By Gavin Boyle
With the launch of “Donkey Kong Bananza,” owners of the Switch 2 will now have access to a 3D platformer different from anything they have played before.
“‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ is a brand new Donkey Kong adventure, in fact, it’s [his] first brand new 3D platforming adventure in almost 20 years. And he is trying to make his way through a vast underground realm, exploring his way through not only with his platforming skills; with his running and jumping and climbing, but also by pretty much smashing everything in his way,” Nintendo of America SVP Nate Bihldorff told CNN.
“He’s a big, powerful Kong, so he can punch in pretty much any direction. He punches up, he punches down, he punches sideways,” Bihldorf continued. “Almost all the terrain you run into in varying layers in this underground world is destroyable.”
The game follows Donkey Kong as he seeks to stop his enemy, Void Kong from reaching a magic crystal to have his deepest wish granted. Along the way, Donkey Kong teams up with Pauline, to help her return to her home in New Donk City.
The launch of the game is particularly notable as it is the first time a Nintendo console has launched without a Mario 3D platformer on the way since 3D games became a thing with the Nintendo 64. By serving as the console’s 3D platforming launch title, Donkey Kong takes on a new role at the company as a notable mascot. Furthermore, “Donkey Kong Bananza” marks only the third game released by Nintendo exclusively for the Switch 2 so far, following “Mario Kart World” and “Nintendo 2 Switch World Tour” – which is more of a tech demo than anything else.
Related: What Parents Should Know About the Nintendo Switch 2
Nonetheless, the launch of the Switch 2 has already been a massive success with Nintendo, selling 3.5 million units in its first four days on sale, making it the fastest-selling Nintendo console of all time.
“Fans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go,” said Nintendo of America President and COO Doug Bowser. “We are thankful for their response and happy to see the fun they are already having with Nintendo Switch 2 as they explore new features and games that bring friends and family together in new ways.”
Meanwhile, “Donkey Kong Bananza” is not the only notable thing to happen to Donkey Kong this week. Nintendo also filed a copyright notice for an untitled Donkey Kong movie, indicating that a project is in the works.
“Donkey Kong Bananza” can now be purchased digitally or in person for $69.99. The game is rated E10+.
Read Next: Is Nintendo Creating a Donkey Kong Movie?
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