Nintendo, known for its focus on creating clever and family-friendly titles, has recently revitalized its Donkey Kong franchise with the release of Donkey Kong: Bananza, a game that has captured the attention of both children and adults. This new title has been highlighted at The Game Awards 2025, where it has received the award for Best Family Game and is competing for Game of the Year, reflecting its success and popularity in the gaming community. Weapons in Nintendo is not something you can do Shigeru Miyamoto, the renowned creator of […]
Nintendo, known for its focus on creating clever and family-friendly titles, has recently revitalized its Donkey Kong franchise with the release of Donkey Kong: Bananza, a game that has captured the attention of both children and adults. This new title has been highlighted at The Game Awards 2025, where it has received the award for Best Family Game and is competing for Game of the Year, reflecting its success and popularity in the gaming community.
Weapons in Nintendo is not something you can do
Shigeru Miyamoto, the renowned creator of Super Mario and project supervisor at Nintendo, has been instrumental in the development of the company’s major franchises. A notable anecdote from his career dates back to the development of Donkey Kong 64, where he was surprised to discover a realistic firearm in the game. In response to this situation, Miyamoto did not hesitate to redesign it, resulting in the iconic ‘Coconut Gun’, a weapon that shoots coconuts, thus aligning with the light-hearted and friendly tone that characterizes the series. This intervention is a testament to Miyamoto’s ingenuity and his commitment to maintaining the family-friendly essence in Nintendo games.
The link between Donkey Kong and family games has remained strong over the years, and the latest installment is no exception. Donkey Kong: Bananza offers colorful settings, destructible platforms, and entertaining challenges, with a narrative featuring DK and Pauline as humorous protagonists. The combination of these elements has not only proven appealing to new generations but has also resonated with long-time fans of the franchise, securing its place as a standout title in the world of video games.
It has been 23 years since Microsoft acquired Rare for 375 million dollars, an investment aimed at acquiring iconic franchises like Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Perfect Dark. However, a recent comment from Chris Seavor, creator of Conker, revealed that some of the Microsoft executives who made this decision were not fully informed about the video game industry. During a visit to Rare’s offices, one of them expressed his joy at seeing a series of Donkey Kong posters, exclaiming, “This is great! We own Donkey Kong, right?” No […]
It has been 23 years since Microsoft acquired Rare for $375 million, an investment aimed at acquiring iconic franchises like Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Perfect Dark. However, a recent comment from Chris Seavor, creator of Conker, revealed that some of the Microsoft executives who made this decision were not fully informed about the video game industry. During a visit to Rare’s offices, one of them expressed his excitement upon seeing a series of Donkey Kong posters, exclaiming: “This is awesome! We own Donkey Kong, right?”.
They were not the owners of Donkey Kong
This misunderstanding surprised Seavor, who had to correct the executives about the ownership of the iconic franchise. Although Rare developed successful titles of Donkey Kong, such as Donkey Kong Country, the rights to the license have always belonged to Nintendo, which had allowed Rare the opportunity to work with the character. This highlights the disconnect that can sometimes exist between executives of large corporations and the specific environment of their acquisitions.
The confusion, although surprising, is not entirely unusual in such a dynamic sector that is often unexplored by those who are not fans of the world of video games. Microsoft, by investing in Rare, sought to strengthen its catalog during a time when it was competing with other platforms and needed franchises that would attract a broader player base. Despite the mistake, Rare proved its worth by generating memorable titles that left a mark in the history of gaming.
As of today, Donkey Kong remains one of the most beloved franchises among players and is an integral part of Nintendo’s strategy, which has also explored its potential in cinema.
It can now be said with head held high: Donkey Kong Bananza has been a huge success for Nintendo. Just at its launch, it sold 127,000 physical copies in Japan (not counting digital ones), and it doesn’t seem to have lagged behind in the rest of the world. The character, especially after appearing in Super Mario Bros: The Movie, is in a golden moment where he not only has his own particular saga (Donkey Kong Country and its derivatives) but is also a successful supporting character in Mario Kart or Smash Bros. He even has his own attraction in the park […]
It can now be said with pride: Donkey Kong Bananza has been a huge success for Nintendo. Just at its launch, it sold 127,000 physical copies in Japan (not counting digital sales), and it doesn’t seem to have lagged behind in the rest of the world. The character, especially after appearing in Super Mario Bros: The Movie, is in a golden moment where he not only has his own series (Donkey Kong Country and its derivatives) but is also a successful supporting character in Mario Kart or Smash Bros. He even has his own attraction at the Nintendo park! In short, the company can’t live without him… although there was a time when he simply fell into obscurity.
To act like a monkey
In 1981, after a Popeye game created by Shigeru Miyamoto was unable to use the characters due to licensing issues, the author was forced to create his own protagonists, replacing Bluto with an angry gorilla that throws barrels: Donkey Kong. Although Nintendo believed it was going to be a failure, it surprisingly ended up earning 280 million dollars that year, and the following year, with ports to consoles like Coleco and Game & Watch, it brought in an astonishing 4.4 billion more. How could they get rid of that gorilla?
That same year, taking advantage of the momentum, they created Donkey Kong Jr, and in 1983 it was time for Donkey Kong 3. However, the game did not take off (except in Japan), despite being directed by the same Miyamoto. On one hand, it changed the gameplay of the previous two to turn it into a shooter where Stanley -not Mario- had to defend Donkey from a group of bees. On the other hand, it coincided with the crash of the industry and was unable to recover, and the successful character they had created just two years earlier was already doomed to failure.
Moreover, in 1984 they allowed Hudson Soft to create a sort of sequel, The Great Counterattack, which was released only on personal computers exclusive to Japan like the NEC PC-8801. As you can see, it didn’t have much appeal, but Nintendo’s idea to revive the franchise was even worse: to turn the platform game… into a math game. Donkey Kong Jr. Math was released directly for NES and its gameplay was insane: to reach the gorilla, you had to reach numbers and arithmetic symbols until you could match the figure he was holding in his arms. A failure? How is that possible?
Donkey Plof
This was going to be the first in a series of educational NES games, including one where Donkey Kong taught music, but it came to nothing after the sales crash of Donkey Kong Jr. Math. What to do now with a character whose success had been burned out so quickly? Well, they decided to hand it over to SEGA to make a game where Donkey would become… a valet. Yes, as it sounds.
The game in question was going to consist of avoiding cars that were coming and going from the parking lot, and picking up the ones that were requested, which were parked in their spot. That’s all there is to it. Imagine if they saw little future in Nintendo to allow such a nonsense. The mastermind behind this idea was, by the way, an old acquaintance for all lovers of the darker side of video games: Stephen Radosh, the creator of Hotel Mario, probably the worst title in the history of the plumber, created exclusively for CD-i.
It took a decade for Donkey to have a new game, the Game Boy Donkey Kong, in 1994, the same year that the reboot we all know, Donkey Kong Country, finally arrived, a true masterpiece that forever resurrected the gorilla, gave him travel companions, and introduced wild and jungle platforming. For whatever reason, no one has thought of having Donkey teach math again.
The recent release of Donkey Kong Bananza, the new installment of Nintendo’s iconic action and platforming saga, has been met with enthusiasm from players. However, the joy has been overshadowed by reports of physical discomfort among some fans, who have experienced dizziness and claustrophobia during gameplay. A game with quite chaotic cameras According to various posts on platforms like GameFaqs and Reddit, many players have reported that they cannot enjoy the title for more than 30 to 45 minutes before starting to feel disoriented, and even at times, nauseous. Despite […]
The recent release of Donkey Kong Bananza, the new installment of Nintendo’s iconic action and platforming saga, has been met with enthusiasm from players. However, the joy has been overshadowed by reports of physical discomfort among some fans, who have experienced dizziness and claustrophobia during gameplay.
A game with quite chaotic cameras
According to various publications on platforms like GameFaqs and Reddit, many players have reported that they cannot enjoy the title for more than 30 to 45 minutes before starting to feel disoriented, and even at times, nauseous. Although some have tried adjusting the camera settings, the improvement has not been sufficient for everyone. One player shared that reducing the vibration and eliminating motion controls were not effective, indicating that the only way to maintain concentration during the game is by focusing on the destructibility of the environments.
On the other hand, it is important to note that not all players have experienced this type of discomfort. Many, including some journalists, have enjoyed the game without significant issues. However, what initially seemed like an exciting feature, such as the ability to destroy environments, has turned out to be a challenge for a part of the gaming community.
Despite these inconveniences, Donkey Kong Bananza continues to be considered one of the best titles of the year, highlighting its chaotic and addictive gameplay. Sources have suggested that Nintendo may be working on future updates to address these gameplay issues. If these improvements are made, they are expected to contribute to a more enjoyable and accessible experience for all players.
A new Nintendo Direct could be on the horizon, according to the reliable source Nate the Hate. During a podcast on July 14, Nate mentioned that a Direct is expected this month, although it will not take place until after the release of Donkey Kong Bananza, scheduled for July 17 on Switch 2. This release is significant for Nintendo and could mark the beginning of a series of important announcements. A highly anticipated Nintendo Direct by the community. In addition, a Pokemon Presents event is scheduled for July 22, which suggests that there could be a […]
A new Nintendo Direct could be on the horizon, according to the reliable source Nate the Hate. During a podcast on July 14, Nate mentioned that a Direct is expected this month, although it will not take place until after the release of Donkey Kong Bananza, scheduled for July 17 on Switch 2. This release is significant for Nintendo and could mark the beginning of a series of important announcements.
A highly anticipated Nintendo Direct by the community
Additionally, an event for Pokemon Presents has been scheduled for July 22, suggesting that there could be a week full of news related to Nintendo. Nate the Hate, acknowledging the proximity of both events, indicated that the possibility of a Nintendo Direct taking place in the same week as the Pokemon event is not unprecedented, which opens the door to several important announcements.
Among the speculations about what could be revealed in the upcoming Direct, the possibility of a Donkey Kong movie project or the confirmation of Red Dead Redemption II for Switch 2 is mentioned. Additionally, Activision has expressed interest in bringing Call of Duty to Nintendo’s console, which could be a hot topic in future presentations.
It is relevant to note that Nintendo has not held a Direct in July 2023 or July 2024, which adds a level of uncertainty regarding the regularity of these events. However, since the company’s next earnings report will be published on August 1, announcements for a Direct could be aligned with the presentation of these financial results.
Nintendo fans and followers should keep an eye on the Nintendo Today app and other official platforms for any last-minute announcements as this potential narrative around the Nintendo Direct unfolds.
Nintendo and Universal Pictures have decided to join forces to bring Donkey Kong to the big screen, thus closing a cycle of tensions that began in 1982. In that year, Universal sued Nintendo, arguing that its famous monkey benefited from the popularity of King Kong. However, 43 years later, the relationship between both companies is now idyllic, and they have taken the first steps to produce a Donkey Kong movie that has not yet been officially announced. A relationship with a lot of tensions Recently, the U.S. Copyright Office has registered an agreement that indicates […]
Nintendo and Universal Pictures have decided to join forces to bring Donkey Kong to the big screen, thus closing a cycle of tensions that began in 1982. That year, Universal sued Nintendo, arguing that its famous monkey was benefiting from the popularity of King Kong. However, 43 years later, the relationship between both companies is now idyllic, and they have taken the first steps to produce a Donkey Kong movie that has not yet been officially announced.
A relationship with a lot of tensions
Recently, the U.S. Copyright Office has registered an agreement indicating concrete progress in the production process of this project. This strategic move took place between May and June of this year, coinciding with the imminent release of Donkey Kong Bananza and the upcoming sequel to Super Mario Bros: The Movie, suggesting careful calculation by both companies in their marketing.
Developing movies based on video games is a process that can be lengthy; the case of the Minecraft movie, for example, took ten years to materialize. Although the agreement has been recorded, this does not guarantee that the movie will be released in the near future, as film projects can take years to come to fruition.
Even so, Donkey Kong has become a priority for Nintendo, as evidenced by its recent moves. However, the movie of The Legend of Zelda is still considered more relevant in terms of future productions. With the success of the Super Mario Bros film saga at Universal Pictures, fans are eager for what may come from this new project. Rumors suggest it could be a spin-off, although no official information has been disclosed so far.
In the vast history of video games, many titles have left their mark on the collective memory of players. One of these classics is Snake Rattle ‘n Roll, developed by Rare, creators of Donkey Kong, for the NES. This game is characterized by its peculiarity and difficulty, where players control charismatic snakes that traverse isometric levels filled with colorful challenges. However, one of the most memorable elements is the inclusion of a surreal enemy: a giant foot that descends from the sky to crush the snakes for no apparent reason. A classic of English humor in the […]
In the vast history of video games, many titles have left their mark on the collective memory of players. One of these classics is Snake Rattle ‘n Roll, developed by Rare, creators of Donkey Kong, for the NES. This game is characterized by its peculiarity and difficulty, where players control charismatic snakes that traverse isometric levels filled with colorful challenges. However, one of the most memorable elements is the inclusion of a surreal enemy: a giant foot that descends from the sky to crush the snakes for no apparent reason.
A classic of English humor in video games
What many might have considered an absurd joke reveals itself over time as a tribute to Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the iconic British show known for its surreal humor. In the show’s introduction, a similar foot crushes everything at the end of a sequence of absurd images. However, in the 80s and 90s, British humor had a limited presence on Spanish television, which may have led many NES players to overlook this cultural nod.
Rare, known for its distinctive sense of humor and innovative approach to video game design, has influenced numerous titles over the decades, managing to create connections with its audience through cultural references. This inclination for humor is present not only in Snake Rattle ‘n Roll but in many other projects of the company.
Additionally, it is interesting to remember that Rare tried to enter the handheld console market with the Playboy, a color device that aimed to compete with Nintendo’s popular Game Boy. Despite its efforts, this console did not achieve the expected impact, but it reflects the studio’s ambition to diversify its legacy in the video game industry.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was finally presented at a special event, revealing a series of new games that will be available for the console, including the surprising Donkey Kong Bananza. This title is significant for fans of the series, as it represents the second 3D platformer game of Donkey Kong in 44 years, highlighting the evolution of the iconic character. A game that has received praise even from its original designer. One of the main attractions of the game is its new visual design, approved by Kevin Bayliss, the original designer of the character. Bayliss has praised the new look of […]
The Nintendo Switch 2 was finally unveiled at a special event, revealing a series of new games that will be available for the console, including the surprising Donkey Kong Bananza. This title is significant for fans of the series, as it represents the second 3D platformer game of Donkey Kong in 44 years, highlighting the evolution of the iconic character.
A game that has received praise even from its original designer
One of the main attractions of the game is its new visual design, approved by Kevin Bayliss, the original character designer. Bayliss has praised Donkey Kong’s new look, mentioning that “his face is much more expressive now” and that the redesign has been well received by fans. Comments from followers on social media confirm that they appreciate Bayliss’s work and how, despite the changes, the features of the original design can still be recognized.
Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled to be released on July 17, a month after the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5. This proximity of dates has generated great anticipation among consumers. Pre-orders for the new system will begin on April 8, but an active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate, a measure aimed at preventing speculation in the market.
The announcement has been complemented by an extensive trailer that showcased the new design of Donkey Kong and its gameplay, which promises to capture the audience’s attention. Additionally, it is expected that in upcoming Nintendo Treehouse broadcasts, more details about Donkey Kong Bananza will be revealed, including around seven hours of gameplay content.
With the arrival of the Switch 2, Nintendo fans are eagerly awaiting a new era where nostalgia and innovation merge, providing new experiences in the world of video games.
Donkey Kong Bananza, the highly anticipated 3D adventure and platforming title, will be released exclusively on Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. This game, revealed during Nintendo’s April 2025 Direct, will mark a significant milestone in the series, as it will be the first 3D installment of Donkey Kong in over two decades, since Donkey Kong 64 in 1999. Donkey Kong in 3D: it may seem strange to you at first. The trailer debut showcased a visually refreshed Donkey Kong, facing various environments including icy landscapes and lush jungles. Thanks to its gameplay […]
Donkey Kong Bananza, the highly anticipated 3D adventure and platforming title, will exclusively arrive on Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. This game, revealed during Nintendo’s April 2025 Direct, will mark a significant milestone in the series, as it will be the first 3D installment of Donkey Kong in over two decades, since Donkey Kong 64 in 1999.
Donkey Kong in 3D: it may seem strange to you at first
The trailer debut showcased a visually revamped Donkey Kong, facing various environments that include icy landscapes and lush jungles. Thanks to its varied gameplay, players will have the opportunity to jump, dig, and traverse terrains while helping Donkey Kong in his quest to recover a treasure of golden bananas stolen by a mysterious group called VoidCo.
The game promises levels of platforms in open environments, similar to other popular games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Within its dynamics, players will be able to experience destructive exploration, where Donkey Kong can pulverize the environment in various ways, whether by rolling, climbing, or using his strength to knock down obstacles.
Despite the fact that many titles will also be released for the original Switch console, Donkey Kong Bananza will be exclusive to the Switch 2, and with the fans it has around the world, it is sure to be an incentive for them to get the new console. With a release date approaching, players are eager to participate in this new adventure that combines nostalgia and next-generation technology.
The reservations for Donkey Kong Bananza are not yet available, but they are expected to open soon, following the release of the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. Fans of the series are eagerly awaiting more details as the release date approaches.
A change of look every now and then always feels good. That’s what the famous Donkey Kong, the iconic Nintendo character, has done, as he might be on the way to a complete redesign, according to what has been presented in a demo of the upcoming Switch 2. This new look will not only apply to the game itself but also to the merchandise related to the character. Since his initial design in 1981, Donkey Kong has undergone several transformations, the most notable being the Donkey Kong Country series by Rare, which gave him a distinctive style, including a tie, […]
A change of look every now and then always feels good. That’s what the famous Donkey Kong, the iconic Nintendo character, has done, as he might be on the way to a complete redesign, according to what has been presented in a demo of the upcoming Switch 2. This new look will not only apply to the game itself but also to the merchandise related to the character. Since his initial design in 1981, Donkey Kong has undergone several transformations, the most notable being the Donkey Kong Country series by Rare, which gave him a distinctive style, including a tie, a subtle movement in his hair, and a face that always used to show a slightly annoyed expression.
The recent redesign of Donkey Kong seems to be inspired by his appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with adjustments that soften his forehead and give him a friendlier look. This update has sparked mixed reactions among the gorilla’s superfans on platforms like Reddit. Many fans have expressed their opinions on the new design, highlighting the reduction of the frown, which allows for greater facial and emotional expression in the character. At first, I was against the design change, but after looking at it more closely, I recognize that it allows Donkey Kong to better express his emotions, commented a user, indicating that the new look is more appealing once the initial surprise is overcome.
For now, only Donkey Kong seems to be the subject of this new design, and it is not clear if other characters like Diddy Kong and the Kong family will also receive updates in their appearance. With the rise of gaming platforms and the amplification of the brand, the visual evolution of Donkey Kong could be part of a broader strategy by Nintendo to modernize its catalog and attract both new players and long-time fans.
