In a surprising development twist, sources close to the project have confirmed that Donkey Kong Bananza, the highly anticipated next entry in Nintendo’s iconic franchise, was initially in development for the Switch 1. The title—teased earlier this year as a vibrant, co-op-focused platformer—reportedly began production over two years ago, targeting the original Switch hardware before Nintendo’s internal studios pivoted to focus on its successor.
According to insiders, the shift occurred in early 2023 as Nintendo accelerated plans for the Switch 2 (codenamed "NG"). Developers reconfigured Bananza’s core tech to leverage the upcoming console’s enhanced capabilities, including ray tracing, higher framerates, and significantly reduced loading times. One anonymous developer noted, "The ambition outgrew the original hardware. We wanted sprawling levels with dynamic physics-based puzzles—things the Switch 1 couldn’t handle smoothly."
The full story behind this transition is explored in a revealing new IGN interview with Bananza’s creative leads.
Our Big Bananas Interview with the Developers of Donkey Kong Bananza
In the sit-down, director Maya Sato explains how the move allowed the team to expand the game’s scope: "Suddenly, we could render Kong Island with dense foliage, destructible environments, and eight-player chaos without compromises. The Switch 2’s power let us dream bigger."
While the delay means Bananza won’t launch until 2025, analysts suggest the decision aligns with Nintendo’s strategy to position the Switch 2 as a powerhouse for first-party exclusives. The game’s re-reveal—now slated for a September Nintendo Direct—will showcase upgraded visuals, including advanced fur shading on Donkey Kong and realistic fruit physics (yes, really). For fans, the wait may just yield a juicier banana hoard.
Stay tuned for more details as they barrel roll our way. 🍌
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