Summary
The recent Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2 revealedDonkey Kong Bananza, a 3D platformer that calls back to Donkey Kong’s adventure on the Nintendo 64. After a series of spin-offs and Rare-developed 2D platformers,Donkey Kong Bananzagives the reins back to Nintendo, but some fans feel like it may be too much of a departure from the series’ past.
As well as Donkey Kong’s controversial redesign, the gameplay style is completely different from past games in the series. Players will still be platforming their way through familiar locations, but the main focus of this title is to dig through the depths of the Underground World. With all of these changes, some fans believe that the gameplay shown has more in common withSuper Mario OdysseythanDonkey Kong. Considering this, there may be another character in theMarioseries that could fit this concept better.
Why Wario Should’ve Been Donkey Kong Bananza’s Star
Nintendo’s Notorious Gold Digger
Donkey Kong Bananzasees the titular ape trying to add golden bananas to his horde, but searching for gold and treasure has always been a hallmark of Wario’s gameplay. Despite beingrarely seen outside theWarioWareseriesand Mario’s party and sporting spin-offs, Wario’s greed is a core part of his personality that can never truly be satisfied. Even the recentWarioWare: Move Italluded to Wario’s treasure-hunting tendencies by having him attempt to steal ancient gold while on vacation. The wealth of gold seen inDonkey Kong Bananza’s Ingot Isle would undoubtedly have been a very tempting spot for Wario to visit.
While some fans are interested in this portrayal of Donkey Kong, there is some conflict in the community. In particular, there is ongoingcontroversy about Donkey Kong’s new design, but his characterization has also changed somewhat to fit this game. In previous games, he would often be seen lazing around his tree house unless the DK Isles or his prized banana horde were threatened. This isn’t the case inDonkey Kong Bananza, as Donkey Kong actively goes on an expedition to mine for Banandium. While not completely unrealistic, this would seem more in line with Wario, a character known for going to great lengths for gold.
Nothing Can Stop Wario’s Treasure-Hunting Habits
The aggressive gameplay of tearing up the terrain is nothing new for Wario.Wario Land: Shake Itwas centered around destruction, slamming, breaking, and shaking aspects of the environment to secure as much loot as possible.Donkey Kong Bananza’s fully destructible environment seems like an evolution of these mechanics, and Wario seems like the perfect match. If Wario knew there was something of value nearby, not even the ground beneath him would be an obstacle.
Wario’s strength is what has always set theWario Landgames apart from theSuper Marioseries, taking emphasis away from jumping to focus on high speeds, high damage, and high scores. SwitchingDonkey Kong Bananza’s protagonist to Wario may have been theWario Landrevival the series deserves. Though Donkey Kong’s strength does come into play in his past games, especially for beating up bosses, it’s never been as integral to his identity as it is with Wario. Donkey Kong can feel free to lie back knowing his bananas are safe, but Wario will put himself in danger just for a small trinket. He would be more than willing to mine for Banandium with his bare hands, as long as he knew what it’s worth.
Even the new combat systems carry the same energy as Wario. Some fans have drawn comparisons betweenDonkey Kong BananzaandDonkey Kong: Jungle Beatbecause of his fighting capabilities in both, but the way enemies are engaged with could be more reminiscent ofGameCube’s Wario World. In this game, players are able to interact with the environment to take down waves of enemies, as well as grab enemies as tools for combat. This fits in well with what has been seen inDonkey Kong Bananza, making the switch to Wario as the protagonist seem that much more fitting.
Wario Would Be More Fitting Now Than Ever
Donkey Kong may have been Nintendo’s choice over Wario because of his popularity. In 2025, theNintendo Switch united the entireDonkey Kong Countryserieson one platform, making the mainline story playable from start to finish. The same cannot be said for Wario, though. He is still a much-beloved character by many fans, but aside from theWarioWareseries, Nintendo has been unwilling to put him in the spotlight.
However, now could be the perfect time for a Wario resurgence. TheWario Landseries has had a niche following for decades, with many asserting thatWario Land 4was the series’ peak. Nintendo has tried to tide fans over byaddingWario Land 4to Nintendo Switch Online, but the community may not truly be appeased without a follow-up. As much as Donkey Kong remains popular with Nintendo fans, it may be time to show Wario some love.
Even though the lastWario Landgame was released in 2008, the series' influence is still felt in the modern gaming landscape.AntonblastandPizza Towershare DNA with Wario, and their recent successes indicate that players still yearn for this frenetic gameplay. Some fans of these titles have given theWario Landgames a try for the first time thanks to these games continuing its legacy. Nintendo could have capitalized on this by delivering a true follow-up to the series, bringing the character back to his treasure-hunting roots.
Donkey Kong Bananzaseems like a promising new take for the series, but it may feel like a divisive title. There is a chance this division could have been avoided with Mario’s garlic-loving rival at the center instead. The community is clamoring for a newWario LandwithSuper Mario Odyssey’s quality, and this may have been Nintendo’s best chance to revive the series for the Switch 2. Nintendo’s acknowledgment ofWario Land 3and4on Nintendo Switch Online could hint that Wario’s future is promising, but the company may have missed out on its golden opportunity.
Donkey Kong Bananza
WHERE TO PLAY
The big guy is back! Donkey Kong swings onto the Nintendo Switch 2 system with a brand-new action adventure.Help Donkey Kong make his way through the depths of the Underground World. The deeper he goes, the more amazing places he finds! There’s no shortage of things DK can pulverize with his powerful punches. Break on through this truly destructive adventure.Behold the golden bananas! The mysterious group, known as VoidCo, has its eyes on this prized bunch. But no one messes with DK’s favourite food!Golden bananas? The whole island was buzzing about the discovery of this tasty treasure. But then, distaster struck! During the chaos, VoidCo stole every breathtaking bunch of bananas. Now Donkey Kong must venture deep underground to get them back!
