Summary
Looking to take advantage of the improved hardware capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2,Donkey Kong Bananzahas been confirmed to perform at 1080p 60 FPS with HDR in handheld mode.Donkey Kong Bananzais set to launch exclusively for the Switch 2, and audiences now have a better idea of the graphics and performance expectations for the title ahead of its release.
First revealed during theApril 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct,Donkey Kong Bananzawill be the latest 3D-platformingDonkey Konggame, with the first and only other such title beingDonkey Kong 64for the Nintendo 64. WithDonkey Kongfans already voicing their enthusiasm for the title, some players may be happy to learn about how the game will run in handheld mode for the Nintendo Switch 2.
According to the Japanesedigital editionof the Nintendo Magazine 2025 Special Issue,Donkey Kong Bananzawill run at 1080p resolution and 60 FPS with HDR in handheld mode. Previouslaunch titles for the original Nintendo Switchdid not always take advantage of that console’s full performance abilities, so some may be surprised to see a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title already set to utilize the improved capabilities of the new hardware. It should be noted that the details onDonkey Kong Bananza’s resolution and frame rate are stated as simply being the maximum output with no specifications on stability, so it remains to be seen if the 1080p 60FPS graphics will be consistent. There was also no mention of the docked performance ofDonkey Kong Bananza, which the April 2 Direct revealed to be higher than handheld mode across titles.
When Does Donkey Kong Bananza Release?
Donkey Kong Bananzais slated to launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 on Thursday, July 17, and will be one of the newestfirst-party Nintendo video games. The title will not only be the second-ever 3DDonkey Konggame but will also be the first new entry in the series sinceDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezeoriginally launched for the Wii U back in 2014. As such, it should come as no surprise that audience hype forDonkey Kong Bananzais already soaring high, and that excitement may climb further as more details are revealed.
TheDonkey Konggame franchiseremains a pillar of the cultural zeitgeist, with the old arcade cabinets from the 1980s still just as popular today, and fans young and old enthusiastic as ever for the next entry starring the iconic ape. Interested players can stay tuned for more updates onDonkey Kong Bananzaand other Nintendo Switch 2 titles ahead of the new console’s release on June 5.
