Donkey Kong Bananza’s development team made a deliberate choice to prioritize fun and engaging gameplay over perfect performance, even if that means occasional frame rate drops. Discover the developers’ insights on balancing visual spectacle with playability, and how Bananza compares to Super Mario Odyssey in design philosophy.
Donkey Kong Bananza Swings Closer to Launch
Frame Drops Acknowledged—Fun Comes First
As Donkey Kong Bananza nears its official release, Director Kazuya Takahashi has openly addressed performance concerns, confirming that the game may experience frame drops during intense, large-scale destruction sequences. Despite this, the team at Nintendo chose to focus on delivering a joyful and satisfying gameplay experience above all else.
In a July 10 interview with La Vanguardia, Takahashi explained in Japanese, "There are several factors at play. We’ve intentionally used effects like hit stop and slow motion to emphasize impactful moments. Additionally, the use of voxel-based technology means the environment undergoes dramatic changes and destruction, which can affect performance."
While the frame drops are real, Takahashi emphasized that the overall gameplay remains smooth and enjoyable, as the team "prioritized fun and gameplay" throughout development. Producer Kenta Motokura added that the project originally started on the original Nintendo Switch but shifted to the next-gen Switch 2 to accommodate more ambitious design ideas.
The developers wanted to push the limits of destruction, placing countless destructible objects in each level—a feat only possible with the enhanced power of the Switch 2. Takahashi elaborated, "This level of on-screen activity, with varied materials and massive destruction, was only achievable on Switch 2. To maximize player satisfaction, we’ve paid close attention to visual effects, sound design, and the way destroyed objects break apart."
Both leads stressed that the core identity of Bananza revolves around destruction as a gameplay mechanic. Takahashi described it as a major design achievement: "At its heart, this is a game where you can destroy anything. This looping, cause-and-effect system is one of our proudest accomplishments."
How Donkey Kong Bananza Stands Apart from Super Mario Odyssey
While Donkey Kong Bananza shares some visual and structural similarities with Super Mario Odyssey, particularly in its open 3D level design, the team confirms that the games differ significantly in core mechanics and intent. Notably, several developers from the Odyssey team contributed to Bananza, making the connection even more apparent.
However, Motokura, who directed Odyssey, clarified that Bananza was designed to stand on its own. "The essence of exploration and fun is shared, but the key difference is the use of voxel technology, which directly supports the game’s theme of destruction," he said.
Takahashi added that while each level is designed to be self-contained and enjoyable—much like in Odyssey—the focus in Bananza is on destruction and the chain reactions it creates. "We want players to feel the thrill of breaking things and seeing how that opens up new paths. The game offers multiple ways to progress, and this emphasis on dynamic destruction gives it a unique identity," he explained.
Motokura also emphasized that the team spent significant time discussing Donkey Kong’s unique traits. "We asked ourselves: What makes DK different? How can we make those features shine in gameplay? The answer shaped the entire design."
Consulting Shigeru Miyamoto and the Origins of Bananza
To ensure authenticity in portraying Donkey Kong, the team consulted legendary Nintendo creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Motokura revealed that Miyamoto originally envisioned DK and humans coexisting in the arcade classic Donkey Kong. "That idea of coexistence influenced our approach. We blended the wild jungle aesthetic with urban environments, reflecting how Miyamoto first imagined the character," he said.
The idea for Bananza came directly from Nintendo Executive Yoshiaki Koizumi, who approached the Odyssey team in 2023 with a proposal: create a new 3D Donkey Kong adventure. While no official reason was given, Motokura noted that Nintendo continuously explores opportunities to spotlight different characters across its roster.
The team also consulted Koizumi, who directed Donkey Kong Jungle Beat in 2004. He highlighted DK’s long, powerful arms as a key differentiator from characters like Mario. "That physical trait became a core part of our design. We asked: How can we make those arms central to gameplay? That led to new mechanics focused on swinging, smashing, and interacting with the environment in unique ways."
With Donkey Kong Bananza launching on July 17, 2025, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, fans are eager to dive into DK and Pauline’s latest adventure and uncover deeper layers of the character’s legacy. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive content—[ttpp]
