Nintendo just wrapped up its latest Direct, finally revealing the much-rumored Nintendo Switch 2. But while new hardware is exciting and all, it was the gameplay footage of Donkey Kong Bananza that really had people scratching their heads. This isn’t just a case of “Oh, the graphics look different” or “Wow, they actually let Donkey Kong wear pants now,” they didn’t, relax.
No, something about the way the game moved, the way our beloved tie-wearing ape navigated its vibrant world, it felt eerily familiar. Nintendo fans, bless their banana-hoarding hearts, were quick to celebrate the return of DK in a fully 3D adventure. Announced for release on July 17, 2025, Donkey Kong Bananza marks the character’s first fully 3D platforming adventure since Donkey Kong 64.
However, some players had a sneaking suspicion that they’d played this game before, on a completely different console. If you felt that inexplicable déjà vu, you’re not alone. Because Donkey Kong Bananza is looking an awful lot like a certain blue robot’s critically acclaimed PS5 adventure.
Did Donkey Kong just pull an Astro Bot?
Alright, let’s get straight to it: if you watched the Donkey Kong Bananza trailer and didn’t immediately think of Astro Bot, you either haven’t played it or need to book an eye exam. The similarities are, well… banana-peel obvious.
The level design? Colorful, dynamic, and full of playful environmental interactions. The platforming? Tight, precise, and loaded with clever gimmicks. The animations? Smooth and full of personality. This isn’t the first time games have borrowed from each other, and let’s be honest, if you’re going to copy, you might as well copy from one of the best.
Astro Bot was a sleeper hit, packed with charm, inventive gameplay, and a love letter to its platform’s history. Meanwhile, Donkey Kong Bananza seems to be doing something similar but with a distinctly Nintendo spin. Sure, instead of PlayStation-themed nostalgia, we’ll probably get barrels full of Donkey Kong references, nods to Cranky Kong’s questionable wisdom, and enough jungle beats to make Donkey Kong jealous.
Donkey Kong’s not monkeying around, but is it enough?
Despite its uncanny resemblance to Astro Bot, there’s no denying that Donkey Kong Bananza still looks like an absolute blast. Donkey Kong’s iconic personality shines through, with expressive animations that make you feel every vine swing and ground pound. And if there’s one thing Nintendo knows how to do, it’s polish their platformers to perfection.
The real question is whether this new take on Donkey Kong will be able to carve out its own identity beyond its clear inspirations. Astro Bot’s charm came from its deep PlayStation DNA, something Donkey Kong Bananza won’t be able to replicate.
Instead, Nintendo has the chance to lean into its own history, pulling from classic Donkey Kong moments, experimenting with creative power-ups, and delivering an adventure worthy of the big ape’s legacy.
Of course, the internet will have its fun with the comparisons. But at the end of the day, if Donkey Kong Bananza is even half as good as Astro Bot, Switch 2 owners are in for a treat. Just… maybe let’s keep a close eye on Donkey Kong’s next move. If he suddenly starts wearing a blue jetpack and collecting CPU chips instead of bananas, we’ll know Nintendo’s really up to something.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
