View source for Donkey Kong Bananza

{{italic title}}
{{distinguish|Kong Bananza}}
{{about|the [[Nintendo Switch 2]] game|the partial digital soundtrack album on the [[Nintendo Music]] app|[[Special Release: Donkey Kong Bananza]]}}
{{redirect|DKB|the Flash game based on [[Donkey Konga]]|[[Donkey Konga Beat]]}}
{{game infobox
|image=[[File:Donkey Kong Bananza Final Box Art.png|250px]]<br>American box art
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning and Development|Nintendo EPD Tokyo]]<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vIDbh6D414 Donkey Kong Bananza — Mario Odyssey's Team RETURNS | New Gameplay Today - Game Informer]</ref><br>[[1-UP Studio]]<br>[[tri-Crescendo]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|platforms=[[Nintendo Switch 2]]
|release={{flag list|World|July 17, 2025<ref name=Direct>{{cite|author=Nintendo of America|date=April 2, 2025|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIddsPkdX9U|title=Donkey Kong Bananza – Nintendo Direct {{!}} Nintendo Switch 2|publisher=YouTube|language=en-us|accessdate=April 2, 2025}}</ref>|UAE|September 17, 2025<ref>{{cite|author=@NintendoMDE|date=September 17, 2025|url=https://x.com/NintendoMDE/status/1968294381150203914|title="Exciting news! 🎮 The official UAE version Nintendo Switch 2 console, with a wide range of accessories and games, is now available in all the major retail stores across UAE!"|publisher=X|language=en|accessdate=September 17, 2025}}</ref>}}
|languages={{languages|en=y|es_es=y|es_latam=y|fr_ca=y|fr_fr=y|de=y|it=y|nl=y|pt_br=y|ru=y|jp=y|zh_simp=y|zh_trad=y|kr=y|th=y|pl=y|pl_note=<ref group=footnotes>Added in version 3.1.0</ref>|th_note=<ref group=footnotes>Added in version 3.0.0</ref>}}
|genre=[[Genre#Platform games|Platformer]], action-adventure
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=E10+|esrbC=<ref name=engwebsite>{{cite|date=April 2, 2025|url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/featured-games/donkey-kong-bananza/|title=Donkey Kong Bananza for Nintendo Switch 2 - Nintendo Official Site|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|accessdate=April 2, 2025}}</ref>|acb=PG|acbC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Bva9mLFFw Australian announcement trailer]</ref>|pegi=7|pegiC=<ref>{{cite|url=nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-games/Donkey-Kong-Bananza-2785804.html|title=Donkey Kong Bananza|publisher=Nintendo.com|language=en-gb|accessdate=April 2, 2025}}</ref>|cero=A|ceroC=<ref name=jpnwebsite/> |usk=6|uskC=<ref>{{cite|url=nintendo.com/de-de/Spiele/Nintendo-Switch-2-Spiele/Donkey-Kong-Bananza-2785804.html|title=Donkey Kong Bananza|publisher=Nintendo.com|language=de|accessdate=April 9, 2025}}</ref>|classind=l|classindC=<ref>{{cite|url=nintendo.com/pt-br/gaming-systems/switch-2/featured-games/donkey-kong-bananza/|title=Donkey Kong Bananza para Nintendo Switch 2|publisher=Nintendo.com|language=pt-br|accessdate=April 9, 2025}}</ref>|smeccv=B|smeccvC=<ref>{{cite|url=nintendo.com/es-mx/gaming-systems/switch-2/featured-games/donkey-kong-bananza/|title=Donkey Kong Bananza para Nintendo Switch 2|publisher=Nintendo.com|language=es-mx|accessdate=April 9, 2025}}</ref>|grac=All|gracC=<ref>[https://store.nintendo.co.kr/7000200 Official Nintendo Korean store listing]</ref>|gsrr=p|gsrrC=|rars=|fpb=7-9|fpbC=<ref>[https://store.nintendo.co.za/collections/nintendo-switch-2-games/products/bee-donkey-kong-bananza-ukv Official Nintendo South Africa store listing]</ref>|gmedia=7|gmediaC=<ref name="GmediaRating">{{cite|author=@Gmedia_Games|date=April 14, 2025|url=x.com/Gmedia_Games/status/1911800361427546317|title=<bdi>لعبة "Donkey Kong Bananza" تعود بأسلوب جديد! ينطلق فيها دونكي كونغ لاستعادة "الموزات الذهبية" من عصابة القردة الشريرة.. حصلت اللعبة على تصنيف 7 فما فوق.</bdi>|publisher=X|language=Arabic|accessdate=April 15, 2025}}</ref>|uaemc=7|uaemcC=<ref>[https://www.mariowiki.com/File:Donkey_Kong_Bananza_AE_box_art.jpg File:Donkey Kong Bananza AE box art.jpg]</ref>}}
|modes=Single player<br>Multiplayer (2 players)<br>Local GameShare (2 players)<br>Online GameShare (2 players)
|format={{format|switch2=1|switch2dl=1}}
|input={{input|joy-con2=1|joy-con1=1|joy-con2-horizontal=1|joy-con1-horizontal=1|switch2pro=1|switch1pro=1}}
|serials=
}}
'''''Donkey Kong Bananza''''' is a 3D action-adventure [[Genre#Platform games|platformer]] released worldwide for the [[Nintendo Switch 2]] on July 17, 2025. First announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, it is the second 3D platformer in the ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' franchise following ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' and the first original game in the franchise since ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'', originally released 11 years prior. In this game, Donkey Kong explores and traverses increasingly deeper layers of the [[Underground World]] in pursuit of [[Void Company]], a villainous group of primates who have stolen the [[Banandium Gem]]s. The game places much emphasis on Donkey Kong's raw strength, enabling him to perform a variety of moves to smash through obstacles, tear off hard objects, and even excavate the level terrain itself. The game centers thematically on rocks, minerals, and the concept of mining, introducing a host of sentient stony creatures. While some act as enemies, one such creature is friendly and assists Donkey Kong throughout his journey. Despite the game taking place underground, many places seem to have an open sky, adding to the setting's fantastical nature. The game takes structural inspiration from ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]''; like this game, it was developed by Nintendo EPD Tokyo, which previously developed ''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]'' when it was under the "EAD" name. [[Kenta Motokura]], director of ''Super Mario Odyssey'', also returns as a producer.

As with other games following the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Donkey Kong uses his new design resembling the 2D illustrations drawn by [[Shigehisa Nakaue]]. The game also features full voice acting, specifically for the [[Odd Rock]] / [[Pauline#Donkey_Kong_Bananza|Pauline]].

''Donkey Kong Bananza'' was covered during the Nintendo Treehouse: Live events on April 3 and 4, 2025.<ref name="TreehouseDay1Pt1">{{cite|author=Nintendo of America|date=April 4, 2025|url=youtu.be/LOvkfpenFtg|title=Donkey Kong Bananza – Gameplay Video – Nintendo Treehouse: Live <nowiki>|</nowiki> Nintendo Switch 2|publisher=YouTube|language=en-us|accessdate=April 6, 2025}}</ref><ref name=TreehouseDay1Pt2>{{cite|author=Nintendo of America|date=April 3, 2025|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG2u334HfFc|title=Donkey Kong Bananza – Exploration Gameplay – Nintendo Treehouse: Live {{!}} Nintendo Switch 2|publisher=YouTube|language=en-us|accessdate=April 6, 2025}}</ref><ref name=TreehouseDay2>{{cite|author=Nintendo of America|date=April 4, 2025|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6faq_QW_U8|title=Donkey Kong Bananza – Exploration Gameplay – Nintendo Treehouse: Live {{!}} Nintendo Switch 2|publisher=YouTube|language=en-us|accessdate=April 3, 2025}}</ref> A dedicated Nintendo Direct for the game titled the "''Donkey Kong Bananza'' Direct" broadcast on June 18, 2025 at 6:00 am PT / 9:00 am ET.<ref name=DKBDirect>{{cite|author=Nintendo of America|date=June 18, 2025|url=https://www.youtube.com/live/YVUidGTR8xg|title=Donkey Kong Bananza Direct 6.18.2025|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=June 18, 2025}}</ref>

A paid DLC expansion titled ''[[Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush]]'' was released on September 12, 2025 with additional content.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWIEv_aksvo Nintendo Direct 9.12.2025]</ref> A limited soundtrack release, ''[[Special Release: Donkey Kong Bananza]]'', was released on [[Nintendo Music]] on September 18, 2025, featuring nine tracks from the game (including one from the DLC).<ref>{{cite|url=https://x.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1968850066669465946|quote=Oh, a special release! A playlist featuring select music from Donkey Kong Bananza is now available on the #NintendoMusic app! Listen now: https://ninten.do/6013sWCPx|author=Nintendo of America|publisher=X|language=en|date=September 18, 2025|accessdate=September 18, 2025}}</ref>

''Donkey Kong Bananza'' is the first Nintendo-published game to be localized into Thai,<ref name=thai_news/> with support added in version 3.0.0 update released on December 22, 2025.<ref name=changelog>[https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/68614 How to Update Donkey Kong Bananza {{!}} Nintendo Support]</ref><ref>{{cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/th/thai-games/index.html|title=เล่น ดองกี้คอง บานันซ่า ภาษาไทยได้แล้ว|author=Nintendo|publisher=nintendo.com|language=th|accessdate=December 22, 2025|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20251222025557/https://www.nintendo.com/th/thai-games/index.html}}</ref> It is also one of the first two Nintendo-published games to be localized into Polish (the other being ''[[Mario Kart World]]''), with support added in version 3.1.0 on January 21, 2026.<ref>{{cite|url=https://nintendo.pl/wsparcie-jezyka-polskiego-w-grach|title=WSPARCIE JĘZYKA POLSKIEGO W GRACH MARIO KART WORLD I DONKEY KONG BANANZA DOSTĘPNE BĘDZIE NA POCZĄTKU 2026 ROKU|publisher=Nintendo Polska|language=pl|date=November 11, 2025|accessdate=November 11, 2025}}</ref><ref name=changelog/>

==Story==
[[File:DKB Ingo Isle intro.png|thumb|right|250px|[[Ingot Isle]] as seen during the game's intro]]
The following text is taken directly from the official European website.
<blockquote>
Ingot Isle was buzzing with excitement over the discovery of the century: golden bananas...

...until Void Company swooped in and swiped the whole bunch!

Caught amid the chaos of this banana banditry, Donkey Kong is swept up by a vortex that sends him deep underground.

As his adventure begins, DK encounters a girl called [[Pauline#Donkey_Kong_Bananza|Pauline]]. Together, they set a course for the Planet Core, which legends say will grant them their greatest wishes.
</blockquote>
===Prologue===
After a rumor spreads about a material known as [[Banandium]] appearing on [[Ingot Isle]], an island far off the shores of [[Donkey Kong Island|DK Island]], [[Donkey Kong]] and a crew of [[Prospector Monkey]]s explore the island's mines to search for it. During their expedition, a group of primates known as [[Void Company]] arrives on a giant, planet-like boulder machine known as the [[Pay-Dirt Piledriver]] and steals the [[Golden Banana]]s known as [[Banandium Gem]]s. The boulder then pushes Ingot Isle further into the ground, with the resulting storm sending Donkey Kong and the Prospector Monkeys into the depths along with it. After regaining consciousness, Donkey Kong surveys the scene of Ingot Isle's cave-in, when a purple rock entity falls from the sky. Upon investigating, Donkey Kong discovers that the entity is called the [[Odd Rock]], who decides to join him. Together, Donkey Kong and Odd Rock make their way up to the summit of Ingot Isle, where they find a mysterious stake plugging a hole. They are then ambushed by a rock monster, who drops a key after being defeated. The key then opens up a sinkhole leading deeper underground, into which Donkey Kong and the Odd Rock dive in to pursue VoidCo and recover the Banandium Gems.

===Main story===
[[File:DKB cutscene02.png|thumb|left|[[Odd Rock]] reverting to its true form: [[Pauline]]]]
[[File:DKB cutscene05.png|thumb|Pauline's performance granting [[Donkey Kong]] his [[Kong Bananza]] form]]
Donkey Kong and Odd Rock fall into the [[Lagoon Layer]], sublayer 100, where they learn from the resident fisher monkeys that VoidCo has blocked the region's water reservoir. After destroying the [[Void Stake|stake]] that caused the block, they come across the following sublayer's residents, who tell the heroes about the water shortage in the region. While unblocking the water flow, they meet the [[Kong Elder]], and are tasked by him with retrieving the [[Ancient Record]].

With that done, the Elder manifests a concert stage with the residents as an audience. The Elder's power alongside Donkey Kong's chest-pounding beat breaks the Odd Rock free, revealing it to be a young girl named [[Pauline#Donkey Kong Bananza|Pauline]]. Although experiencing stage fright, Pauline sings, granting Donkey Kong his [[Kong Bananza]] form. Pauline thanks Donkey Kong for his help and suggests that both of them look for the surface together. As Pauline wishes to return home, and Donkey Kong wishes for bananas, the Kong Elder suggests they descend to the planet's core, since they hold it that achieving that grants them any wish, a quest they accept. While this happens, they are observed by [[Poppy Kong]]. She sets off to tell her boss about the duo's goal.

[[File:DKB cutscene03.png|thumb|left|Donkey Kong and Pauline confront [[Void Company]]]]
Donkey Kong and Pauline eventually reach the sinkhole that leads deeper into the planet, but find VoidCo, whom Pauline recognizes as those who transformed her into Odd Rock. Their president, [[Void Kong]], demands that Pauline return to him, but she refuses. The heroes learn from them at this point that they, too, plan to reach the planet's core. VoidCo leaves for the next layer, leaving [[Peekabruiser]] behind to fight Donkey Kong and Pauline. Peekabruiser is defeated, and the heroes proceed.

In the [[Hilltop Layer]], sublayer 200, Donkey Kong and Pauline meet the [[Fractone]]s, a civilization of crystalline creatures found throughout the Underground World. With their help, yet another sinkhole is opened, leading to the [[Canyon Layer]], sublayer 300. There, the resident Fractones express their worry regarding VoidCo's presence and Banandium Gem theft, and mention they are headed to the Banandium Refinery. Along the way, Donkey Kong and Pauline fight [[Grumpy Kong]] and win, being then given the key to the Refinery sublayer by him as an acknowledgement of defeat. At the Refinery itself, they defeat the [[Mad Mixer]] and reach Mechaneck Isle. A Fractone informs them that a "monster" left by VoidCo stole their bananas and headed to Click-Clack Smokestack. Upon getting there, that monster is revealed as a [[Stompenclomper]] and is defeated as well. Another sinkhole is then reached, and Donkey Kong and Pauline descend to the next layer. Pauline mentions that a Fractone told her VoidCo is using bananas to generate energy for their terrain-piercing machine.

The heroes reach [[the Divide]], sublayer 400. From this point, they can reach both the [[Freezer Layer|Freezer]] and [[Forest Layer]].

In the Freezer Layer, the resident zebras, who work in ice cream production, face problems due to the excessively cold weather. Donkey Kong and Pauline soon meet the [[Zebra Elder]]. He tells them Poppy Kong stole their bananas, and tasks them with retrieving another Ancient Record, enabling them to use Donkey Kong's [[Zebra Bananza]] transformation. They reach the Cooling Tower and defeat Poppy, who gives them the key to the next sublayer. In Hot-Hoof Heater, sublayer 502, they solve the location's excessive heat by defeating the [[Inflammonite]] in the Compressor. A sinkhole is opened.

In the Forest Layer, the resident ostriches, who work in the lodging business, are concerned with Void's arrival, which was followed by the location's healthy, safe forest being affected with [[poison]] floods and [[bramble|thorny bushes]]. They are directed to seek the [[Ostrich Elder]]'s help in the Eggshell Hotel. The Elder worries the problems brought by VoidCo will affect the quality of their services, and helps the heroes by directing them to retrieve an Ancient Record, enabling Pauline to trigger Donkey Kong's [[Ostrich Bananza]] transformation. In the next sublayer, 602, Donkey Kong and Pauline destroy the poisonous plants affecting the location. They eventually get to a much larger mass of thorns, and find out it is [[Abracajabya]], a giant, magic plant grown by Grumpy. A sinkhole is opened after it is defeated.

[[File:DKB cutscene04.png|thumb|left|Void Company in [[The Junction]]]]
[[File:DKB cutscene06.png|thumb|Pauline unsure about her "special power"]]
Upon leaving the Freezer Layer or the Forest Layer, Donkey Kong and Pauline reach [[The Junction]], sublayer 700, a location highly affected by VoidCo's metal, and find out they must clear the metal coming from both sides of the split path. They can return to the Divide with the [[Eelevator]]'s help and reach the other side of the Junction, clearing both sides of the metal. They cross paths with VoidCo working on their machine, with Void Kong leaving for the upper layers to gather more Banandium Gems to fuel the machine. Donkey Kong and Pauline go after him and find him aggressively demanding Banandium Gems from the residents of Hilltop Layer. The heroes fight the VoidCo leader in the Hilltop Layer, then the Lagoon Layer, and finally defeat him in the Junction. With enough fuel, Void Kong and his employees descend further into the terrain, not before Void once again expressing his wish for Pauline to return to their side, mentioning her special powers and that she will not get her wish granted even if they reach the core, causing Pauline to wonder what he is planning to do.

The heroes reach the [[Resort Layer]], sublayer 800, and from there they get to the [[Tempest Layer]], sublayer 900, a stormy location home to elephants keen on meteorology. Their elder, the [[Elephant Elder]], tasks them with retrieving an Ancient Record. While doing so, they meet the [[Sinister Blusterwing]], who broke the record in half. Upon retrieving the pieces, Pauline is taught to enable Donkey Kong's [[Elephant Bananza]] transformation. The Elder then tells them about the [[Banandium Root]], the powerful entity residing in the planet's core, able to grant wishes, and "forecasts" their success in finding it. Donkey Kong and Pauline progress deeper into the layer, eventually finding and defeating the Sinister Blusterwing in the Stormy Station, revealing it to be a crystal bird affected by a VoidCo-developed mask, and opening another sinkhole.

[[File:DKB cutscene07.png|thumb|left|Pauline just before being taken by the [[Great Harmoneel]]]]
Donkey Kong and Pauline arrive in the [[Landfill Layer]], sublayer 1000, where they fight Grumpy Kong's [[Re-Peekabruiser]], followed by the [[Racing Layer]], sublayer 1100, where they compete in Rambi Rumble, a [[Rambi]] race against [[Diddy Kong]] and [[Dixie Kong]]. They then reach the [[Radiance Layer]], sublayer 1200, home to snakes with an inclination to art. They learn from a resident that Void Kong stole their light source. After meeting the [[Snake Elder]] in sublayer 1201 and retrieving the Ancient Record pieces from the surrounding art exhibits, Pauline learns to transform Donkey Kong into his [[Snake Bananza]] form. The Snake Elder further tells them the gold roots they have seen throughout the Underground World are derived from the Banandium Root, and that he has noticed no new roots have appeared for some time. In sublayer 1202, they reactivate the Synthetic Sun in the Solar Control Tower and fight Poppy Kong once more. Upon being defeated again, Poppy resigns from her position, deeming the operation to be worthless. Finally, in sublayer 1203, Donkey Kong and Pauline fight Grumpy Kong and defeat him as well. Pauline is then suddenly kidnapped by the [[Great Harmoneel]], and Donkey Kong is left distraught and falls unconscious.

Donkey Kong wakes up alone in a prison cell, guarded by [[Iron Jailer|Fractones]] who tell him he was arrested on the grounds of destroying their disco. He breaks out of the cell by digging out from below. Exploring the prison, he finds a jailed Poppy Kong as well and helps her break out. It is revealed they are in the [[Groove Layer]], sublayer 1300. A music hall, it had its three sound sources blocked by [[Terravoider]]s. Donkey Kong proceeds to fix the issue, destroying the obstructing equipment and digging tunnels for the sound to reach the Disco Hall—the main room, home to a giant speaker. While Donkey Kong works on that task, Poppy mentions the Great Harmoneel was wearing a Mind-Bender Mask, developed by VoidCo for brainwashing, a similar device to the one worn by Sinister Blusterwing earlier. She also mentions Grumpy Kong lost his motivation after his last defeat and has resigned as well.

[[File:DKB cutscene08.png|thumb|Pauline expressing her love of singing to Donkey Kong]]
As the music returns, the Great Harmoneel breaks free from his brainwashing, eager to sing. Donkey Kong can jump into his mouth and rescue Pauline, who is back in Odd Rock form and stuck to VoidCo pieces. Upon rescue, Pauline returns to her normal form and tells Donkey Kong about her dream of becoming a singer.

Donkey Kong and Pauline reach the [[Feast Layer]], sublayer 1400, a food processing plant and fast-food and lion-themed amusement park that is infected with muck. There, they help build the giant [[Banana Burger]], while Void Kong learns of the failure of his employees. Donkey Kong and Pauline descend to sublayer 1401, where the Cat-Scratch Kitchen is highly muck-infected. They find and defeat [[Muckety-Muck]], the source of the muck, and open another sinkhole.

[[File:DKB cutscene09.png|thumb|left|Pauline singing to save Donkey Kong from his Odd Rock form]]
[[File:DKB cutscene10.png|thumb|[[King K. Rool]] with the [[Banandium Root]] in [[New Donk City]]]]
Through the sinkhole, the heroes reach the [[Forbidden Layer]], sublayer 1500, where the Banandium Root supposedly resides. They eventually reach a golden dome, which Void Kong presents as the Banandium Root. He tells them the Root is dormant, and Pauline's singing has the power to awaken it. Pauline refuses to sing, and Donkey Kong fights Void, this time unable to use any [[Bananza]] powers. Void Kong, then defeated, uses his [[All-Mine Remote]] to turn Donkey Kong into an Odd Rock form, rendering him immobile to force Pauline to sing to save him. Donkey Kong can generate a beat through the rock, and Pauline sings, freeing Donkey Kong and also stimulating the golden dome. As Void Kong reaches for the dome, it is revealed to be [[King K. Rool]], who punches Void Kong away into his Pay-Dirt Piledriver and takes his All-Mine Remote. K. Rool explains he got trapped down there while looking for the Banandium Root with the [[Kremling Krew]], and jumps into the sinkhole he was stuck to, going after the real Root.

[[File:DKB cutscene0.png|thumb|Donkey Kong returning underground]]
Donkey Kong and Pauline chase K. Rool and reach the [[Planet Core]]. They eventually reach the Golden Core and fight King K. Rool, now powered up into [[Core King K. Rool]] by the real Banandium Root. K. Rool is defeated, and Donkey Kong and Pauline make their wishes to the Root. It manifests as a giant pillar made of bananas that proceeds to push the heroes out of the planet core. As they celebrate their victory while returning to the surface, King K. Rool regains consciousness and flies after them with his Propellerpack on the way up, attempting to stop them in the process. They eventually resurface in [[New Donk City]], Pauline's home. King K. Rool, still in possession of the Banandium Root, decides to transform all of it into rotten banana mush and feed on it. He causes the city to be taken over by his [[Kremling]]s and lethal Banandium Mush. Donkey Kong and Pauline climb the city and eventually reach K. Rool on a floating ring arena in front of the [[New Donk City Hall|city hall]], where the Kremling King finally becomes [[K. Rool, King of Rot]] for a last battle, but is defeated and flies off into the sky.

The Banandium Mush and gold covering the city disappear. Pauline reiterates her wish to become a singer and to sing for all the townsfolk, but understands Donkey Kong must follow his dream as well. They part ways, with Donkey Kong returning through the shaft created by the Banandium Root. After the credits, Pauline is shown to have become a street performer.
{{br|left}}

===Postgame===
[[File:DKB final ending.jpg|thumb|]]
If the player has not learned all [[Bananza]]s during the game's main story, they are automatically unlocked after the game is beaten. Special dialogue explains that one month later, Donkey Kong and Pauline traveled through the Underground World again and learned all of the missing Bananzas.

Three months later, Donkey Kong returns to [[Ingot Isle]]. There, he finds the now friendly Grumpy and Poppy Kong. Grumpy directs Donkey Kong to try a [[Warp Gong]] he has built in the area, and doing so reveals the Eelevator has brought [[Pauline#Donkey Kong Bananza|Pauline]], who tells Donkey Kong she must create a new song for a live show at city hall. She asks for Donkey Kong's help in meeting the music expert elders again. After rehearsing and completing the elders' challenges, Pauline has come up with a new song, and the two of them head back to the surface, where Donkey Kong watches Pauline successfully perform for a large audience.
{{br}}

==Gameplay==
===Overview===
[[File:DKB timelapse.mp4|thumb|400px|Sped up gameplay footage of Donkey Kong gradually destroying a portion of the environment in the [[Lagoon Layer]]. Video has no sound.]]
In ''Donkey Kong Bananza'', players control Donkey Kong as they navigate expansive three-dimensional environments filled with collectibles, enemies, and non-playable characters. The stages in the game are {{wp|Destructible environment|highly destructible}}, with Donkey Kong being able to use his sheer strength in a variety of moves, such as punching and throwing, to practically reshape the stage. In effect, a large number of collectables in the game are etched or buried in terrain, and can only be revealed by foraging through it. This destruction-based mechanic also encourages the player to experiment with different strategies for navigating or escaping certain areas, adding layers of discovery that set it apart from other platform games.<ref>{{cite|quote=[...] when you break through the wall and dig up the fossil buried there, you might then come upon a hidden area beyond that, leading to even more discoveries.|author=[[Kazuya Takahashi|Takahashi, Kazuya]]|date=July 15, 2025|url=www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-19-donkey-kong-bananza-part-2/|title=Ask the Developer Vol. 19: Donkey Kong Bananza — Part 2|publisher=nintendo.com|language=en-us|accessdate=July 20, 2025|archive=web.archive.org/web/20250715130147/https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-19-donkey-kong-bananza-part-2/}}</ref>

The general objective of the game is to find and collect as many Banandium Gems as the player can. Similar to the [[Power Moon]]s of ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', these are plot-relevant items scattered across the map in varying locations, often obtainable by completing puzzles, quests, and challenges. The game also provides missions which the player must complete in order to advance through the game, with Bandandium Gems further acting as the end goal of these missions. For every five Banandium Gems collected, the player earns a Skill Point, employed in a {{wp|Glossary of video game terms#skill tree|skill tree}} system which allows the player to unlock [[#Skills|new moves]] and enhance those already in their repertoire. For example, the player may use Skill Points to increase the damage dealt with punches, the range of their Hand Slap sonar, or their health meter.

The world in the game is also profuse with [[gold]], a basic collectible item similar to [[coin]]s from the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'']] franchise that occurs in most destructible structures. It is a versatile item that acts as currency, as well as energy for the player's special powers. Gold, alongside other currencies such as [[Banandium Chip]]s and [[fossil]]s, can be exchanged with certain NPCs to acquire new power-enhancing [[Style Shop#List of items|clothing]] and additional Banandium Gems, as well as building [[Bed (object)|resting spots]] and shortcuts. Fossils, in particular, are analogous to ''Super Mario Odyssey''{{'}}s [[regional coin]]s in that they can only be exchanged in the layer they are found in and contribute to full [[completion]] when collected.

===Donkey Kong's abilities===
[[File:Donkey Kong Bananza 012.jpg|thumb|left|200px|]]
Much like [[Mario]] in ''Super Mario Odyssey'', Donkey Kong is highly mobile and nimble. His basic moveset includes running, jumping, and [[Roll Attack|rolling]], the last two of which can be joined together to perform the [[Roll Jump]] previously seen in the ''Donkey Kong Country'' games. Adding to his versatility, DK can also quickly climb most vertical surfaces. Donkey Kong's signature [[Hand Slap]] returns from previous ''Donkey Kong'' platform games, being retooled and improved in several ways: in this game, DK can perform it to pick up surrounding collectibles (much like the [[clap]] in ''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]'') and emit a wave that makes objects such as Banandium Gems detectable through walls in a sonar-like fashion.

[[File:Donkey Kong Bananza 009.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
[[Punch]]ing is DK's primary form of attack, allowing him to gradually smash through walls, dig through the ground, and defeat enemies. A particular move that involves his fist is the [[Dive Punch]], an attack wherein he comes crashing down from mid-air. As the terrain breaks apart, large [[chunk]]s often come off, which DK can pick up, swing, or throw to inflict further damage. He can likewise directly dislodge chunks himself. Chunks may vary in size, giving DK a potentially broader range of destruction when wielded; they can additionally be used as part of the "[[chunk jump]]", where DK vigorously tosses one downward while in mid-air to gain a bit more height, and the "[[Turf Surf]]", where he mounts a chunk and rides it along the ground while it spins. Enemies, even those within a particular type or species, are built from various materials found in the environment, potentially demanding different approaches to attack. For instance, Donkey Kong cannot fight enemies with a sturdy or prickly coating at close quarters and may need to damage them from a distance using a chunk. Against larger enemies, such as [[Crockoid]]s, he may cling to them and tear chunks off their bodies where possible.

Donkey Kong can make use of devices scattered on the overworld. Two such devices are [[Barrel Cannon]]s, which launch him to distant areas, and metallic arrow-shaped switches, which are activated with a Dive Punch to obliterate a portion of the environment.

The player can freely rotate the in-game camera around DK, which generally follows him at ground level. When Donkey Kong is in a tightly-enclosed underground space, the camera may render the surrounding expanses of rock or dirt transparent to make that space discernible to the player.

===Terrain===
{{main|Terrain}}
Terrain is the term used to describe any material in the game which makes up the environment of each layer, whether destructible or not. By aiming an object at a terrain type, such as a chunk, the player can see what that terrain type is called, along with its strength type if applicable. The terrain in a layer has different levels of durability, which dictate how effective it can be when extracted and employed as a weapon. Soft terrain, such as mud and dirt, is easily excavated and manipulated, but quickly breaks apart when used as a weapon and is completely ineffective when thrown into harder surfaces; conversely, they stick to surfaces when thrown, allowing DK to stack them consecutively and form a projecting platform. Hard terrain, such as stone, can be used to inflict a lot of damage, but is more difficult to pull out or break and is not malleable. Certain materials, such as metal, are indestructible and cannot be manipulated. While Donkey Kong holds a chunk of terrain and enters his throwing stance, a reticle appears on-screen, which provides a brief descriptor on the durability of the material that he is aiming at to help the player assess the environment; for instance, "Soft" for mud and dirt, and "Sturdy" for stone.

===Pauline and Bananza powers===
[[File:DKB Pauline concert singing.jpg|thumb|left|200px|]]
[[File:DKB Charge Punch windup.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
Donkey Kong teams up with aspiring singer [[Pauline#Donkey_Kong_Bananza|Pauline]], initially encountered as the Odd Rock, whose musical powers have a tangible impact on gameplay. DK can [[make music]] by whistling, which Pauline magically enhances to create a musical path that guides them to their next objective in a stage. Her voice can also break seals left by Void Company, which block entryways into bonus stages and cover important objects. The Underground World is home to the [[elders]], who possess "ancient Bananza powers" that amplify Pauline's singing prowess, making her capable of temporarily shape-shifting DK into stronger, beastly forms. Each form has its own advantages: for instance, Donkey Kong can take on a zebra-like form that increases his speed and lightness, allowing him to run on water or feeble platforms; another ostrich-like form can fly and drop large eggs on enemies.

The game also supports two-player co-op, with the second player controlling Pauline, allowing her to fire explosive projectiles of any material, depending on the material that is picked from the terrain.

===Skills===
[[File:DKB Skills.jpg|thumb|250px|The "Skills" screen]]
{{main|Skill Point}}
When Donkey Kong collects enough Banandium Gems, he earns Skill Points, which are spent towards upgrading various attributes, such as his maximum health and punching strength, on the "Skills" menu. Many skills have multiple strength levels, with higher levels requiring more Skill Points to unlock. More skills become available as Donkey Kong gains Bananza forms; each Bananza has a secret "golden" skill that is only available after completing their respective Bananza Rehearsal during post-game and requires mastering all preceding skills involving that Bananza to learn. A total of 200 Skill Points is required to fully master every skill, which equates to 1,000 Banandium Gems.
{{br}}

===Smashin' Stats===
Smashin' Stats are a record of how much terrain Donkey Kong has destroyed throughout the course of the game. By reaching certain milestones, Donkey Kong can earn rewards such as [[gold]] and [[Banandium Gem]]s. The player can view their Smashin' Stats from the Collection screen or by talking to [[Smashintone]]. Certain types of terrain, such as completely indestructible terrain (e.g. Neptunite), or specific minor background objects (e.g. a wooden wheelbarrow or a small fence), are not being accounted for.

===DK Artist===
{{main|DK Artist}}
Separate from the main story mode is a side mode called DK Artist. Using the [[Nintendo Switch 2#Joy-Con 2|Joy-Con 2]]'s mouse controls, players can paint, carve, and add materials to create their own sculptures.

===Controls===
A single horizontal Joy-Con can only be used during Co-op Play by sharing controllers. The actions for {{button|switch|A}} and {{button|switch|B}} can be switched in settings; the same goes for assigning what {{button|switch|leftstickbutton}} and {{button|switch|rightstickbutton}} do.
<center>
{|class="dk wikitable"style="min-width:40%;text-align:center"
|-
!rowspan=2 style="width:12%"|Action
!colspan=4 style="width:88%"|Input
|-
!colspan=2 style="width:44%"|<span style="cursor:help">[[File:Joy-Con 2 Icon.svg|28px|link=|Joy-Con 2]] / [[File:Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.png|42px|link=|Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller]]</span>
!style="width:22%"|<span style="cursor:help">[[File:Joy-Con 2 Horizontal L Icon.svg|45px|link=|Joy-Con 2 L (horizontal)]]</span>
!style="width:22%"|<span style="cursor:help">[[File:Joy-Con 2 Horizontal R Icon.svg|45px|link=|Joy-Con 2 R (horizontal)]]</span>
|-
!colspan=5|Basic controls
|-
|Move
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|leftstick}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|stick}}
|-
|Look around
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|rightstick}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then use {{button|switch|leftstick}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then use {{button|switch|rightstick}}
|-
|Reset camera
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|leftstickbutton}} / {{button|switch|rightstickbutton}} (disabled by default)
|colspan=2|
|-
|[[Jump]]<br>Talk<br>Advance text
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|A}} (or {{button|switch|B}})
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-right}} (or {{button|switch|jc-bottom}})
|-
|[[Punch]]
|{{button|switch|Y}} or<br>Shake {{button|switch|joy-con-2}} horizontally
|{{button|switch|Y}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-left}}
|-
|Punch upward
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|X}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-top}}
|-
|Punch downward
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|B}} (or {{button|switch|A}})
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-bottom}} (or {{button|switch|jc-right}})
|-
|[[Dive Punch]]
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|B}} (or {{button|switch|A}}) then release in midair
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|jc-bottom}} (or {{button|switch|jc-right}}) then release in midair
|-
|[[Hand Slap]]
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|R}}
|{{button|switch|L}}
|{{button|switch|R}}
|-
|[[Roll Attack|Roll]] forward
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZL}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|SL}}
|-
|[[Carry|Pick up]]
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|SR}}
|-
|[[Tear off]]
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|SR}}
|-
|Jump backward
|colspan=2|Tilt {{button|switch|leftstick}} and press {{button|switch|A}} while moving
|colspan=2|Tilt {{button|switch|stick}} and press {{button|switch|jc-right}} while moving
|-
|[[Make music]]
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|L}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then hold {{button|switch|jc-bottom}}
|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then hold {{button|switch|jc-bottom}}
|-
|[[Drumbeat]]
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} + {{button|switch|R}} or<br>Shake {{button|switch|joy-con-2}} vertically or<br>in a chest-beating motion
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} + {{button|switch|R}} or<br>Shake {{button|switch|pro-2}}
|colspan=2|Shake {{button|switch|joy-con-2-horizontal}}
|-
|Switch [[Bananza]]
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|Leftright}} / {{button|switch|leftstickbutton}} / {{button|switch|rightstickbutton}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then press {{button|switch|jc-leftright}}
|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then press {{button|switch|jc-leftright}}
|-
|Skills Menu
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|Up}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then press {{button|switch|jc-top}}
|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then press {{button|switch|jc-top}}
|-
|[[Photo Mode]]
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|Down}} (disabled during Co-op Play)
|colspan=2|
|-
|Map
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|minus}}
|{{button|switch|minus}}
|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then press {{button|switch|plus}}
|-
|Pause Menu
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|plus}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then press {{button|switch|minus}}
|{{button|switch|plus}}
|-
!colspan=5|Holding chunk
|-
|Swing
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|Y}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-left}}
|-
|Throw
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|ZR}} to aim, then release
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|SR}} to aim, then release
|-
|[[Turf Surf]]
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZL}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|SL}}
|-
|[[Chunk Jump]]
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|A}} (or {{button|switch|B}}) in midair
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-right}} (or {{button|switch|jc-bottom}}) in midair
|-
!colspan=5|While climbing
|-
|Drop
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|B}} (or {{button|switch|A}})
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-bottom}} (or {{button|switch|jc-right}})
|-
!colspan=5|Turf surfing
|-
|Stop
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZL}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|SL}}
|-
|Speed up
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|Y}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-left}}
|-
!colspan=5|[[Barrel Cannon]]
|-
|Exit
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZL}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|SL}}
|-
|Fire
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|A}} / {{button|switch|B}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-right}} / {{button|switch|jc-bottom}}
|-
!colspan=5|[[Kong Bananza]]
|-
|Charge Punch
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|Y}} then release
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|jc-left}} then release
|-
!colspan=5|[[Zebra Bananza]]
|-
|Charge Dash
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|ZL}} then release
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|SL}} then release
|-
|Brake Blast
|colspan=2|Tilt {{button|switch|leftstick}} in opposite direction while running
|colspan=2|Tilt {{button|switch|stick}} in opposite direction while running
|-
!colspan=5|[[Ostrich Bananza]]
|-
|Flutter
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|ZL}} in midair
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|SL}} in midair
|-
|Glide
|colspan=2|Continue holding {{button|switch|ZL}} after Flutter
|colspan=2|Continue holding {{button|switch|SL}} after Flutter
|-
|Egg Bomb
|colspan=2|Press {{button|switch|ZR}} in midair
|colspan=2|Press {{button|switch|R}} in midair
|-
!colspan=5|[[Elephant Bananza]]
|-
|Inhale
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|SR}}
|-
|Trunk Chunk
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|SR}}
|-
!colspan=5|[[Snake Bananza]]
|-
|Double jump
|colspan=2|Press {{button|switch|A}} (or {{button|switch|B}}) twice
|colspan=2|Press {{button|switch|jc-right}} (or {{button|switch|jc-bottom}}) twice
|-
|Charge Jump
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|A}} (or {{button|switch|B}}) then release
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|jc-right}} (or {{button|switch|jc-bottom}}) then release
|-
|Glare
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|Y}} then release
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|jc-left}} then release
|-
!colspan=5|Map
|-
|Move camera
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|leftstick}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|stick}}
|-
|Change camera angle
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|rightstick}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then use {{button|switch|leftstick}}
|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then use {{button|switch|rightstick}}
|-
|Places
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|leftright}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then press {{button|switch|jc-leftright}}
|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then press {{button|switch|jc-leftright}}
|-
|Zoom
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZL}} / {{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|SL}} / {{button|switch|SR}}
|-
|Place pin
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|X}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|jc-top}}
|-
|Your location
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|rightstickbutton}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|stickbutton}}
|-
|Reset terrain
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|plus}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then press {{button|switch|minus}}
|{{button|switch|plus}}
|-
|Back
|colspan=2|Press {{button|switch|B}} or {{button|switch|minus}}
|Press {{button|switch|jc-bottom}} or {{button|switch|minus}}
|Press {{button|switch|jc-bottom}}, or<br>Hold {{button|switch|R}} then press {{button|switch|plus}}
|-
|Bananas & Fossils
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|L}} / {{button|switch|R}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then press {{button|switch|SL}} or {{button|switch|SR}}
|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then press {{button|switch|SL}} or {{button|switch|SR}}
|-
|Change sublayer
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|updown}}
|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then press {{button|switch|jc-topbottom}}
|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then press {{button|switch|jc-topbottom}}
|-
!colspan=5|[[Photo Mode]]
|-
|Take photo
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|capture}}
|colspan=2|
|-
|Display on/off
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|A}}
|colspan=2|
|-
|Zoom
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZL}} / {{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|
|-
|Tilt
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|L}} / {{button|switch|R}}
|colspan=2|
|-
|Logo on/off
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|X}}
|colspan=2|
|-
|Player on/off
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|Y}}
|colspan=2|
|-
|Quit
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|B}}
|colspan=2|
|-
!colspan=5|[[Emerald Rush]]
|-
|Quick travel using a [[Warp Barrel]]
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|R}} + {{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|
|}
</center>

====Pauline (Co-op Play)====
A single vertical Joy-Con can only be used during Co-op Play by sharing controllers.
<center>
{|class="dk wikitable"style="min-width:40%;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap"
|-
!rowspan=2|Action
!colspan=6|Input
|-
!{{button|switch|joy-con}} / {{button|switch|pro-2}}
!{{button|switch|joy-con-2}}<ref group=footnotes1>Any combination of detached dual Joy-Con with at least one Joy-Con 2.</ref>
!{{button|switch|joy-con-l}}
!{{button|switch|joy-con-2-l}}
!{{button|switch|joy-con-r}}
!{{button|switch|joy-con-2-r}}
|-
|Aim
|{{button|switch|joy-con-r}} / {{button|switch|pro-2}}<br>(motion controls)<br>or {{button|switch|leftstick}}
|{{button|switch|joy-con-2}} (mouse controls)<br>or {{button|switch|joy-con-2-r}} (motion controls)<br>or {{button|switch|leftstick}}
|{{button|switch|joy-con-l}}<br>(motion controls)
|{{button|switch|joy-con-2-l}} (mouse or<br>motion controls)
|{{button|switch|joy-con-r}}<br>(motion controls)
|{{button|switch|joy-con-2-r}} (mouse or<br>motion controls)
|-
|Shout
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZL}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|ZR}}
|-
|Copy material
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|ZR}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|ZL}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|ZR}}
|-
|Reset cursor
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|B}}
|colspan=4|{{button|switch|jc-bottom}}
|-
|Make music
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|L}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|L}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|R}}
|-
|Look around
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|rightstick}}
|colspan=4|{{button|switch|stick}}
|-
|Switch Bananza
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|leftright}}
|colspan=4|{{button|switch|jc-leftright}}
|-
|Map
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|minus}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|minus}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|R}} then press {{button|switch|plus}}
|-
|Pause menu
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|plus}}
|colspan=2|Hold {{button|switch|L}} then press {{button|switch|minus}}
|colspan=2|{{button|switch|plus}}
|}
</center>
{{reflist|group=footnotes1}}

==Layers==
{{Todo Donkey Kong franchise|section=y|list=*Brief descriptions of all layers}}
There are 17 layers (18 layers with the ''[[Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush|DK Island & Emerald Rush]]'' DLC) containing 777 missions, which reward Banandium Gems. Of those, 34 are [[Banana Bunch|bunches]] of three bananas, and 21 are bunches of five; therefore, the game's counter for how many bananas DK has eaten will reach 929 after completing all the missions. The counter can be further increased to its maximum value of 1000 by spending Banandium Chips at the Chip Exchange for 71 additional Banandium Gems.

{|class="wikitable sortable center col4left dk" style="text-align:center; width:100%"
|-
!Layer
!class=unsortable|Terrain strength
!class=unsortable|Sublayers
!class=unsortable|Description
![[Banandium Gem]]s
!width=150px|[[Fossil]]s
|-
|data-sort-value=DK|[[File:DKB DonkeyKongIsland.png|200px]]<br>[[DK Island (layer)|DK Island]]<ref group=footnotes name=dlc/>
|★☆☆☆☆
|N/A
|
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|data-sort-value=Ingot|[[File:DKB Ingot Isle Cave-In.jpg|200px]]<br>[[Ingot Isle Cave-In]] ('''SL10''')
|★☆☆☆☆
|SL10
|
|36 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Ingot Isle Cave-In|list]])
|N/A
|-
|data-sort-value=Lagoon|[[File:NM DKB Lagoon Layer.png|200px]]<br>[[Lagoon Layer]]
|★★☆☆☆
|SL100<br>SL101<br>SL102
|A sunny underground archipelago inhabited by [[Salvager Monkey]]s and the [[Kong Elder]]. It is surrounded by a vast sea formed from water that drains down from the surface. Its terrain largely consists of white rocks, yellow grass and green scaffolding.
|56 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Lagoon Layer|list]])
|'''72 total:'''<br>Ammonite ×61,<br>Anomalocaris ×10,<br>Whale ×1
|-
|data-sort-value=Hilltop|[[File:DKB_HilltopLayer.png|200px]]<br>[[Hilltop Layer]]
|★★☆☆☆
|SL200
|
|38 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Hilltop Layer|list]])
|'''30 total:'''<br>Ammonite (alt color) ×30
|-
|data-sort-value=Canyon|[[File:DKB_CanyonLayer.png|200px]]<br>[[Canyon Layer]]
|★★☆☆☆
|SL300<br>SL301<br>SL302
|
|80 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Canyon Layer|list]])
|'''72 total:'''<br>Leaf ×61<br>Trilobite ×10<br>Triceratops ×1
|-
|data-sort-value=Divide|[[File:DKB The Divide.jpg|200px]]<br>[[The Divide]]
|★★★☆☆
|SL400
|
|10 ([[List of Banandium Gems in The Divide|list]])
|N/A
|-
|data-sort-value=Freezer|[[File:DKB World-3.jpg|200px]]<br>[[Freezer Layer]]
|★★★☆☆
|SL500<br>SL501<br>SL502<br>SL503
|
|87 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Freezer Layer|list]])
|'''72 total:'''<br>Sea Lily ×61<br>Preserved Bug ×10<br>T. Rex ×1
|-
|data-sort-value=Forest|[[File:DKB World-2.jpg|200px]]<br>[[Forest Layer]]
|★★★☆☆
|SL600<br>SL601<br>SL602
|
|83 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Forest Layer|list]])
|'''72 total:'''<br>Beaver ×61<br>Pig ×10<br>Spider ×1
|-
|data-sort-value=Junction|[[File:DKB_TheJunction.png|200px]]<br>[[The Junction]]
|★★★☆☆
|SL700
|
|15 ([[List of Banandium Gems in The Junction|list]])
|N/A
|-
|data-sort-value=Resort|[[File:DKB ResortLayer.png|200px]]<br>[[Resort Layer]]
|★★★★☆
|SL800
|
|42 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Resort Layer|list]])
|'''30 total:'''<br>Leaf (alt color) ×30
|-
|data-sort-value=Tempest|[[File:DKB Tempest Layer.jpg|200px]]<br>[[Tempest Layer]]
|★★★★☆
|SL900<br>SL901<br>SL902<br>SL903
|
|70 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Tempest Layer|list]])
|'''72 total:'''<br>Frog ×61<br>Anglerfish ×10<br>Swordfish ×1
|-
|data-sort-value=Landfill|[[File:DKB_LandfillLayer.png|200px]]<br>[[Landfill Layer]]
|★★★★☆
|SL1000<br>SL1001
|
|27 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Landfill Layer|list]])
|'''30 total:'''<br>Sea Lily (alt color) ×30
|-
|data-sort-value=Racing|[[File:DKB_RacingLayer.png|200px]]<br>[[Racing Layer]]
|★★★★☆
|SL1100
|
|10 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Racing Layer|list]])
|N/A
|-
|data-sort-value=Radiance|[[File:DKB Radiance Layer.jpg|200px]]<br>[[Radiance Layer]]
|★★★★☆
|SL1200<br>SL1201<br>SL1202<br>SL1203<br>SL1204
|
|76 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Radiance Layer|list]])
|'''72 total:'''<br>Banana Bird ×61<br>Armadillo ×10<br>Sea Urchin ×1
|-
|data-sort-value=Groove|[[File:DKB_GrooveLayer.png|200px]]<br>[[Groove Layer]]
|★★★★☆
|SL1300
|
|30 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Groove Layer|list]])
|'''30 total:'''<br>Beaver (alt color) ×30
|-
|data-sort-value=Feast|[[File:DKB_FeastLayer.png|200px]]<br>[[Feast Layer]]
|★★★★★
|SL1400<br>SL1401
|
|69 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Feast Layer|list]])
|'''72 total:'''<br>Old Tire ×61<br>Cathode-Ray Tube ×10<br>Robot ×1
|-
|data-sort-value=Forbidden|[[File:DKB Forbidden Layer.png|200px]]<br>[[Forbidden Layer]]
|★★★★★
|SL1500
|
|25 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Forbidden Layer|list]])
|'''30 total:'''<br>Frog (alt color) x30
|-
|data-sort-value=Planet|[[File:DKB Planet Core.jpg|200px]]<br>[[Planet Core]]
|★★★★★
|SL1600<br>SL1601<br>SL1602<br>SL1603<br>SL1604<br>SL1605<br>SL1606<br>SL1607<br>SL1608<br>SL1609
|
|23 ([[List of Banandium Gems in the Planet Core|list]])
|'''42 total:'''<br>8-Bit Barrel ×31<br>8-Bit Items ×10<br>8-Bit DK ×1
|}

==Characters==
===Playable===
{|class="wikitable sortable dk"style="text-align:center"
!class="unsortable" width=140px|Image
!Name
!class="unsortable"|Description
|-
|[[File:DKB Thinking DK.png|120px]]
|[[Donkey Kong]]
|align=left|The game's protagonist. Donkey Kong sets out to recover the Banandium Gems from Void Company.
|-
|[[File:DKB Pauline.png|70px]][[File:DKB Odd Rock.png|70px]]
|[[Pauline#Donkey_Kong_Bananza|Pauline]] / [[Odd Rock]]
|align=left|A 13-year-old girl with a talent for singing. At the start of the game, Pauline takes the form of Odd Rock and joins Donkey Kong on his journey. Unlike most characters in the game, she has fully voiced dialogue.
|}

===Bananza forms===
{|class="wikitable sortable dk"style="text-align:center"
!class="unsortable" width=140px|Image
!Name
!class="unsortable"|Description
|-
|[[File:DKB Kong Bananza.png|120px]]
|[[Kong Bananza]]
|align=left| Makes DK stronger and allows him to break through hard objects. He can wind up to throw a punch that sends a shockwave forward.
|-
|[[File:DKB Zebra Bananza.png|120px]]
|[[Zebra Bananza]]
|align=left| Makes DK faster and allows him to run on water. He can dash for short periods to run even faster and defeat enemies while doing so.
|-
|[[File:DKB Ostrich Bananza.png|120px]]
|[[Ostrich Bananza]]
|align=left| Allows DK to glide and drop Egg Bombs over the area.
|-
|[[File:DKB Elephant Bananza.png|120px]]
|[[Elephant Bananza]]
|align=left|Allows DK to vacuum up terrain with his trunk and transform materials into throwable Trunk Chunks.
|-
|[[File:DKB Snake Bananza.png|120px]]
|[[Snake Bananza]]
|align=left|Allows DK to double jump and spring even higher with a Charge Jump. DK can also slow down time with a Glare, assisting in combat and traversing moving objects.
|}

===Supporting characters===
{|class="wikitable sortable dk"style="text-align:center"
!class="unsortable"|Image
!Name
!class="unsortable"|Description
|-
|[[File:DKBCrankyKongArtwork.png|120px]]
|[[Cranky Kong]]
|align=left|The patriarch of the [[Kong|Kong Family]]. Cranky rides [[Rambi]] to the Underground World to chase after a banana thief. He gives Banandium Gems to DK for talking to him.
|-
|[[File:DKBDiddyKongArtwork.png|120px]]
|[[Diddy Kong]]
|align=left|The best friend of Donkey Kong. He hosts a racing event called [[Rambi Rumble (minigame)|Rambi Rumble]] in the [[Racing Layer]] alongside his girlfriend, Dixie Kong.
|-
|[[File:DKBDixieKongArtwork.png|120px]]
|[[Dixie Kong]]
|align=left|A close friend of Donkey Kong. She hosts Rambi Rumble alongside her boyfriend, Diddy Kong.
|-
|[[File:DKB Rambi.png|120px]]
|[[Rambi]]
|align=left|Rambi comes to the Underground World alongside Cranky Kong. Multiple appear, with Dixie Kong mentioning the monkeys "rode a bunch of Rambis" to reach the Racing Layer, where they are used for the Rambi Rumble minigame.
|-
|[[File:DKBSquawksArtwork.png|120px]]
|[[Squawks]]<ref group=footnotes name=dlc/>
|align=left|A friend of Donkey Kong. He has a hut on [[DK Island (layer)|DK Island]] where Banandium Chips can be exchanged for [[statue (Donkey Kong Bananza)|statues]] or gold. Like Rambis, multiple Squawks appear on the island.
|-
|[[File:DKB Fractones.png|120px]]
|[[Fractone]]s
|align=left|Eyed, shapeshifting gem-like creatures that come in multiple colors. They can regenerate their bodies if they are destroyed.
|-
|[[File:Architectone DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Architectone]]
|align=left|A blue and yellow, house-shaped Fractone who handles the construction of [[Getaway]]s, places where Donkey Kong and Pauline can rest, change clothing, and listen to music.
|-
|[[File:Bloomintone DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Bloomintone]]
|align=left|A yellow Fractone shaped like a flower pot, whose blue flower will only bloom in the light. They reward the player with a [[Banandium Gem]] for clearing the terrain to allow sunlight to reach them.
|-
|[[File:DKB Chiptone.png|120px]]
|[[Chiptone]]
|align=left|A yellow, hexagonal Fractone who runs a [[Chip Exchange]], where Banandium Chips can be exchanged for Banandium Gems.
|-
|[[File:DKB Collectone.png|120px]]
|[[Collectone]]
|align=left|A Fractone shaped roughly like the Donkey Kong and Pauline [[amiibo]], who allows the player to scan amiibo, appearing in several layers. They also appear in the [[Groove Layer]] as the proprietor of the Fossil Museum, though initially with a standard Fractone shape.
|-
|[[File:Constructone DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Constructone]]
|align=left|A blue Fractone who handles the construction of objects, such as [[Barrel Cannon]]s to reach a distant location, in exchange for gold.
|-
|[[File:DKB Exploritone.jpg|120px]]
|[[Exploritone]]
|align=left|A blue Fractone whose past journey through the various layers of the [[Underground World]] is chronicled on stone tablets scattered across the layers.
|-
|[[File:Fragmentone DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Fragmentone]]
|align=left|A blue Fractone shaped like a puzzle piece. They task the player with gathering three pieces of their body in exchange for Banandium Gems.
|-
|[[File:DKB Glamtone.png|120px]]
|[[Glamtone]]
|align=left|A blue Fractone in the shape of a t-shirt that tasks the player to equip Donkey Kong and/or Pauline with a specific outfit, then rewards them with a Banandium Gem.
|-
|[[File:DKB Groovetone.png|120px]]
|[[Groovetones]]
|align=left|A group of four shiny, spherical Fractones that form a band in the [[Groove Layer]].
|-
|[[File:DKB Growtone.png|120px]]
|[[Growtone]]
|align=left|A tree-like Fractone that grows the more gold Donkey Kong feeds it. It awards the player with up to three Banandium Gems, depending on the amount of gold eaten.
|-
|[[File:DKB Hiddentone stone.png|120px]]
|[[Hiddentone]]s
|align=left|A type of Fractone that hides in the environment and is sought by a Seekertone. The player must find four of them to be awarded a Banandium Gem.
|-
|[[File:DKB Iron Jailer.png|120px]]
|[[Iron Jailer]]
|align=left|A guard Fractone from the [[Groove Layer]].
|-
|[[File:DKB Quiztone.png|120px]]
|[[Quiztone]]
|align=left|A Fractone wearing a bowtie and bowler hat who quizzes the player on various topics throughout the game, each time awarding them a Banandium Gem for three correct answers.
|-
|[[File:Securitone DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Securitone]]
|align=left|A giant, indigo-colored Fractone who acts as a guard in the [[Forbidden Layer]]. For a price, they can activate [[throw zone]]s in which chunks of terrain create pathways.
|-
|[[File:DKB Seekertone.png|120px]]
|[[Seekertone]]
|align=left|A Fractone who asks the player to find four of its friends hidden in the nearby terrain, named Hiddentone.
|-
|[[File:DKB Smashintone.png|120px]]
|[[Smashintone]]
|align=left|A blue Fractone who keeps track of Donkey Kong's Smashin' Stats, the amount of terrain he has destroyed for each material.
|-
|[[File:DKB Stufftone.png|120px]]
|[[Stufftone]]
|align=left|A green Fractone who runs a [[Stuff Shop]], where gold can be exchanged for various items.
|-
|[[File:DKB Styletone.png|120px]]
|[[Styletone]]
|align=left|A magenta, T-shirt-shaped Fractone who runs a [[Style Shop]], where fossils can be exchanged for clothing and fur colors.
|-
|[[File:DKB Trustytone art.png|120px]]
|[[Trustytone]]
|align=left|An indigo-colored Fractone that stays by the player's Getaway. Acting as a butler or assistant, they can turn into various shopkeepers to sell items.
|-
|[[File:Banandiumtone.jpg|120px]]
|[[Banandiumtone]]<ref group=footnotes name=dlc/>
|align=left|A yellow, banana-shaped Fractone on [[DK Island (layer)|DK Island]] who lets the player solve a puzzle.
|-
|[[File:Prospector Monkey DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Prospector Monkey]]s
|align=left|A group of spider monkey miners from [[Ingot Isle]]. They are sent to the Underground World alongside [[Donkey Kong]] by [[Void Company]].
|-
|[[File:DKB Kong Elder.png|120px]]<br>[[File:DKB Zebra Elder.png|120px]]<br>[[File:DKB Ostrich Elder.png|120px]]<br>[[File:DKB Elephant Elder art.png|120px]]<br>[[File:DKB Snake Elder art.png|120px]]
|[[Elders]]
|align=left|A group of giant elders that resides in the Underground World, consisting of a [[Kong Elder|Kong]], [[Zebra Elder|zebra]], [[Ostrich Elder|ostrich]], [[Elephant Elder|elephant]], and [[Snake Elder|snake]]. They possess ancient "Bananza" powers and grant Pauline the ability to transform DK into their corresponding forms.
|-
|[[File:DKB Salvager Monkey artwork.png|120px]]
|[[Salvager Monkey]]s
|align=left|A blue type of monkey hailing from the [[Lagoon Layer]], where they form a small fisher community.
|-
|[[File:DKB Zebra NPC.png|120px]]
|[[Zebra (Donkey Kong Bananza)|Zebra]]s
|align=left|Zebras wearing snow clothing hailing from the [[Freezer Layer]], where they run a dessert business, making ice cream and chocolate.
|-
|[[File:DKB Ostrich NPC.png|120px]]
|[[Ostrich (Donkey Kong Bananza)|Ostrich]]es
|align=left|Ostriches with hair and clothing who hail from the [[Forest Layer]]. They run a large hotel, known as the [[Eggshell Hotel]].
|-
|[[File:DKB Elephant.png|120px]]
|[[Elephant (Donkey Kong Bananza)|Elephant]]s
|align=left|Large elephants from the [[Tempest Layer]] wearing raincoats. They have a particular interest in weather forecasting.
|-
|[[File:SculptorSnakeBananza.jpg|120px]]
|[[Snake (Donkey Kong Bananza)|Snake]]s
|align=left|Snakes from the [[Radiance Layer]] with an artistic taste. They refine Glow Stone into various light-based goods.
|-
|[[File:DKB New Donkers.jpg|120px]]
|[[New Donker]]s
|align=left|Human residents of Pauline's home, [[New Donk City]].
|-
|[[File:DKB Lil Eelevator.png|120px]]
|[[Li'l Eelevator]]s<br>
|align=left|Children of the [[Eelevator]] that can eat Donkey Kong to "Teeleport" him between sublayers within the same Layer.
|-
|[[File:DKB Eelevator.png|120px]]
|[[Eelevator]]
|align=left|The mother of Li'l Eelevators. She is a larger version of them with an anglerfish-like lure resembling traffic lights. She can be called by [[Warp Gong]]s and allows the player to quickly travel between layers.
|-
|[[File:GreatHarmoneel DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Great Harmoneel]]
|align=left|The father of Li'l Eelevators. Even larger than the Eelevator, he is mind-controlled by Void Kong to capture Pauline.
|-
|[[File:DKB Eeling art.png|120px]]
|[[Eeling]]s
|align=left|Small relatives of the Eelevator family that flee upon spotting the player, carving out paths in the terrain.
|-
|[[File:DKB Singing Blusterwing art.png|120px]]
|[[Singing Blusterwing]]
|align=left|A bird-like creature from the [[Tempest Layer]] whose mood is said to dictate the weather. It is corrupted by Void Company into the [[Sinister Blusterwing]].
|}

==Enemies==
Collectively, the enemies in ''Donkey Kong Bananza'' are all creations made by [[Void Company]], and thus have names that end in the suffix "-oid" derived from "Void" or "android". Their designs are inspired by fossils and artifacts, often including golden skeletons and carved patterns. For enemies that have terrain incorporated in their designs, the type of terrain can vary depending on the location where the enemy is encountered. For example, [[Crockoid]]s can appear covered in concrete, stone or sand, among other types of terrain. 

In the [[Planet Core]] and [[New Donk City]], the regular enemies are replaced by the [[Kremling Krew]] — e.g. [[Buzzoid]]s are replaced with [[Zinger]]s — though they retain all mechanics from their equivalent Void Company enemies.
{|class="wikitable sortable dk"style="text-align:center"
!Image/Name
!First layer appearance
!class="unsortable"|Description
|-
|data-sort-value=Antickoid|[[File:DKB Antickoid gold.png|100px]]<br>[[Antickoid]]
|[[Ingot Isle Cave-In]]
|align=left|An ant-like creature that carries Banandium or rocks in its crystal-like abdomen.
|-
|data-sort-value=Molevoloid|[[File:DKB Molevoloid dirt.png|100px]]<br>[[File:Molevoloid skeleton.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Molevoloid]]
|Ingot Isle Cave-In
|align=left|A short cyllindrical mole-like enemy that burrows into the ground before producing a tall pillar of material.
|-
|data-sort-value=Crockoid|[[File:DKB Crockoid Stone Canyon.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:DKB Crockoid Skeleton Canyon.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Crockoid]]
|Ingot Isle Cave-In
|align=left|A golden crocodile-like skeleton enemy covered in terrain and wielding bones with terrain as clubs.
|-
|data-sort-value=Buzzoid|[[File:DKB Buzzoid.png|100px]]<br>[[Buzzoid]]
|[[Lagoon Layer]]
|align=left|A flying wasp-like enemy that throws chunks of terrain, such as stone or Boom Rock.
|-
|data-sort-value=Peekaboopoid|[[File:DKB Peekaboopoid.png|100px]]<br>[[Peekaboopoid]]
|Lagoon Layer
|align=left|A small colorful octopus-like enemy that hides in groups as chunks of terrain, appearing to swarm Donkey Kong.
|-
|data-sort-value=Glitzoid|[[File:DKB Glitzoid.png|100px]]<br>[[Glitzoid]]
|[[Hilltop Layer]]
|align=left|A lizard-like enemy (resembling a gecko) with a tail made of gold and [[Banandium Chip]]s that sprints around muddy terrain haphazardly.
|-
|data-sort-value=VoidCo Spike-Ball Spitter|[[File:DKB VoidCo Spike-Ball Spitter.png|100px]]<br>[[VoidCo Spike-Ball Spitter]]
|Hilltop Layer
|align=left|An upward cannon resembling a monkey which expels [[Spike Ball|Spiky Ball]]s from its mouth.
|-
|data-sort-value=Squeeloid|[[File:DKB Squeeloid.png|100px]]<br>[[Squeeloid]]
|[[Canyon Layer]]
|align=left|A boar-like enemy with a fuse that uses its two feet to propel itself along the ground towards Donkey Kong. They explode on impact.
|-
|data-sort-value=Stompoid|[[File:DKB Stompoid.png|100px]]<br>[[File:Stompoid skull.png|100px]]<br>[[Stompoid]]
|Canyon Layer
|align=left|A golden monkey skull enemy covered in a large monkey-like head made out of terrain. It can jump high by using its large foot.
|-
|data-sort-value=Rolluskoid|[[File:DKB Rolluskoid.png|100px]]<br>[[File:Damaged Rolluskoid.png|100px]]<br>[[Rolluskoid]]
|[[Freezer Layer]]
|align=left|An ammonite- or nautilus-like enemy encased in a spherical shell of terrain. It rolls at Donkey Kong to attack. Afterwards, it enters a dazed state, rendering it vulnerable.
|-
|data-sort-value=Munchoid|[[File:DKB Munchoid.png|100px]]<br>[[Munchoid]]
|[[Forest Layer]]
|align=left|A mechanical enemy with drills on its face that pursues Donkey Kong while gnawing through terrain.
|-
|data-sort-value=VoidCo Bongo Blaster|[[File:DKB VoidCo Bongo Blaster.png|100px]]<br>[[VoidCo Bongo Blaster]]
|[[The Junction]]
|align=left|A turret enemy with a primate-like design that tracks Donkey Kong and fires small Boom Rocks.
|-
|data-sort-value=Trailfinoid|[[File:Trailfinoid screenshot.png|100px]]<br>[[Trailfinoid]]
|[[Resort Layer]]
|align=left|A purple shark-like enemy that attacks by dashing. It creates a path made of colorful terrain when it attacks and when defeated.
|-
|data-sort-value=Batteroid|[[File:DKB Batteroid.png|100px]]<br>[[File:DKB Batteroid Skeleton.png|100px]]<br>[[Batteroid]]
|[[Tempest Layer]]
|align=left|A masked, golden, bat-like skeleton enemy covered in a glue-like goop that hangs from the ceiling and attempts to dive into Donkey Kong.
|-
|data-sort-value=Gloominoid|[[File:DKB Gloominoid.png|100px]]<br>[[Gloominoid]]
|[[Radiance Layer]]
|align=left|A scorpion-like enemy that attacks with its moon-shaped stinger. It is petrified when exposed to light.
|-
|data-sort-value=Illuminoid|[[File:DKB Illuminoid.png|100px]]<br>[[Illuminoid]]
|Radiance Layer
|align=left|An enemy that resembles the Gloominoid that attacks with its sun-shaped stinger. It prefers light and is petrified when deprived of it.
|-
|data-sort-value=Trapantuloid|[[File:DKB Trapantuloid.png|100px]]<br>[[Trapantuloid]]
|Radiance Layer
|align=left|A tarantula-like enemy that carries gold and other collectibles in its cage-like body. It attacks by swinging two long beams of material.
|-
|data-sort-value=Wallopoid|[[File:DKB Wallopoid.png|100px]]<br>[[Wallopoid]]
|[[Groove Layer]]
|align=left|A large wall of terrain with [[Void Kong]]'s face and hands carved on it. It disguises itself as a regular wall before falling forward in an attempt to smash Donkey Kong.
|-
|data-sort-value=Muckoid|[[File:DKB Muckoid.png|100px]]<br>[[File:DKB acid Muckoid.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Muckoid]]
|[[Feast Layer]]
|align=left|A goopy enemy that hides in muck and launches projectiles at Donkey Kong.
|-
!colspan=3|Kremling Krew
|-
|data-sort-value=Kritter|[[File:Kritter Covered DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:Kritter DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Kritter]]
|[[Planet Core]]
|align=left|A green crocodile enemy that replaces Crockoids in the Planet Core and New Donk City, still covered in terrain.
|-
|data-sort-value=Necky|[[File:Necky Covered DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:Necky DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Necky]]
|Planet Core
|align=left|A vulture enemy that replaces Batteroids in the Planet Core and New Donk City, still covered in the same goop, with a more bird-like mask.
|-
|data-sort-value=Klaptrap|[[File:Klaptrap Covered DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Klaptrap]]
|Planet Core
|align=left|A small blue crocodile enemy that hides inside a crocodile-shaped machine, which replaces Munchoids in the Planet Core and New Donk City.
|-
|data-sort-value=Zinger|[[File:Zinger DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Zinger]]
|Planet Core
|align=left|A wasp enemy that replaces Buzzoids in the Planet Core and New Donk City.
|-
|data-sort-value=Kaboom|[[File:Kaboom DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Kaboom]]
|Planet Core
|align=left|A red crocodile enemy hiding inside a spiky TNT barrel, which replaces Squeeloids in the Planet Core.
|-
|data-sort-value=Army|[[File:Army Covered DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:Army DKB.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Army]]
|Planet Core
|align=left|An armadillo enemy which replaces Rolluskoids in the Planet Core, still covered in a now armadillo-shaped shell of terrain.
|-
|data-sort-value=–|[[File:Banandium Mush Snake DKB.png|100px]]<br>[[Dorodoro no Hebi]]<ref>{{cite|page=388|title=「ドンキーコング バナンザ　完全攻略本」 (''Donkey Kong Bananza Kanzen Kōryakubon'')|language=ja|publisher=ambit ND}}</ref>
|[[New Donk City]]
|align=left|A snake-like enemy made of Banandium Mush that resembles King K. Rool. It leaves behind a trail of Banandium Mush that can harm Donkey Kong.
|-
|data-sort-value=K. Wallopoid|[[File:DKB Roollopoid.jpg|100px]]<br>K. Wallopoid
|New Donk City
|align=left|A variant of the Wallopoid enemy that bears [[King K. Rool]]'s face.
|-
|data-sort-value=–|[[File:K. Rool Cannon DKB.png|100px]]<br>[[Hōdai]]<ref>{{cite|page=389, 411, 412|title=「ドンキーコング バナンザ　完全攻略本」 (''Donkey Kong Bananza Kanzen Kōryakubon'')|language=ja|publisher=ambit ND}}</ref>
|New Donk City
|align=left|A cannon-like enemy resembling King K. Rool. Often placed diagonally, it occasionally rises from a pool of molten Banandium Mush to shoot an iron ball in a straight line that can only be punched away using Kong Bananza.
|}

===Bosses===
{|class="wikitable sortable dk"style="text-align:center"
!class="unsortable"|Image
!Layer
!class="unsortable"|Description
|-
|data-sort-value=Peekabruiser|[[File:DKB Peekabruiser Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[File:DKB Re-Peekabruiser Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[Peekabruiser]] / Re-Peekabruiser
|[[Lagoon Layer]]<br>[[Landfill Layer]]
|align=left|A large enemy made up of various [[Peekaboopoid]]s covered in terrain. In its rematch, it is made of stronger materials.
|-
|data-sort-value=Grumpy Kong|[[File:DKB Grumpy Kong Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[File:DKB Grumpy Kong Title Card 2.png|200px]]<br>[[Grumpy Kong]]
|[[Canyon Layer]]<br>[[Radiance Layer]]
|align=left|A member of [[Void Company]] who manufactures the company's soldiers and weapons. He operates the [[King Crockoid]], a giant Crockoid made up of various skeletons. During his rematch, the King Crockoid is covered in Shade Ore, and its club is now made out of Boom Rock.
|-
|data-sort-value=Mad Mixer|[[File:DKB Mad Mixer Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[File:DKB Mad Mixer Remix Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[Mad Mixer]] / Mad Mixer Remix
|Canyon Layer<br>[[Feast Layer]]
|align=left|A sentient contraption that operates the Banandium Refinery Mixer. Its core is guarded by pillars made of concrete. In its rematch, its core is guarded by pillars made of [[muck]] with [[Muckoid]]s on it.
|-
|data-sort-value=Stompenclomper|[[File:DKB Stompenclomper Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[File:DKB K Stompenclomper Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[Stompenclomper]] / K. Stompenclomper
|Canyon Layer<br>[[Planet Core]]
|align=left|A larger version of the [[Stompoid]] that stomps around on two feet. In its rematch, it has one of its feet made of lava that can be swapped over and vice-versa.
|-
|data-sort-value=Poppy Kong|[[File:DKB Poppy Kong Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[Poppy Kong]]
|[[Freezer Layer]]<br>Radiance Layer
|align=left|The Director of Intelligence for [[Void Company]]. She uses a stealth perfume to turn invisible during her battle. During her rematch, she dashes around the arena faster.
|-
|data-sort-value=Inflammonite|[[File:DKB Inflammonite Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[Inflammonite]]
|Freezer Layer
|align=left|A larger version of the [[Rolluskoid]] that is covered in lava.
|-
|data-sort-value=Abracajabya|[[File:DKB Abracajabya Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[Abracajabya]]
|[[Forest Layer]]
|align=left|A giant plant witch monster that attacks by creating thorny vines.
|-
|data-sort-value=Void Kong|[[File:DKB Void Kong Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[File:DKB Void Kong Title Card 2.png|200px]]<br>[[Void Kong]]
|Hilltop Layer<br>Lagoon Layer<br>[[The Junction]]<br>[[Forbidden Layer]]<br>[[DK Island (layer)|DK Island]]<ref group=footnotes name=dlc/>
|align=left|The President of [[Void Company]]. He battles on top of his flying machine, summoning terrain to hinder and attack Donkey Kong.
|-
|data-sort-value=Sinister Blusterwing|[[File:DKB Sinister Blusterwing Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[Sinister Blusterwing]]
|[[Tempest Layer]]
|align=left|The normally friendly [[Singing Blusterwing]], after being seized by a type of Mind-Bender Mask, turned into a large version of the [[Batteroid]]. It is fought thrice, each time spewing Gloo Gum terrain, lava and electricity, as well as tornadoes, to attack Donkey Kong.
|-
|data-sort-value=Muckety-Muck|[[File:DKB Muckety-Muck Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[Muckety-Muck]]
|Feast Layer
|align=left|A larger version of the Muckoid that attacks by spitting and creating pools of muck, as well as making boxes fall from the sky.
|-
|data-sort-value=King K. Rool|[[File:DKB King K Rool Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[File:DKB King of Rot Title Card.png|200px]]<br>[[King K. Rool]] / [[K. Rool, King of Rot]]
|Planet Core<br>[[New Donk City#Donkey Kong Bananza|New Donk City]]
|align=left|The leader of the Kremling Krew and the surprise final antagonist of the game, empowered by the Banandium Root.
|}

==Items==
{|class="wikitable sortable dk"style="text-align:center"
!class="unsortable"|Image
!Name
!class="unsortable"|Description
|-
|[[File:Apple DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Apple]]
|align=left|A fruit that restores one heart of [[Donkey Kong]]'s health. Apples can be found from glowing red spots in terrain or randomly while breaking terrain.
|-
|[[File:Apple Juice DKB.jpg|120px]]
|[[Apple Juice]]
|align=left|An inventory item that automatically fully restores Donkey Kong's health after it is depleted.
|-
|[[File:DKB Banandium Gems.png|120px]]
|[[Banandium Gem]]
|align=left|The main collectible of the game. Some are found in bunches, and every five Donkey Kong collects grants him a Skill Point that can be used towards unlocking skills.
|-
|[[File:DKB Map.webp|120px]]
|[[Banandium Gem Map]]
|align=left|A map that pinpoints the location of a Banandium Gem. It can be purchased at [[Stuff Shop]]s or rarely found inside a [[treasure chest]].
|-
|[[File:DKB Banandium Chip art.png|120px]]
|[[Banandium Chip]]
|align=left|Banandium Chips can be traded at a [[Chip Exchange]] for Banandium Gems and, in the post-game, discs.
|-
|[[File:DKB Disc.jpg|120px]]
|[[Disc]]
|align=left|A vinyl record randomly dropped from defeating an enemy that unlocks a track in the [[Donkey Kong Bananza sound test|Music Player]].
|-
|[[File:DKB Fossils.png|120px]]
|[[Fossil]]
|align=left|A secondary collectible that appears in one of three levels of rarity: common, rare, and extra-rare. Fossils have different designs depending on the layer and are traded at [[Style Shop]]s for clothing.
|-
|[[File:DKB Fossil Map.png|120px]]
|[[Fossil Map]]
|align=left|A map that pinpoints the location of a common fossil in the current layer. It can be purchased at Stuff Shops or randomly found inside a treasure chest.
|-
|[[File:RareFossilMap DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Rare Fossil Map]]
|align=left|A map that pinpoints the location of a rare fossil in the current layer. It can be purchased at Stuff Shops or rarely found inside a treasure chest.
|-
|[[File:ExtraRareFossilMap DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Extra-Rare Fossil Map]]
|align=left|A map that pinpoints the location of the extra-rare fossil in the current layer. It is only purchased at Stuff Shops.
|-
|[[File:DKB Gold.png|120px]]
|[[Gold]]
|align=left|Gold serves as the game's currency and is the most common collectible in the game. It can be spent at Stuff Shops and Chip Exchanges and also restores Donkey Kong's [[Bananergy]] when collected.
|-
|[[File:Key DKB.png|x120px]]
|[[Key]]
|align=left|A [[Void Company]]-themed key is used to open a shield protecting a [[Void Stake]], and is usually dropped after defeating an enemy.
|-
|[[File:Melon Juice DKB.jpg|x100px]]
|[[Melon Juice]]
|align=left|An inventory item that allows Donkey Kong to use a [[Bananza]] while his Bananergy is not full.
|-
|[[File:Red Balloon DKB.jpg|100px]]
|[[Red Balloon]]
|align=left|A Red Balloon allows Donkey Kong to float back to safety after falling into an [[pit|abyss]]. It can be purchased at Stuff Shops, where bundles of 10 are also available, or randomly found inside a treasure chest. If all skills in the game are unlocked, their design is changed to resemble Donkey Kong's face.
|}

==Objects==
{|class="wikitable sortable dk"style="text-align:center"
!class="unsortable"|Image
!Name
!class="unsortable"|Description
|-
|[[File:All-Mine Remote.jpg|120px]]
|[[All-Mine Remote]]
|align=left|A device used by [[Void Kong]] to create enemies. After he is defeated by [[Donkey Kong]], it is taken by [[King K. Rool]].
|-
|[[File:Ancient Record Kong DKB.jpg|120px]]
|[[Ancient Record]]
|align=left|A giant vinyl record that Donkey Kong must locate and place in an [[Elders|elder]]'s [[Eternatable]] to learn a new [[Bananza]]. It can also be used as an indestructible chunk.
|-
|[[File:Discballoon DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Balloon (Donkey Kong Bananza)|Balloon]]
|align=left|Balloons appear in sets of five. Popping all balloons in a set unlocks a reward: yellow balloons reveal a [[Banandium Gem]], while blue balloons found in [[Bananza Rehearsal]]s unlock a [[disc]].
|-
|[[File:BananaBurger DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Banana Burger]]
|align=left|A giant burger created in the [[Feast Layer]] that grants Donkey Kong access to the next sublayer. All five Burger Switches must be activated to fully assemble it.
|-
|[[File:Banandium Melon DKB.jpg|120px]]
|[[Banandium Melon]]
|align=left|A large fruit that restores Donkey Kong's [[Bananergy]]. It automatically regenerates after use.
|-
|[[File:DKB Barrel art.png|120px]]
|[[Barrel]]
|align=left|A cylindrical container that releases items when broken.
|-
|[[File:DKB Arrow Barrel.png|120px]]
|[[Barrel Cannon]]
|align=left|A barrel that, after pressing the jump button while Donkey Kong is inside it, launches him to a distant location in the direction its arrow is pointing. The player can press {{button|switch|zl}} to exit a Barrel Cannon.
|-
|[[File:BarrelCannonswitch.png|120px]]
|{{conjectural|Barrel Cannon switch}}
|align=left|A switch in the ground that activates a Barrel Cannon leading to an upper sublayer when Donkey Kong uses a [[Dive Punch]] on it.
|-
|[[File:Bed DKB.jpg|120px]]
|[[Bed (object)|Bed]]
|align=left|Commonly found in [[Getaway]]s, Donkey Kong can sleep in one to restore his health and may gain extra hearts.
|-
|[[File:DKB Blast Barrel art.png|120px]]
|[[Blast Barrel]]
|align=left|A type of Barrel Cannon that automatically launches Donkey Kong in the direction it is pointing when he enters it.
|-
|[[File:DK BoomRock chunk.jpg|120px]]
|[[Boom Rock|Boom Bomb]]
|align=left|A chunk of Boom Rock that can be used to defeat enemies and destroy a large portion of terrain. Boom Bombs are also found on mine cart tracks, where up to 10 can be held in the mine cart at a time, and they can be thrown at a distance.
|-
|[[File:BopperSwitch.png|120px]]
|[[Bopper Switch]]
|align=left|A speed bag-like switch that causes a part of the terrain to move the more Donkey Kong punches it.
|-
|[[File:Boulder DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Boulder]]
|align=left|A giant rock found in sinkholes that Donkey Kong can punch to break concrete holding [[gold]].
|-
|[[File:BridgeSeed DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Bridge Seed]]
|align=left|When thrown at wooden terrain, a seed creates a vine path leading back to Donkey Kong. Only one path can be created at a time per seed.
|-
|[[File:DKB Burger Switch.jpg|120px]]
|[[Burger Switch]]
|align=left|A switch activated with a Dive Punch that adds ingredients to the Banana Burger, found in the Feast Layer. Five are located throughout the top sublayer.
|-
|[[File:Closet Bananza.png|120px]]
|[[Closet]]
|align=left|Found in Getaways and near [[Style Shop]]s, Donkey Kong can use a closet to change his and [[Pauline]]'s attire.
|-
|[[File:DKB Crate art.png|120px]]
|[[Crate]]
|align=left|A cubed container that releases items when broken.
|-
|[[File:CrumblyBridge DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Crumbly Bridge]]
|align=left|A path made of a fragile material known as Crumbly Crust, or sometimes Grated Cheese. Donkey Kong will fall right through if he attempts to stand on it, so he is required to run as Zebra Bananza to cross it.
|-
|[[File:DKB DK Rock Smash.png|120px]]
|[[Chunk]]
|align=left|Any piece of terrain torn or broken off from the world. A chunk can be used to perform actions such as defeating enemies, destroying other terrain, and [[Turf Surf]]ing.
|-
|[[File:Fieryrain DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Fiery rain]]
|align=left|Particles of fire debris that will hurt Donkey Kong, appearing prominently in the [[Tempest Layer]]. To pass through a section where fiery rain falls, he will need to hold up a Chunk as a makeshift umbrella or wear the Soggy Cravat.
|-
|
|[[Flaming barrel]]
|align=left|A blue, metal barrel akin to an [[oil drum]], set on fire, dropping from above and rolling off slopes. Running into it will hurt Donkey Kong as well as causing the barrel to combust. There are also smaller and larger varieties.
|-
|[[File:Freezingwater DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Freezing water]]
|align=left|Water commonly found in the [[Freezer Layer]] that drains Donkey Kong's health if he swims in it.
|-
|[[File:DKB Geyser Gold.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:DKB Geyser Apple.jpg|100px]]
|[[Geyser (Donkey Kong Bananza)|Geyser]]
|align=left|A spot in terrain that emits sparks and releases a large amount of gold when destroyed. Some geysers emit red sparks and contain an Apple instead.
|-
|[[File:Giant Apple DKB.jpg|120px]]
|[[Giant Apple]]
|align=left|A large fruit that restores Donkey Kong's health. Unlike a Banandium Melon, it does not regenerate.
|-
|[[File:DKB Giant Turnip.jpg|100px]]
|[[Giant Vegetable]]
|align=left|A turnip that takes more effort for Donkey Kong to pull out of the ground.
|-
|[[File:DKB Gold Root Medium.jpg|100px]]
|[[Golden root]]
|align=left|A root in terrain that can be broken to produce gold.
|-
|[[File:HandSlapsymbol DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Hand mark]]
|align=left|A mark on a square or circular area of terrain that erects a tower made of that terrain from underneath when Donkey Kong uses a [[Hand Slap]] on or near it.
|-
|[[File:DKB Ice Maker.jpg|100px]]
|[[Ice maker]]
|align=left|A device activated with a lever that generates colored ice cubes, which melt lava and create snow cones.
|-
|
|[[Metal ball|Iron Ball]]
|align=left|A metallic ball bearing the Kremling Krew emblem, appearing either stationary or being shot by Hōdai or K. Rool's blunderbuss, and coming in two large sizes. It can be repelled by Kong Bananza's Punches.
|-
|[[File:Icicle DKB.png|120px]]
|[[Icicle]]
|align=left|A stalactite made of ice that automatically falls when Donkey Kong walks underneath it and pierces into the terrain below, where it can then be used as a platform.
|-
|[[File:DKB Landmine.jpg|100px]]
|[[Bakudan]]<ref>{{cite|page=275|title=「ドンキーコング バナンザ　完全攻略本」 (''Donkey Kong Bananza Kanzen Kōryakubon'')|language=ja|publisher=ambit ND}}</ref>
|align=left|An explosive that sets off a short period of time after it is touched, destroying surrounding terrain and potentially setting off a chain reaction with other, nearby land mines.
|-
|[[File:DKB Lift Platform Small.jpg|120px]]<br>[[File:DKB Lift Platform Large.jpg|120px]]
|[[Lift platform]]
|align=left|A copper-colored metal platform with [[Gloo Gum]] underneath it. There is a small variant with only the underside's rim covered in Gloo Gum (revealing that they are propeller-powered), and a large variant on a track with the entire underside covered in Gloo Gum. Throwing a chunk at the underside of either variant causes it to fall, but the smaller one will drop to the ground and break, while the larger one on the track only drops to its lowest level, and using a Hand Slap on top of it in this state causes it to go back up.
|-
|
|[[Lightning (obstacle)|Lightning]]
|align=left|A bolt of lightning may occasionally appear in the Tempest Layer, following Donkey Kong before it strikes down.
|-
|
|[[Mind-Bender Mask]]
|align=left|A mask created by Void Company and used to brainwash the [[Great Harmoneel]]. It is destroyed in the [[Groove Layer]] after Donkey Kong restores its music. A different-looking Mind-Bender Mask was also used to brainwash the Singing Blusterwing.
|-
|[[File:DKB Mine Cart art.png|120px]]
|[[Mine Cart|Mine cart]]
|align=left|A vehicle that transports Donkey Kong along a mine cart track, often to another location.
|-
|[[File:DKB Poison Pool.jpg|100px]]
|[[Poison (obstacle)|Poison]]
|align=left|Hazardous liquid commonly found in the [[Forest Layer]] that drains Donkey Kong's health if he swims in it.
|-
|
|[[Poison plant]]
|align=left|A bulbous plant that expels poison liquid.
|-
|
|[[Ring of fire]]
|align=left|
|-
|[[File:DKB Rope art.png|100px]]
|[[Rope]]
|align=left|A rope is deployed from a box and can be used to quickly return to higher locations if Donkey Kong falls.
|-
|[[File:DKB Dive Punch detonator art.png|120px]]
|[[Seismic Splitter]]
|align=left|A device that, when activated with a Dive Punch, creates an explosion that destroys large portions of terrain in the direction it is pointing.
|-
|[[File:DKB Shifty Smash Switch.jpg|120px]]
|{{conjectural|Shifty Smash switch}}
|align=left|A triangular crystal that activates a Shifty Smash challenge, where Donkey Kong must destroy 100% of [[Shifty Stone]] to complete it and earn a Banandium Gem.
|-
|[[File:DKB Lantern.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:DKB Lantern Empty.jpg|100px]]
|[[Shokudai]]<ref>{{cite|page=297|title=「ドンキーコング バナンザ　完全攻略本」 (''Donkey Kong Bananza Kanzen Kōryakubon'')|language=ja|publisher=ambit ND}}</ref>
|align=left|A device that contains [[Glow Stone]] from which Donkey Kong can tear an unlimited number of chunks of the material. Some are empty and require Donkey Kong to hold a chunk of Glow Stone from another source near them to activate them.
|-
|
|{{conjectural|Shuffling terrain}}
|align=left|Walls, floors, or ceilings that shuffle between two differing terrain types periodically, indicated by ding-like sounds in a similar fashion to the [[Blinking Block]]s from the [[Super Mario (series)|''Super Mario'' series]].
|-
|[[File:DKB Sign.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:DKB Sign Verse.jpg|100px]]
|[[Sign]]
|align=left|A slab with inscribed text. Signs are made of different materials, with one series made of stone containing verses of the [[Exploritone|Saga of the Exploritone]].
|-
|
|[[Sinkhole]]
|align=left|A large hole in the earth that takes Donkey Kong to the next layer.
|-
|[[File:DKB Snake Switch Pink.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:DKB Snake Switch Blue.jpg|100px]]
|[[Snake switch]]
|align=left|A switch in the [[Radiance Layer]] that deactivates one Synthetic Sun and activates the other, changing the direction of the shadows cast by terrain.
|-
|[[File:DKB Spiky Ball.jpg|120px]]
|[[Spike Ball|Spiky Ball]]
|align=left|A purple, polygonal hazard repeatedly expelled by [[VoidCo Spike-Ball Spitter]]s. They are small and can be destroyed with a Chunk of terrain, but will hurt Donkey Kong if he tries to punch them.
|-
|[[File:DKB Snake Door.jpg|100px]]
|[[Door]]<ref>{{cite|page=305|title=「ドンキーコング バナンザ　完全攻略本」 (''Donkey Kong Bananza Kanzen Kōryakubon'')|language=ja|publisher=ambit ND}}</ref>
|align=left|A door in the Radiance Layer that can only be opened after the Synthetic Sun is activated.
|-
|[[File:DKB Surfboard TF.jpg|100px]]
|[[Funky Kong's surfboard|Surfboard]]<ref group=footnotes name=dlc/>
|align=left|A red-colored wooden surfboard with a white stripe, resembling [[Funky Kong]]'s surfboard from ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''. Surfboards like these are found on DK Island's beaches and can be used by Donkey Kong to surf over water, provided the Surf Surf skill is unlocked.
|-
|[[File:DKB Swap Harp gold into rubber.png|120px]]
|[[Swap Harp]]
|align=left|An instrument that swaps two types of terrain with each other.
|-
|[[File:DKB Synthetic Sun.jpg|100px]]
|[[Synthetic Sun]]
|align=left|The main source of light in the Radiance Layer. It is turned off when Donkey Kong first arrives at the layer and is activated at the Solar Control Tower.
|-
|
|[[Track]]
|align=left|A set path along which platforms move.
|-
|[[File:DKB Treasure chest.png|120px]]
|[[Treasure chest]]
|align=left|A treasure chest may spawn while Donkey Kong destroys terrain. It may contain gold, a consumable item, or a map.
|-
|
|[[Terravoider]]
|align=left|A contraption planted by Void Company that turns its surrounding area into [[Voided Terrain]]. A Terravoider's seal can only be broken with [[Pauline]]'s singing, after which Donkey Kong can destroy it to restore the terrain to normal.
|-
|[[File:DKB Throw Zone.jpg|100px]]
|[[Throw zone]]
|align=left|A large space created by a [[Securitone]] that causes a chunk to leave a path of [[Passage Stone]] behind when thrown inside it.
|-
|
|[[Tornado]]
|align=left|A strong whirlwind that will hurt Donkey Kong when stepping into one. Items are sometimes caught in tornadoes, requiring Elephant Bananza to take them out.
|-
|[[File:DKB Tuning Fork.jpg|100px]]
|[[Tuning fork]]
|align=left|A [[checkpoint]] marking a major location in a layer. With the help of [[Li'l Eelevator]]s, Donkey Kong can Teeleport to activated tuning forks within the current layer via the map screen.
|-
|[[File:DKB Turnip.jpg|100px]]
|[[Turnip]]
|align=left|A vegetable planted in the ground that Donkey Kong can pull out to release items.
|-
|[[File:Updraft Fan Off DKB.jpg|100px]]
|[[Updraft fan]]
|align=left|A fan that perpetually blows an upward gust of wind, allowing Donkey Kong in the Ostrich Bananza form to reach greater heights when fluttering or gliding into it.
|-
|[[File:Voidstake.png|100px]]
|[[Void Stake]]
|align=left|A large stake planted by Void Company that creates Voided Terrain and blocks an entrance to the next sublayer. Donkey Kong can destroy it by punching it several times, opening up the entrance.
|-
|[[File:DKB Warp Gong.jpg|100px]]
|[[Warp Gong]]
|align=left|An instrument that summons the [[Eelevator]] to transport Donkey Kong to another layer.
|-
|[[File:DKB Zip Line.jpg|100px]]
|[[Zip line]]
|align=left|A form of transportation that allows Donkey Kong to descend to a distant location. A sturdy chunk of terrain is required to travel down a zip line.
|-
|[[File:DKB Twisting Floors.jpg|100px]]
|[[Uneru ashiba]]<ref>{{cite|page=383|title=「ドンキーコング バナンザ　完全攻略本」 (''Donkey Kong Bananza Kanzen Kōryakubon'')|language=ja|publisher=ambit ND}}</ref>
|align=left|A path of a specific terrain that slowly forms as Donkey Kong walks along it, similar to a [[Flower Road]] in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]''.
|}

==Clothing==
{{main|Style Shop#List of items}}
As in ''Super Mario Odyssey'', Donkey Kong and Pauline can equip different clothes (specifically ties and britches in Donkey Kong's case) after purchasing them from the [[Style Shop]] by accessing the [[closet]], located near one of the shops or [[Getaway]]s. Both characters' clothes grant status boosts when worn, such as increased movement in certain terrain, higher defense, and extended [[Bananza]] time. Donkey Kong can also change his fur color, though this is only aesthetic and grants no status effects.

==Brands==
{{Main|List of brands debuting in Donkey Kong Bananza}}

===New===
<div style="column-count:2">
*94.0 KNDC Radio
*Arcade 81
*[[Baboomtown]]
*Banana Bandits
*Bed & [[Banana]]
*[[Candy Kong|Candy]] [[Candy's Music Shop|Music]]
*Canopy Capital International
*City Litigator Public Law
*[[Cranky Kong|Cranky]] Records
*D&K
*[[Diddy Kong|Diddy]] & [[Dixie Kong|Dixie]] [[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!|Double Trouble]]
*Drink
*Dynasty Parking
*[[Enguarde]] Eatery
*[[Expresso|Express]]-os
*[[Funky Kong|Funky]]'s [[Funky's Flights|Flights]]
*[[Gold]]
*Gold Rush
*[[Ice Age Alley]]
*[[Ingot Isle]]
*[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat|Jungle Beat]] Cafe
*[[Jungle Japes]]
*[[King K. Rool|K. Rool]]
*King K. Rool
*King K. Rool Is Back!
*K'mon
*[[Pauline|Lady]] & [[Donkey Kong|The Kong]]
*[[Lanky Kong|Lanky]]!
*Live at [[New Donk City Hall|City Hall]]!
*Money
*[[New Donk City|NDC]] [[25m|Construction]]
*NDT: The New Donk Times
*New Donk Mining Corporation
*New K. Rool City
*Poker Chimps
*Prime Eats
*[[Rambi]]
*Rambi Rumble
*Simple Tools
*[[Tiny Kong|Tiny]] Bank
*[[DK's Tree House|Tree House]] Bagels
*Tropic TV+
*[[Void Company|VoidCo]]
*Welcome to NDC
*WE❤︎NDC
</div>

===Returning===
*[[List of brands debuting in Super Mario Odyssey#New Donk City Festival|NDC Festival]]
*[[List of brands debuting in Super Mario Odyssey#New Donk City|New Donk City]]

==Music==
{{main|Donkey Kong Bananza sound test}}
Donkey Kong can interact with the gramophone at a [[Getaway]] to access the Music Player, where the player can listen to music from the game. There are 110 tracks in the Music Player, which are unlocked by collecting [[disc]]s. In the post-game, Donkey Kong can speak to [[Grumpy Kong]] in the [[Groove Layer]] to have him repair the Massive Speaker for 20,000 [[gold]], after which the player can listen to music there at a higher quality.

Seven additional discs were added in the ''[[Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush]]'' DLC. The first is unlocked upon arriving at [[DK Island (layer)|DK Island]], while the rest are unlocked by playing Emerald Rush.

==Demo==
[[File:DonkeyKongBananzaDemoTitleScreen.png|250px|thumb|right|The title screen for the demo version]]
A demo for the game was available at the [[Nintendo Switch 2]] Experience on April 4, 2025. It consisted of the introductory part of [[Ingot Isle]] immediately followed by the start of the [[Lagoon Layer]]. The demo lasted for 20 minutes.

Nintendo later released a demo on the [[Nintendo eShop]] on September 12, 2025, following the Nintendo Direct and coinciding with the release of the ''DK Island & Emerald Rush'' DLC. This demo is different in that, at the start of the Lagoon Layer, the [[Odd Rock]] is replaced by [[Pauline]] herself, and he can use the [[Kong Bananza]]. The demo lasts for 30 minutes or ends if the player reaches sublayer 101.

==Update history==
===Ver. 1.0.1===
An update was released on July 16, 2025. The following changes were made:<ref name=changelog/>
<blockquote><i>
*"GameShare (Local User)" and "GameShare (GameChat)" options added for "Co-op Play" in the Pause menu.
*Various adjustments have been made to create a more comfortable gameplay experience.
</i></blockquote>
===Ver. 2.0.0===
An update was released on September 12, 2025. The following changes were made:<ref name=changelog/>
<blockquote><i>
*Added support for the paid DLC DK Island & Emerald Rush.
**If you have not cleared the main game yet, you can go to DK Island by talking to Squawks at the Racing Layer.
**If you have cleared the main game, you can go to DK Island by striking the Warp Gong after hearing about the "Bananza Rehearsal" from the Elder.
**After reaching DK Island, you can play Emerald Rush by talking to Void Kong.
*The number of Banandium Chips that can be stored has been increased from 9,999 to 99,999.
*Several other changes have been made and issues addressed to improve the gameplay experience.
</i></blockquote>
===Ver. 2.0.1===
An update was released on September 23, 2025. The following changes were made:<ref name=changelog/>
<blockquote><i>
*Fixed issue where the player could not get a disc as a reward for collecting all the balloons in Bananza Rehearsal.
**If the above issue is occurring in the game in Ver. 2.0.0 or earlier, the player will be able to get the disc right after the stage starts by entering Bananza Rehearsal after downloading this update data.
*Fixed issue where some of Pauline's shout voices would not play when language setting of the Nintendo Switch 2 system is "English (UK/Australia)" and travel buddy's voice (Pauline's voice) in "Options" has its "voice language" set to "Same as system."
*Several other changes have been made and issues addressed to improve the gameplay experience.
</i></blockquote>
===Ver. 2.0.2===
An update was released on October 22, 2025. The following changes were made:<ref name=changelog/>
<blockquote><i>
*Fixed the issue causing Pauline's voice not to play at times when acquiring a fossil in Ver. 2.0.0 and Ver. 2.0.1.
*Several other changes have been made and issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.
</i></blockquote>
===Ver. 3.0.0===
An update was released on December 22, 2025. The following changes were made:<ref name=changelog/>
<blockquote><i>
*Added Thai as a supported language. If you set the language to "Thai/English" in the Nintendo Switch 2 system, the text will become Thai.
**The audio is English.
*Added "Camera's automatic tracking" to "Options" in the Pause Menu, and made it so that you can set it ON/OFF.
*Several other changes have been made and issues addressed to improve the gameplay experience.
</i></blockquote>
;Unlisted changes
*Various additional names were added to the translation, testing, and special thanks credits.

===Ver. 3.1.0===
An update was released on January 21, 2026. The following changes were made:<ref name=changelog/>
<blockquote><i>
*Added Polish as a supported language. If you set the language to "Polish/English" in the Nintendo Switch 2 system, the text will become Polish.
**The audio is English.
*Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.
</i></blockquote>

===Ver. 3.2.0===
An update was released on February 24, 2026. The following changes were made:<ref name=changelog/>
<blockquote><i>
;General
*Several issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.
</i></blockquote>

==Development==
[[File:DK Bananza Switch vs Switch 2.png|thumb|right|250px|Images comparing the graphics of the early Nintendo Switch version of the game with the final Nintendo Switch 2 product]] 
After the completion of ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', the development team began prototyping a game centered around a destructible environment. By reusing the hands from the [[Knucklotec]] boss and attaching them to a [[Goomba]], they created a playable demo where the player could destroy or rip chunks of the terrain. This prototype proved to be entertaining enough to become a core gameplay mechanic in a future title.<ref name=Ask2>{{cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-19-donkey-kong-bananza-part-2/|title=Ask the Developer Vol. 19: Donkey Kong Bananza — Part 2|publisher=Nintendo|date=July 15, 2025|accessdate=March 16, 2026}}</ref> At the same time, [[Yoshiaki Koizumi]], the director of ''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]'' and later producer of ''Super Mario Odyssey'', approached the team to propose creating a 3D ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' game to expand the franchise. The development team consulted [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] to gather his insights on the character. Miyamoto emphasized that [[Donkey Kong]] has "unique actions" like the hand slap or blowing his breath, with Koizumi highlighting Donkey Kong's distinctive traits, being strong and having large, long arms that set him apart from [[Mario]].<ref name="BananzaIGNInterview">{{cite|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/our-big-bananas-interview-with-the-developers-of-donkey-kong-bananza|title=Our Big Bananas Interview With the Developers of Donkey Kong Bananza|author=Rebekah Valentine|date=July 10, 2025|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 12, 2025}}</ref> As the concept matched the destruction-based gameplay style that had been prototyped, the two ideas were merged into one project.<ref name=Ask2/>

The team had previously experimented with the voxel technology in ''Super Mario Odyssey'', specifically when creating the [[cheese|Chese Rock]] in [[Luncheon Kingdom]] and the snow in the [[Snow Kingdom]]. This experimentation led directly to its expanded use in ''Donkey Kong Bananza''.<ref name=Ask2/> They decided that destruction would be the central theme of the game. While implementing gameplay elements was relatively straightforward, level design presented some significant challenges.<ref name="BananzaLavanguardiaInterview">[https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20250710/10876902/donkey-kong-bananza-nintendo-switch-2-entrevista.html Con 'Donkey Kong Bananza' nos hemos centrado en lo divertido que es destruir cosas]. ''lavanguardia''. Retrieved July 13, 2025.</ref> Voxel-based terrain was used to create as much of the terrain and enemies present in the game as possible, with special care being given to making the terrain feel natural.<ref name=Ask2/>

Despite appearing with his new design in other products such as ''[[Mario Kart World]]'' and ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', the character of Donkey Kong received a redesign from the ground up for ''Donkey Kong Bananza'', which then influenced his basic design on other titles. This redesign started by using Miyamoto's original Donkey Kong design as a basis. Due to having a larger on-screen presence than Mario, he was given a wider range of expression, and to avoid monotonous look when viewed from behind, he was given pants with suspenders.<ref name=Ask1>{{cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-19-donkey-kong-bananza-part-1/|title=Ask the Developer Vol. 19: Donkey Kong Bananza — Part 1|publisher=Nintendo|date=July 15, 2025|accessdate=March 16, 2026}}</ref>

They discussed what kind of character would best accompany Donkey Kong on his adventures. Early on, they created concept art and prototyped a zebra transformation, including music composed by their composer. They decided to develop it into a full song, and then realized [[Pauline#Donkey Kong Bananza|Pauline]] would be a good choice to sing it. As a result, they asked the composer for more songs for each of the transformations, featuring Pauline's vocals, which led to the decision to make her the accompanying character.<ref name=BananzaIGNInterview/>

Like ''[[Mario Kart World]]'', ''Donkey Kong Bananza'' was originally developed for [[Nintendo Switch]], but development moved to Nintendo Switch 2 due to the hardware capabilities of the latter console. The development team believed that the move would provide the best platform for realizing their ideas and technology.<ref name=BananzaIGNInterview/>
{{br}}

==Staff==
{{main|List of Donkey Kong Bananza staff}}
''Donkey Kong Bananza'' is developed by [[Nintendo Entertainment Planning and Development|Nintendo EPD Tokyo]], the developers of the 3D ''Super Mario'' series, which previously developed ''Donkey Kong Jungle Beat'' when the studio was under the "EAD" name.

[[Kenta Motokura]] served as producer and senior director, while Kazuya Takahashi, an ex-[[Sega]] and [[Square Enix]] employee, served as one of the directors and the planning director, making this his first Nintendo game he worked on. Wataru Tanaka, the lead programer for ''Super Mario Odyssey'', served as the other director and the programming director, while [[Naoto Kubo]], the lead composer for ''Super Mario Odyssey'', served as the sound director.

Not counting ports, this is the first overall ''Mario'' game developed by Nintendo EPD Tokyo where [[Yoshiaki Koizumi]] was not directly involved in the game's development.

==Reception==
===Sales===
The game sold over 4.25 million units worldwide, as of December 31, 2025.<ref>https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html</ref>

===Awards and acknowledgements===
[[File:Game Awards 2025 art Supergiant Games.jpg|thumb|230px|Artwork by {{wp|Supergiant Games}} for The Game Awards 2025 showing Donkey Kong walking the red carpet alongside other characters from nominated games<ref>{{cite|author=supergiantgames.bsky.social|date=December 11, 2025|url=bsky.app/profile/supergiantgames.bsky.social/post/3m7pwj3j26k2k|title=Post|publisher=Bluesky|accessdate=December 12, 2025|archive=archive.today/2025.12.12-223753/https://bsky.app/profile/supergiantgames.bsky.social/post/3m7pwj3j26k2k}}</ref>]]
''Donkey Kong Bananza'' was nominated for two awards at {{wp|The Game Awards 2025}}, in the categories "Game of the Year" and "Best Family Game".<ref>[https://www.polygon.com/game-awards-2025-nominees-list-game-of-the-year/ The Game Awards announces Game of the Year 2025 nominees]</ref> Although it lost "Game of the Year" to ''{{wp|Clair Obscur: Expedition 33}}'', the game would go on win "Best Family Game". It was also one of 30 games selected for the "Player's Choice" award, receiving enough votes to make the top 10, but failed to reach the top 5.

At the {{wp|Golden Joystick Awards#2025|Golden Joystick Awards 2025}}, the game won the Critics' Choice award.<ref>{{cite|author=Loveridge, S.|date=November 20, 2025|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/events-conferences/golden-joystick-awards-2025-all-winners/|title=All the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 winners revealed|publisher=GamesRadar+|accessdate=November 21, 2025}}</ref>

At the 26th {{wp|Game Developers Choice Awards}} in 2026, ''Donkey Kong Bananza'' was nominated for Game of the Year, Best Design, Best Technology, and the Innovation Award, with an honorable mention for Best Audio.<ref>{{cite|author=@NE_Brian|date=January 15, 2026|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/2026-game-developers-choice-awards-nominees-announced/|title=2026 Game Developers Choice Awards nominees announced|publisher=Nintendo Everything|accessdate=January 16, 2026}}</ref>
{{br}}

==Pre-release and unused content==
[[File:DK_Bananza_Box_NA.png|thumb|100px|Early boxart for the game, featuring Odd Rock instead of Pauline]]
*Because Pauline was not revealed to be in the game until the ''Donkey Kong Bananza'' Direct, she was omitted from cutscenes and gameplay footage in the initial reveal trailer and gameplay to avoid revealing her too soon. Additionally, the key art and boxart originally featured Odd Rock instead of her.
*As shown in the comparison screenshots between the Switch and Switch 2 builds in the "Ask the Developer" interview, the HUD looked noticeably different and was angled, the Bananza forms and Pauline ability elements were at different positions, and the {{button|switch|Pad}} prompts for the map and Photo Mode were visible, showing that the Map was originally accessible using {{button|switch|Up}}, whereas in the final game, it accesses the Skills Menu instead. Additionally, the counters for consumable items such as Red Balloons were absent.
**In the same Switch build screenshot, Donkey Kong's Standard Britches lacked the suspenders it has in the final version, and the hair tie and bracelet in Pauline's in-game model were blue instead of purple.

==Themes==
[[File:DK Bananza Neon Concept.png|thumb|left|Concept artwork highlighting neon lights as a visual element.]]
''Donkey Kong Bananza'' combines the overall themes of mining (and general underground exploration) and music, blending elements regarding geology, paleontology, archaeology and dance clubs.

One of the game's main visual motifs is the juxtaposition of cyan and magenta coloring. Some clear examples of this motif in use are the light emitted by objects related to the Fractone civilization, the environments of tutorial courses for the Bananzas, the signs of New Donk City and the game's user interface. Disregarding in-universe usage of these colors, many in-game objects (as well as all promotional artwork) are nevertheless rendered as though they are affected by cyan and magenta neon lighting. This stylistic detail is derived from the visuals of the original ''Donkey Kong'' arcade game's hot pink girders and cyan ladders, which were in turn inspired by the neon lights of [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-19-donkey-kong-bananza-part-3/|title=Ask the Developer Vol. 19: Donkey Kong Bananza — Part 3|date=July 15, 2025|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=July 27, 2025}}</ref>

==References to other media==
;[[Donkey Kong (game)|''Donkey Kong'']]
*A sign with "Arcade 81" appears, referencing this game's release in 1981.
*[[Cranky Kong]] indirectly refers to [[Mario|Jumpman]] when remarking that rivals in his day had charisma, even when wearing overalls.
*The Challenge Course "Arcade Country" resembles [[25m]]. The background music in that course features a medley consisting of "[[Round Start BGM]]", "[[Round 1 BGM (Donkey Kong)|Round 1 BGM]]", "[[Hammer BGM]]", and the first ending theme from the arcade version.
*"[[Breaking Through (Heart of Gold)]]" incorporates the melody of "[[Title BGM (Donkey Kong)|Title BGM]]" from the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] version of this game as well as "Round 1 BGM" as a countermelody during Pauline's [[Kong Bananza]] vocals section near the end.
*The melody Pauline comes up with after completing all of the Bananza Rehearsals is "Round 1 BGM".
*The tune that plays when resting at a Getaway is an arrangement of the first bar of "Title BGM".
*The warning that plays when reaching low health uses the first few notes of "Title BGM".
*The chime that plays after destroying a [[Terravoider]] is a rendition of the points sound effect from this game.
*When Donkey Kong learns a new [[Bananza]], Pauline dances similar to her animation in this game.
*Pauline's Lady's Dress resembles her appearance in official artwork for this game, while her Arcade Dress resembles her in-game sprite.
*The Planet Core's fossils resemble some of the game's sprites, namely a [[barrel]], [[Pauline's lost items]], and [[Donkey Kong]].
*The checkpoints of NDC partially follow the name format for levels in this game, that being "NDC ''X'' m", where ''X'' is a number. Additionally, each sublayer's name references that of the levels of this game: 100 m directly references the [[100m|level of the same name]], 225 m references [[25m]], 350 m references [[50m]], 475 m references [[75m]], and 700 m references 100m.
*When Pauline yells, "I can't do it!" before Donkey Kong transforms into his Kong Bananza form, Donkey Kong stamps in place in an animation similar to his chest-beating animation in this game.
*In Emerald Rush, getting a high enough multiplier causes an arrangement of the point sound effect to play.

;[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|''Donkey Kong Jr.'']]
*Some of Donkey Kong's shocked facial expressions resemble Donkey Kong Jr.'s facial expressions when taken out by an enemy.

;[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|''Donkey Kong'' (Game Boy)]] 
*Pauline's shirt resembles her dress from this game, with both being ripped on the bottom.

;''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''
*There are fossils of [[Gnawty|Gnawties]], [[Zinger]]s, [[Winky]], [[Enguarde]], [[Army|Armies]], and [[Tire (object)|tires]].
*The Challenge Course "Nostalgia Country" is a homage to [[Jungle Hijinxs (Donkey Kong Country)|Jungle Hijinxs]].
*The Challenge Course "Mine-Cart Country" is a homage to [[Mine Cart Carnage]].
*[[Red Balloon]]s return.
*The shoes worn by the [[Ostrich Elder]] resemble the ones worn by [[Expresso]].
*The [[Ostrich Bananza]]'s gliding ability is based upon Expresso's own.
*Kritters make the same grunting sound as certain Kremlings in this game (including [[Krusha]]s and [[King K. Rool]]) when they are defeated.
*Arrangements of "[[DK Island Swing]]", "[[Mine Cart Madness (theme)|Mine Cart Madness]]", "[[Simian Segue]]", "[[Bonus Room Blitz]]", and "[[Gang-Plank Galleon (theme)|Gang-Plank Galleon]]" can be heard in the game. Additionally, the music for [[New Donk City]] incorporates the melody of "[[Aquatic Ambiance]]".
*Much like in this game, fake "KREDITS" begin rolling after K. Rool's initial defeat, with his henchmen listed as staff members.
**[[Klump]] is listed under "Game Koding".
*The description of the Frog (alt color) fossil mentions that its preferred the "dank dangers of a life in the mines", a reference to the theme "[[Life in the Mines]]".
*An advertisement for a business named "[[Ice Age Alley]]" can be seen in New Donk City.
*An advertisement for [[Funky's Flights]] can be seen in New Donk City, using the [[Jumbo Barrel]] as its logo.
*Giant [[Star Barrel]]s make up part of the trophy found in the Racing Layer.
*The advertisement for "Candy Music" in New Donk City features the pink polka dot bow Candy Kong wears in this game.

;''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''
*There are fossils of [[Squitter]] and [[Glimmer]].
*When introducing herself to Pauline, [[Dixie Kong]] directly mentions the events of this game.
*The Challenge Course "Bramble Country" is a homage to [[Bramble Blast (Donkey Kong Country 2)|Bramble Blast]].
*The game features arrangements of "[[Stickerbush Symphony (Bramble Blast)|Stickerbush Symphony]]", "Token Tango" and "[[Crocodile Cacophony (K. Rool's Theme)|Crocodile Cacophony]]".
*The [[Rambi Rumble (minigame)|Rambi Rumble]] event is named after the [[Rambi Rumble (Donkey Kong Country 2)|level]] from this game.
*Diddy Kong can be seen juggling during his idle animation.
*Dixie Kong's bubblegum and drink idle animations return.
*[[Rattly]]'s spring jump mechanics are the basis of the [[Snake Bananza]]'s abilities.
*[[Kaboom]]s return, using their original design from this game.
*The fake credits name [[Kackle]], [[Kaboing]], [[Kannon]], [[King Zing]], [[Klampon]], [[Klank]], [[Kleever]], [[Klinger]], [[Kloak]], [[Klobber]], Klomp, and [[Klubba]] as staff members.
*The first phase of the fight against King K. Rool has him using an attack resembling his [[blunderbuss]] attack from this game, and is also dispatched similarly.
*An advertisement for a band named "Stickerbush Symphony" can be seen in New Donk City.
*In [[Quiztone]]'s quiz at the [[Planet Core]], when they ask what their name is, one of the incorrect answers is "Swankytone", referencing [[Swanky Kong]] (who hosts a [[Swanky's Bonus Bonanza|similar quiz]] in this game).
*Glimmer and [[Clapper]] are drawn on the beach's sands near the ruins area of DK Island.
*An [[End of Level Target]] can be found on the ruined Gangplank Galleon on DK Island.

;''[[Super Mario 64]]''
*The [[DK Artist]] mode features a repeating pattern of the game's logo in deep blue tones in its backdrop, much like the backdrop of the title screen in this game featuring [[Mario's face]]. The mode similarly allows players to manipulate 3D models of [[Donkey Kong]] and [[Void Kong]]'s disembodied heads.

;[[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' (television series)]]
*In the ''[[Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush|DK Island & Emerald Rush]]'' DLC, one of the Perks is titled "Banana Slamma", DK's catchphrase from this show.
*In the same DLC, Diddy Kong calls DK his "big buddy", a title derived from this show.

;''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]''
*There are fossils of [[Banana Bird]], [[Lurchin]], and [[KAOS]].
*The background of fossil maps depicts the [[Northern Kremisphere]], specifically the area around [[Funky's Rentals]], [[Mekanos]], [[Krematoa]], and [[Blunder's Booth]].
*On the Rambi Rumble race course, the text "Double Trouble" appears on one of the walls.
*The Elephant Bananza's abilities to inhale and store projectiles with his trunk are based on [[Ellie]]'s abilities.
*The second phase of King K. Rool's fight has him using the [[Propellerpack]], redesigned to look similar to KAOS.
*The fake credits have [[Klasp]] listed under "3D Model Kreation", [[Knocka]] under "Network Koding", and [[Kobble]] under "System Funktions".
*Parts of "Big Boss Blues" are incorporated into the themes "Banandium Root Tower" and "K. Rool, King of Rot". The introduction of the latter theme also bears similarities to "Hot Pursuit".
*[[Quiztone]]'s attire is based on [[Swanky Kong]]'s outfit in this game.

;''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''
*When Donkey Kong collects a Banandium Gem, a voice clip saying "Ooh, banana!" plays, much like in this entry. The line is also said by a [[Fractone]] in the [[Planet Core]].
*[[Cranky Kong]] calls Donkey Kong the "leader of the bunch", a line from the [[DK Rap]].
*The "[[Racing Layer: Rambi Rumble]]" music track is a rearrangement of Rambi's theme.
*The "Getaway" music track samples the chorus of the DK Rap.
*K. Rool's theme is played when he is first shown and in the music for New Donk City.
*There are billboards in New Donk City showing [[Lanky Kong]] with the text "No style. No grace. Funny face", referencing the DK Rap.
*[[Tiny Kong]]'s name appears on one of the billboards in New Donk City, which reads "Tiny Bank".
*The King of Rot phase of the final boss fight is set within a platform resembling a boxing ring, referencing the final fight against K. Rool in ''Donkey Kong 64''. There is text in the octagonal design on the floor of the ring reading "K. Rool's the king!", the same message printed on the outside of the boxing ring in this game.
*The beginning of the second phase of the final battle with King K. Rool has a close-up of K. Rool's unconscious body, only for him to suddenly open up his eye, alluding to his attempted ambush of Chunky Kong after the latter beat him in the final battle of this game.
*The animation used when feeding the [[Growtone]] is very similar to the one used when feeding [[Scoff]], with DK using alternating hands to "throw" the gold into it.
*In the [[Resort Layer]], [[Quiztone]] asks if DK misses "those sparkling coconuts" and mentions that the "oranges don't explode this time", in reference to [[Crystal Coconut]]s and [[orange]]s from this game.
*In the Boss Rush lobby, Dixie and Diddy shout, "D! K!" and "Donkey! Kong!" respectively, derived from the chorus of the DK Rap.
*During each of Pauline's Bananza performances, Donkey Kong performs an arm-sweeping motion identical to that of the motion he and the other Kongs perform during the first chorus of the DK Rap in this game's intro.
*The Armadillo fossil mentions that "[s]ome of them with military training simply carried cannons instead", which is a reference to [[Army Dillo]].
*In Ingot Isle, there is a Banandium Gem called "Shifty Smash: Quick & Nimble", which is a reference to Tiny Kong's section of the DK Rap.
*DK Island's theme is an arrangement of "[[DK Isle (theme)|DK Isle]]".
*In Emerald Rush mode, using a [[Warp Barrel]] plays the same transition sound as in this game.
*The second [[Emerald Rush]] [[List of Emerald Rush events|event]] adds statues of [[Chunky Kong]] and [[Lanky Kong]].
**Chunky's statue references his idle animation.

;''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''
*Donkey Kong's [[Spinning Kong]] attack is used as his animation for the Spin Jump.
*The Kong Bananza's [[Charge Punch]] is similar to the [[Giant Punch]].

;''[[Mario Artist]]'' series
*The album art for the "[[DK Artist (theme)|DK Artist]]" theme in the Music Player resembles the boxart for these games.

;[[Nintendo GameCube]]
*One of the islands surrounding DK Island is a replica of the DK Bongos controller.

;''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]''
*[[Banandium Chip]]s function similarly to the [[Blue Coin]]s in this game.
*Donkey Kong can learn a [[Spin Jump]] that functions the same as in this game.

;''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]''
*An advertisement for "Jungle Beat Cafe" can be seen in New Donk City.
*The third Emerald Rush event adds statues of [[Ninja Kong]] and [[Ghastly King]].

;''[[DK: King of Swing]]''
*The [[checkpoint]] in the [[Feast Layer]] "Kingly Swings" is a reference to this game's subtitle.
*The sixth [[Emerald Rush]] [[List of Emerald Rush events|event]] adds a statue of [[Wrinkly Kong]], using her design from this game.

;''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''
*The Growtone functions similarly to the [[Hungry Luma]]s in this game.

;''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''
*The sixth [[Emerald Rush]] [[List of Emerald Rush events|event]] adds a statue of [[Tiny Kong]], using her design from this game.

;''[[Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast]]''
*The first [[Emerald Rush]] [[List of Emerald Rush events|event]] adds a statue of [[Enguarde]], using a design mostly based on this game.

;''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''
*When first introducing the Rambi Rumble event, Diddy Kong strikes a pose reminiscent of his artwork from this game.
*The fifth [[Emerald Rush]] [[List of Emerald Rush events|event]] adds a statue of [[Expresso]], using his design from this game.

;''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]''
*The [[Fossil|pig fossil]] in the game bears a resemblance to [[Professor Chops]].
*[[DK's Tree House]] retains its exterior design from this game.
*A few [[Mole Miner]] hats lie on the ground inside the mine area of DK Island.
*One of the Bonus Stages on DK Island is placed on a cliff on the back side of the island in a pool of water, which calls back to the location of the [[Golden Temple]] in this game and how it was situated above a waterfall.

;''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''
*The red and white surfboard on DK Island references the design of Funky's surfboard in this game.
*The fourth Emerald Rush event adds statues of [[Tucks]] and [[Lord Fredrik]].

;''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]''
*The game runs on a similar, albeit more detailed, graphical engine to the game.
*Crates with "NDC" and "[[New Donk City]]" written on them appear in the opening area. New Donk City itself is visited at the end of the game.
*Pauline being a singer originates from this game.
*The shops' UI and layout greatly resembles the one from this game.
*Donkey Kong and Pauline can change into different costumes from the shop's [[closet]], similarly to this game.
*Shifty Smash challenges work similar to those of [[Scarecrow (object)|Scarecrows]] from this game.
*Banandium Gems and Banandium Gem bunches work similar to [[Power Moon]]s and [[Multi Moon]]s from this game, respectively.
*Many of the sound effects from this game were reused, including the one that plays after the [[Bananergy]] meter is fully recharged, being the same as the one played after collecting a Power Moon without full health, and the one that plays after activating a Shifty Smash challenge.
*Cranky Kong serves a similar role to that of [[Captain Toad]] from this game.
*[[Tuning fork]]s function similarly to the [[Checkpoint Flag]]s in this game.
*Fossils function similarly to the [[regional coin]]s in this game.
*The Diva Dress resembles the dress and hat Pauline wears during the [[A Traditional Festival!|New Donk City Festival]].
*Some dance moves that Pauline performs in cutscenes originate from this game.
*The game features an Assist Mode, first introduced in this game.
*This game features a [[Photo Mode]] similar to this game.
*[[New Donk City]] appears along with its [[New Donk City Hall|city hall]].
*The ending of the cutscene where K. Rool takes over New Donk City incorporates the whistling sound from "[[Fossil Falls (theme)|Fossil Falls]]" and "Setting the Scene 1" in this game.
*The Invisibility Tie functions the same as the Invisibility Cap from this game; both are also one of the final pieces of clothing to be unlocked and can only be done so in the post-game.
*Part of "[[Jump Up, Super Star!]]" can be heard in the theme that plays in New Donk City.

;''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
*The TV seen inside [[DK's Tree House]] in King K. Rool's "The Rivals" trailer can be seen in the Nostalgia Country Challenge Course.
*When King K. Rool is first introduced, he slaps his belly in a very similar way to his side taunt and one of his victory poses from this game.

;''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''
*Pauline's vocalizations at the start of the [[Zebra Bananza (theme)|Zebra Bananza]] theme bear a striking resemblance to one of her voice clips from this game.

;''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]''
*Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong retain the pins on their hats from the film.

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
DKB DK Rock Smash.png|[[Donkey Kong]] holding a large rock
DKB Pauline Singing.png|[[Pauline#Donkey Kong Bananza|Pauline]] singing
DKB Kong Bananza with Pauline.png|Donkey Kong using [[Kong Bananza]] with Pauline
DKB VoidCo.png|[[Void Company]]
DKB Arrow Barrel.png|[[Barrel Cannon]]
DKB Banandium Gems.png|[[Banandium Gem]]s
</gallery>

==Naming==
"''Bananza''" is a portmanteau of "banana" and "{{iw|wiktionary|bonanza#English|bonanza}}", referring to the game's gold rush theming.

===Names in other languages===
{{foreign names
|Jpn=ドンキーコング バナンザ
|JpnR=Donkī Kongu Bananza
|JpnM=Donkey Kong Bananza
|JpnC=<ref name=jpnwebsite>{{cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/jp/games/switch2/aaaca/index.html|title=ドンキーコング バナンザ {{!}} Nintendo Switch 2 {{!}} 任天堂|publisher=nintendo.com|language=ja|accessdate=April 2, 2025}}</ref>
|Ara=دونكي كونج بانانزا
|AraR=Dunki Kunj Bananza
|AraM=Donkey Kong Bananza
|AraC=<ref>{{cite|title=دونكي كونج بانانزا - متجر نينتندو السعودية - متجر نينتندو السعودية|url=https://store.nintendo.sa/ar/vXdwlyO|publisher=nintendo.com|language=ar|date=January 4, 2026}}</ref>
|ChiS=咚奇刚 蕉力全开
|ChiSRM=Dōngqí Gāng Jiāolìquánkāi
|ChiSRC=Dūngkèih Gōng Jīulihkchyùhnhōi
|ChiSM=Donkey Kong Bananza
|ChiSC=<ref>{{cite|url=https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1drgczzEG5/|title=《咚奇刚 蕉力全开》广告 角色篇|author=Nintendo HK|website=Bilibili|language=zh-hans|date=July 17, 2025|accessdate=July 17, 2025}}</ref>
|ChiT=咚奇剛 蕉力全開
|ChiTRM=Dōngqí Gāng Jiāolìquánkāi
|ChiTRC=Dūngkèih Gōng Jīulihkchyùhnhōi
|ChiTM=Donkey Kong Bananza
|ChiTC=<ref>{{cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/hk/games/switch2/aaaca/|title=咚奇剛 蕉力全開 {{!}} Nintendo Switch 2 {{!}} 任天堂|publisher=nintendo.com|language=zh-hk|accessdate=April 2, 2025}}</ref>
|Kor=동키콩 바난자
|KorR=Dongki Kong Bananja
|KorM=Donkey Kong Bananza
|KorC=<ref name=korwebsite>{{cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/kr/games/switch2/aaaca/|title=동키콩 바난자 {{!}} Nintendo Switch 2 {{!}} 닌텐도|publisher=nintendo.com|language=ko|accessdate=April 2, 2025}}</ref>
|Tha=ดองกี้คอง บานันซ่า
|ThaR=Dɔɔnggîi Kɔɔng Baanansâa
|ThaM=Donkey Kong Bananza
|ThaC=<ref name=thai_news>{{cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/th/news/article/3NoG44JHMDwTNdHlOf8IaJ|title=เรื่อง การรองรับภาษาไทยในซอฟต์แวร์เกมของ Nintendo|author=Nintendo|publisher=nintendo.com|language=th|date=September 30, 2025|accessdate=September 30, 2025}}</ref>
}}

==Footnotes and references==
===Footnotes===
{{reflist|group=footnotes|refs=
<ref name=dlc>Exclusive to ''[[Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush|DK Island & Emerald Rush]]''</ref>
}}

===References===
<references/>

==External links==
{{wikipedia}}
*[https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/featured-games/donkey-kong-bananza/ North American website]
*[https://www.nintendo.com/jp/games/switch2/aaaca/index.html Japanese website]
*[https://www.nintendo.com/kr/games/switch2/aaaca/ Korean website]
*[https://www.nintendo.com/hk/games/switch2/aaaca/ Hong Kong website]
*[https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-games/Donkey-Kong-Bananza-2785804.html European website (English)]
{{DKB}}
{{Donkey Kong games}}
{{Switch 2}}
[[Category:Donkey Kong Bananza|*]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Platforming games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch 2 games]]
[[Category:2025 games]]

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