As DK Bananza prepares to launch on July 17 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, its director, Kazuya Takahashi, has revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes story that’s sure to delight fans of the franchise. In a recent interview with La Vanguardia, Takahashi shared that after learning he would be leading the development of Bananza, he chose to replay every mainline DK game—from the 1981 arcade original to Tropical Freeze in 2014.
“I wanted to rediscover what made Donkey Kong special,” Takahashi explained. “By going back to the roots — especially Donkey Kong Jr. and Donkey Kong Country — I found ideas I could reimagine with a new sense of destruction.”
Donkey Kong Bananza is a major evolution for the franchise, being the first fully 3D entry since Donkey Kong 64. In this bold reimagining, DK ventures into destructible underground biomes to retrieve stolen Banandium Gems from the sinister VoidCo. The game promises new gameplay mechanics including digging, climbing, smashing, and even voice-controlled co-op, pushing the boundaries of classic platforming.
Despite the series’ 11-year dormancy, Donkey Kong has remained a visible Nintendo icon through ports and cameos. Now, Bananza aims to give him a well-earned spotlight with a modern twist. Takahashi’s dedication to revisiting the entire Donkey Kong legacy shows just how seriously Nintendo is treating this revival.
With a mix of nostalgia and innovation, DK Bananza is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated platformers of the year — and fans can be confident that it’s being guided by someone who truly understands what makes Donkey Kong swing.