza: Stompenclomper...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: Freezer Layer Boss - How To Defeat Inflammonite
Did you tell him to cool off?
The Freezer Layer boss, Inflammonite, will likely be the toughest battle you've faced in Donkey Kong Bananza so far, with a speedy attack pattern, terrain weaknesses, and essential Bananza Transformation sequences all to keep track of. But have no fear, we're here to help! In this guide, we'll explain exactly what you...
Guide Best Donkey Kong Games Of All Time
Swing when you're winning
While Mario is the main man when it comes to all things Nintendo, it was Donkey Kong who gave the plumber a leg-up in the world of video games. The ape's debut not only conquered the arcade and introduced the world to a video gaming legend, but it saved the company and put Nintendo on the path to becoming the cultural force...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: All Fossil Locations
Bone to pick
If you're looking to pick up every outfit in Donkey Kong Bananza, then you're going to want to be on the lookout for Fossils. These stone bones can be found all over the place in the underground world, with some layers even boasting three different rarities to their name. Fossils are unique to each layer, and we've put together the...
Guide Donkey Kong Bananza: All Cranky Kong Locations
Crank it up
Of the many familiar faces you'll stumble across in Donkey Kong Bananza, Cranky Kong is perhaps the most frequent. This iconic Kong pops up on every layer in the game, and there's a Banandium Gem waiting for all those who find him. With such a desirable collectible on the line, you might be wondering where to find Cranky in every level...
Random Players Are Completely Destroying Donkey Kong Bananza Levels, Because They Can
Clean as a whistle!
Whether or not you enjoy the idea of clearing out every single bit of the destructive scenery in Donkey Kong Bananza's layered levels, there's absolutely no doubt that it's a thing that you can definitely do, and so it therefore follows that eager gamers are, well, they're already doing it aren't they. They're doing it with...
