I Played Donkey Kong Bananza. It's the Switch 2's Killer Ape

Donkey Kong Bananza: gorilla finds his groove with Mariah Carey on his shoulder

For his first Nintendo Switch 2 appearance, DK goes on a rhythmic rampage, powered up to new hulking heights by singing sidekick Pauline. It’s big, brash and impossibly enjoyableWhile searching for gold in the dingy mines of Ingot Isle, a severe storm sweeps dungaree-donning hero Donkey Kong into a vast underground world. You think he’d be distraught, yet with the subterranean depths apparently rich in banana-shaped gemstones, DK gleefully uses …

‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ Makes Nintendo’s Great Ape Into a King Again

When you think about it, it must kind of suck to be Donkey Kong. Despite introducing the modern world to Nintendo games with 1981’s arcade classic, the great ape was quickly sidelined in favor of making Mario a star. While the mustachioed plumber and his brother became the face of the brand, Donkey Kong appears more sporadically — wavering occasionally between a hero and villain — and doesn’t even have a consistent lore. The Eighties original is…

I Played Donkey Kong Bananza. It's the Switch 2's Killer Ape

If you're looking for a reason to get a Nintendo Switch 2, this game has a peel.

‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ Could be the Next Killer Game the Switch 2 Needs

WIRED went hands-on with Nintendo’s favorite banana-eating, wall-smashing hero. The game, which gives Switch 2’s lineup some much-needed variety, is available July 17.