DK Bananza Ignites Switch 2, Aims for GOTY
Jul 16, 2025
The race for this year's top gaming honors has a powerful new contender swinging into the mix. Donkey Kong Bananza, a platforming exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, has launched to exceptional critical acclaim, immediately establishing itself as a frontrunner for Game of the Year.
Critical Acclaim and Review Scores
Shortly after its review embargo lifted, Donkey Kong Bananza achieved impressive scores on major review aggregation sites. The title currently holds a rating of 91 on OpenCritic and 90 on Metacritic, placing it among the highest-rated releases of 2025. This strong reception from a wide range of critics is a key indicator of its awards potential.
Major publications have praised the game's design and impact. IGN awarded a perfect score, labeling it a masterpiece and a groundbreaking entry in the 3D platformer genre. Other outlets highlighted its high points while noting the immense pedigree it follows, with one reviewer stating it shines brightest in its most inventive moments.
A Strategic Return for a Legendary Character
This release marks a significant shift for the Donkey Kong franchise. Developed internally by Nintendo's own team in Japan—the same group behind modern classics like Super Mario Odyssey—this is the first major in-house Donkey Kong title in two decades. The move signals Nintendo's renewed commitment to elevating DK as a cornerstone character, a strategy further evidenced by reported plans for a feature film.
The critical success of Bananza validates this approach, proving the character's enduring appeal and the team's ability to deliver a fresh, high-quality experience.
Navigating the Game of the Year Landscape
Donkey Kong Bananza now stands alongside other highly-reviewed 2025 titles such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach in the early awards conversation. While The Game Awards jury has historically shown a preference for narrative-driven, cinematic experiences, last year's victory for the platformer Astro Bot has potentially reshaped the landscape, creating a clearer path for a game like Bananza.
An engaging development story often resonates with awards voters. While Bananza's narrative of a triumphant internal Nintendo project is compelling, it faces competition from titles with more unexpected underdog origins. Nevertheless, the return of a gaming icon with a title of this caliber is a powerful story in its own right.
A Defining Moment for Switch 2
Regardless of its ultimate awards fate, Donkey Kong Bananza has achieved a crucial milestone for its platform. It has delivered the Switch 2 its first undeniable, must-play critical hit—a feat that eluded even other high-profile launches. For Nintendo and fans alike, the game is a resounding success that has firmly reestablished Donkey Kong's place at the forefront of the platforming genre.
