To that end, long-time Mario producer Yoshiaki Koizumi and prolific game designer Shigeru Miyamoto were also consulted early on during development “so that we could discuss what were the particular characteristics of Donkey Kong as a character.” This would end up being quite fruitful, since the discussions “started to lead into ideas for gameplay and also the types of technology that we might use to bring that to life.”

“This comparison with Mario versus DK,” was an important factor for the development team, according to Motokura, “in terms of what sort of a player do they appeal to. Is there perhaps a slightly different kind of person that might prefer one character over the other?” While both franchises offer plenty of fun, however, Motokura wanted to continue focusing on differentiating both of the IPs and offer players more gameplay variety.

“Certainly, you can have really fun experiences in Mario games and really fun experiences in Donkey Kong games,” Motokura explained. “But we want to find the differences between those two IPs, and really bring that out, as variety for people to enjoy. And that goes to the style of play as well.”

Back in July, Motokura had spoken about how the development of Donkey Kong Bananza had largely happened due to Koizumi approaching the team for a 3D game after work had been completed on Super Mario Odyssey.

“Because Nintendo does have a lot of characters to choose from, we’re always considering what would be good timing to create a new game with a certain character to most pleased customers,” said Motokura. “But of course, that’s just my best guess. You’d really have to ask Mr. Koizumi for the real answer.”

The decision to focus on the sheer strength of Donkey Kong in gameplay terms happened thanks to a discussion with Miyamoto. “For [Miyamoto], a lot of things that came up were the unique actions that a really strong character like Donkey Kong can engage in, things like the hand slap or blowing his breath,” he continued.

“And I also spoke to Mr. Koizumi who had served as the director on Jungle Beat. And for him, one thing that was a really important distinguishing characteristic from a character like, say, Mario, is that Donkey Kong has these longer, stronger arms. So we took all of these distinctive features of Donkey Kong as a character and tried to think about how we could bring them to play in a new game.”

Donkey Kong Bananza is available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. For more details, check out our review.

In an interview with IGN, Motokura revealed that Nintendo executive Yoshiaki Koizumi approached the team with the idea for a Donkey Kong game that would be 3D. For context, since 2004’s Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, the Donkey Kong franchise has largely featured 2D side-scrolling platformers. These games have, however, made use of 3D graphics.

“Because Nintendo does have a lot of characters to choose from, we’re always considering what would be good timing to create a new game with a certain character to most pleased customers,” said Motokura. “But of course, that’s just my best guess. You’d really have to ask Mr. Koizumi for the real answer.”

After getting an idea of what their next project would be, Motokura explained that the team then went to Shigeru Miyamoto – the creator of Donkey Kong – to pitch some ideas of their own. It was during this time that the team came up with the idea of having unique actions available only to Donkey Kong because, as a character, he is physically stronger than Mario would be.

“For [Miyamoto], a lot of things that came up were the unique actions that a really strong character like Donkey Kong can engage in, things like the hand slap or blowing his breath,” he continued.

“And I also spoke to Mr. Koizumi who had served as the director on Jungle Beat. And for him, one thing that was a really important distinguishing characteristic from a character like, say, Mario, is that Donkey Kong has these longer, stronger arms. So we took all of these distinctive features of Donkey Kong as a character and tried to think about how we could bring them to play in a new game.”

Motokura also described how all of these ideas started really coming together when a member of the development team was playing around with voxel-based technology, which could potentially allow players to have a greater effect on the in-game world. For context, voxels – basically 3D pixels – are often used in games where environmental destruction or modification is a big part of gameplay. Some examples of this include Minecraft or Teardown.

This voxel technology could also be seen in Super Mario Odyssey in its Luncheon Kingdom level where players can dig through some of the cheese to get through obstacles.

“When we realized the compatibility of Donkey Kong’s distinctive characteristics, being strong and having these large long arms, and the possibility of voxel technology, we saw that this was a good match that led us to the idea of pursuing destruction as core gameplay in this title,” said Motokura.

Donkey Kong Bananza is coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2. For more details, check out details about its co-op mode, as well as its Challenge Course ruins.

“The development team of Donkey Kong Bananza is the same as for Super Mario Odyssey,” it told Eurogamer. It also revealed to VGC that the studio is “based in Tokyo,” meaning Nintendo EPD Tokyo is potentially handling development. However, it didn’t confirm whether the entire team (including director Kenta Motokura) or only a part have reunited for the title.

Donkey Kong Bananza launches on July 17th for Nintendo Switch 2, so we’ll find out soon enough through the credits. The recent Direct revealed several new details, including Pauline as a companion for Donkey Kong and Bananza Powers that allow for flying, quick movement or even more destructive power.

Similar to Odyssey, players can collect outfits with unique benefits for both Pauline and Donkey Kong. Head here for more, though its placement in the overall timeline (due to the former’s younger age) is unknown.

Some of the games getting these updates are The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (version 1.4.0), The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (version 1.8.0), Pikmin 3 Deluxe (version 1.1.2), Super Mario Bros. Wonder (version 1.0.2), Kirby’s Dream Buffet (version 1.0.0a), Kirby Star Allies (version 4.0.0a), Super Mario 3D All-Stars (version 1.1.2), Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (version 2.2.1), Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain (version 1.2.0), and ARMS (version 5.51), among others.

All of these updates revolve around giving these games improved performance for the new console over how they ran on the original Switch. Along with performance boosts, quite a few games are also getting access to new features, including GameShare and even support for HDR displays.

The Switch 2 will be hitting store shelves on June 5.

Patch notes for Nintendo Switch games to run on Switch 2:

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Version 1.4.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Added support for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
• Added support for the Portuguese (Brazil) system language setting.
• Because Portuguese is not a supported voice language, the voice content will use the language you select in the in-game options.
• Added support for the Sidon, Tulin, Yunobo, and Riju amiibo.
• Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch:

General

• Added support for the Portuguese (Brazil) system language setting.
• Because Portuguese is not a supported voice language, the voice content will use the language you select in the in-game options.
• Added support for the Sidon, Tulin, Yunobo, and Riju amiibo.
• Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Version 1.8.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Added support for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
• Added support for the Portuguese (Brazil) system language setting.
• Because Portuguese is not a supported voice language, if you select the Match System Settings option in the game, the voice content will use English.
• Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch:

General

• Added support for the Portuguese (Brazil) system language setting.
• Because Portuguese is not a supported voice language, if you select the Match System Settings option in the game, the voice content will use English.
• Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe – Version 1.1.2

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Partially alleviated an issue that occurs when playing on Nintendo Switch 2 where the entire screen flickers during some scenes in the game, such as when a day starts and ends.
• We will be releasing an update in the near feature to fix this completely.
• Note: An update addressing the problem above has not been distributed for “Pikmin 3 Deluxe Demo ver.” However, we plan to perform the same fix as the full game in a future update.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Version 1.0.2

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.

Kirby’s Dream Buffet – Version 1.0.0a

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Note: The version number in the lower right of the software title screen is still Ver. 1.0.0. The version number displayed in the software menu on the HOME Screen will display 1.0.0a if the update is applied.

Kirby Star Allies – Version 4.0.0a

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Note: The version number in the lower right of the software title screen is still Ver. 4.0.0. The version number displayed in the software menu on the HOME Screen will display 4.0.0a if the update is applied.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Version 1.1.2

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Note: The software update is required to play on Nintendo Switch 2.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Version 2.2.1

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.

ARMS – Version 5.51

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Frame rate: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with 3 or more players). Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
• *Compatible with Ver. 5.4.1 for “local communication” and “LAN play”. Not compatible with Ver. 5.4.0 or earlier for “local communication” and “LAN play”. Please be aware of the versions of each other’s update data.

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain – Version 1.2.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Added support for GameShare.
• Party Mode content can be played with up to 4 users.
• The user who will host the GameShare session should select “GameShare” on the mode selection screen after launching the software. They can then choose to use GameShare with Local Users or with GameChat members.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker – Version 1.4.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for improved image contrast and brightness. Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
• Added support for GameShare.
• Two people can play all the courses, and each person can have their own unique display that is easier to see.
• The person sharing can press the – button on the title screen or course select screen or go to “Partner Adventure” in the pause menu and select “GameShare + Local Play” or “GameShare + GameChat.”

Club House Games: 51 Worldwide Classics – Version 2.0.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Added Korean as a supported language.
• Added support for GameShare:
• You can play 34 kinds of games with up to 4 players.
• The user who will host the GameShare session should select “GameShare” from the main menu, then “Via GameChat” or “Play With Local Users”.
  The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch:

General

• Added Korean as a supported language.
• Several other adjustments and revisions have been made to improve the gameplay experience.
• Note: Update data with the above content will also be distributed for the demo “Clubhouse Games: Guest Pass” as Ver. 2.0.0d.

Game Builder Garage – Version 1.1.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Added support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Up to 8 Joy-Con 2 can be used. (As up to now, 1 USB mouse can be used, as well.)
• As a result of improved processing speed, there may be some changes in behavior in games that were made previously on Nintendo Switch.
• Note: An update is also available for the Game Builder Garage Demo version to support the content above (Ver. 1.1.0).

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – Version 1.2.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – Version 1.2.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Frame rate: Optimized for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowser’s Fury).
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for improved image contrast and brightness (Bowser’s Fury only). Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
• Added support for GameShare.
• You can play “Super Mario 3D World” with up to four people. Press R on the course select screen for “Local/Online,” and then choose “GameShare + Local Users” or “GameShare + GameChat.”
• In “Bowser’s Fury,” two players can play, with one controlling Mario while the other controls Bowser Jr. Once you can control Mario, press the + button to open “Menu,” and then choose “Local/Online,” and then choose “GameShare + Local Users” or “GameShare + GameChat.”
• Note: Does have local user compatibility with Ver. 1.1.0. Does not have local user compatibility with Ver. 1.0.0. Please be careful of the update version on each player’s system.

Super Mario Odyssey – Version 1.4.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for improved image contrast and brightness. Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
• Added support for GameShare.
• Two players can play, with one controlling Mario while the other controls Cappy.
• The user who will host the GameShare session should select “Resume 2P” on the title screen or “Two Players” on the Pause menu, then select “GameShare + Local Play” or “GameShare + GameChat”.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – Version 1.1.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality. Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.

Nintendo has revealed that Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe will all receive such free Switch 2 enhancements. Super Mario Odyssey will add HDR support on the next-gen console, in addition to visual optimizations and improved picture quality, as well as GameShare support. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury will offer the same enhancements, though Bowser’s Fury will be the only one to add HDR support. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, meanwhile, promises improved picture quality on the Switch 2.

Additionally, Nintendo confirms that similar free Switch 2 upgrades will also be released for Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, ARMS, Game Garage Builder, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, and Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain. 

Free Switch 2 enhancements are also headed on the console’s launch day for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, as well as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Link’s Awakening.

Animal Horizon: New Horizons has sold 47.44 million, slightly up from 47.82 million last quarter, which is understandable given the lack of updates. Sales for other titles were also only somewhat higher, with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild at 32.81 million sold, Super Mario Odyssey selling 29.28 million, and so on.

Check out the full list below. The Nintendo Switch 2 is out on June 5th for $449.99 worldwide, so expect sales of older Switch titles to dip even further. It launches alongside titles like Mario Kart World (with a special bundle available in limited quantities until this Fall), Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and more.

30. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

Perfection in a video game doesn’t come easy, but Polyphony Digital has come closer than most with several of its Gran Turismo titles. Despite cutting back on the number of cars, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is arguably the best of the bunch in terms of physics, AI, and sound (and even its visuals still hold up today). That’s before getting into the improvements with car shops, Gran Turismo Mode, and the long-awaited arrival of Formula One cars.

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN

The moment you start swinging around New York City in Marvel’s Spider-Man, the game instantly has a hold on you. Luckily enough, that moment is mere minutes (if not seconds) into the game. From the physics-based swinging to the quick and zippy combat, from the game’s take on the Spider-Man universe to opening with an excellent boss fight against Wilson Fisk, aka the Kingpin- Marvel’s Spider-Man works overtime to make sure it puts its best foot forward right off the bat.

The list is as follows:

• ARMS
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• Game Builder Garage
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

The updates in question “may” improve performance or implement GameShare, but as Nintendo notes, the content varies from game to game. So if the fidelity of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet isn’t up to snuff, try not to be too disappointed.

Of course, it’s possible that Nintendo could release updates for additional titles in the future. Time will tell, so stay tuned.

The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives on June 5th for $449.99. Launch titles include Mario Kart World (which costs an eye-watering $79.99 digitally), Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and much more.

That’s up from 64.27 million sales in the last quarter. With a new Mario Kart on the horizon for the Nintendo Switch 2, it should be interesting to see if the current game’s sales take a hit. Nintendo teased the sequel in its reveal trailer for the console with 12 racers, a more open environment and a redesign for Donkey Kong.

Other notable first-party sales figures include Animal Crossing: New Horizon (47.44 million), Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (35.88 million), The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (32.62 million) and Super Mario Odyssey (29.04 million). Check out the full top ten below, which includes not one but two sets of Pokemon titles.