July 13, 2025 – In a leak that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, physical copies of an unannounced Nintendo game titled "Donkey Kong Bananza" have appeared for sale on eBay, seemingly confirming its existence as a potential flagship title for the yet-to-be-officially-revealed Nintendo Switch 2.
The listing, posted by an eBay seller claiming to have acquired the game through undisclosed channels, shows clear photographs of a physical Nintendo Switch game case and cartridge. The artwork prominently features Donkey Kong in a vibrant, action-packed jungle setting, with the stylized title "Donkey Kong Bananza" emblazoned across the top. Crucially, the cartridge itself bears the marking "Nintendo Switch 2," providing the most tangible evidence yet of the successor console's branding and physical media format.
You can view the controversial eBay listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/357273400209?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=u3ly45y1sn2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=volqEn67S82&stype=1&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
The seller describes the item as a "genuine, factory-sealed" copy obtained "before official release," listing it for a staggering $999.99 USD. While the legitimacy cannot be independently verified at this time, the level of detail in the packaging – including specific font treatments, ESRB rating placeholder, and the distinct "NS2" cartridge design – has convinced many observers this is the real deal, not a convincing mockup.
News of the listing spread like wildfire online. A dedicated thread on the NintendoSwitch2 subreddit quickly gathered hundreds of comments, with users dissecting every pixel of the provided images. Some noted the slightly different DK logo style, while others focused on the cartridge's size and slot design compared to the original Switch.
See the initial Reddit discussion and user analysis here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch2/comments/1lxxxj7/donkey_kong_bananza_is_out_in_the_wild_here_are/
Industry insiders also weighed in. Known leaker Stealth40k commented on the situation via Twitter, suggesting the leak's timing might be deliberate or linked to distribution chain issues, and emphasizing the "Switch 2" branding on the cart as highly significant.
Stealth40k's take on the leak:
https://x.com/Stealth40k/status/1943750812171202852
What Does "Donkey Kong Bananza" Entail?
Details about the game itself remain scarce beyond the title and box art. Speculation runs rampant:
- Return to Form? Could this be a long-awaited 3D platformer successor to the beloved Donkey Kong 64?
- Party Bonanza? The name "Bananza" heavily suggests a collection of mini-games or party-style gameplay.
- Open World Adventure? The lush, detailed art hints at a potentially larger-scale adventure.
- Launch Title? Its appearance in physical form strongly positions it as a potential marquee launch title for the Switch 2.
Nintendo's Silence and Potential Fallout
As of publication, Nintendo has not issued any statement regarding the leak or the existence of "Donkey Kong Bananza." The company is notoriously secretive and fiercely protective of its intellectual property. Industry watchers expect a swift response, likely involving:
- Legal Action: Nintendo's lawyers are almost certainly moving to have the eBay listing removed and potentially pursuing the seller.
- Damage Control: An official announcement regarding the Switch 2 and/or the game itself may be accelerated to regain control of the narrative.
- Internal Investigation: Finding the source of the leak within the manufacturing or distribution pipeline will be a top priority.
Implications for the Nintendo Switch 2
This leak provides the clearest look yet at what appears to be official Nintendo Switch 2 physical media. It confirms the use of cartridges (dubbed "NS2" carts) and suggests the branding will indeed be "Nintendo Switch 2," dispelling some rumors of alternative names. The existence of a high-profile Donkey Kong title ready for physical duplication strongly indicates that the console's launch, rumored for late 2025 or early 2026, is imminent.
Whether this leak is a catastrophic security breach or an unexpected, chaotic marketing event remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the hunt for the Nintendo Switch 2 just got a lot more interesting, and Donkey Kong might be leading the charge. Potential buyers of the eBay listing, however, should be extremely cautious – purchasing it is legally risky, and Nintendo's ninjas are undoubtedly already on the case.
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