A new Nintendo Direct has recently happened for the brand new 3D platforming action-adventure game Donkey Kong Bananza revealing new plot details, abilities, and cooperative play. Gematsu shares that the title is set for launch on Nintendo Switch 2  on July 17.

Donkey Kong Bananza is set on Ingot Isle, where golden bananas have been uncovered deep within the island; Players will assume the role of Donkey Kong, a strong ape who gets pulled underground by a sudden storm just as the discovery is made. He is also joined by Odd Rock, a singing stone is Pauline, transformed by VoidCo, the mining company tearing through the planet. Donkey Kong’s goal is to reach the Planet Core to find more bananas, while Pauline hopes it will bring her back to the surface.

In Donkey Kong Bananza players use new abilities like Dive Punch, Hand Slap, and Turf Surfing to break obstacles and fight enemies. Pauline enhances DK’s power by singing, triggering Bananza Transformations; including Kong Bananza for strength, Zebra Bananza for speed, and Ostrich Bananza for flight and Egg Bomb attacks. Players can engage in solo play or in local co-op using shared Joy-Cons, with GameShare and GameChat for multiplayer.You can collect Banandium Gems, Chips, Gold, and Fossils to unlock skills, cosmetics, and gear. Cranky Kong and Rambi will return with the inclusion of new characters Void Kong and Grumpy Kong.  Some other features include Photo Mode, DK Artist where players can design in stone, Getaways; players can explore previous levels and listen to music, and fast-travel via Elevators.

Nintendo’s intent with Donkey Kong Bananza is to offer a chaotic, ability heavy platformer that builds on the series roots  with new mechanics, including transformation and cooperative play. Fans of the series mascot need not wait much longer as the title launches next month.