The Donkey Kong Bananza demo is now live on Nintendo Switch 2 kiosks across select U.S. shopping centers, offering fans an early hands-on experience ahead of the game’s highly anticipated July launch. Discover where you can try the demo, what it includes, and how this title connects to the broader Donkey Kong and Mario universe.
Donkey Kong Bananza Builds Momentum Ahead of Launch
Playable Demo Now Live on Switch 2 Kiosks
In the lead-up to its July 17 release, Donkey Kong Bananza has made its debut on Switch 2 demo kiosks at major retail locations across the United States, including Walmart and Target. As first reported by Reddit user ZiaMonic231 on June 20, the in-store experience features a fully playable 10-minute demo of the game, complete with Nintendo’s new Pro Controller for an immersive preview.
Gamers who’ve tried the demo praise the refined controls, vibrant visuals, and dynamic rhythm-based mechanics unique to the Switch 2 hardware. The physical demo rollout has fueled speculation that a digital version could be quietly released on the Switch 2 eShop in the coming weeks—though Nintendo has not confirmed this.
Historically, Nintendo has been selective about releasing eShop demos for flagship titles like mainline Super Mario games and The Legend of Zelda series. However, the positive fan response to the in-store experience has sparked hope for a wider digital release, allowing players to experience DK Bananza from home before launch.
Could This Be a Super Mario Odyssey Prequel?
The timeline of Donkey Kong Bananza has become a hot topic among fans, especially after the June 18 DK Bananza Direct revealed Pauline as a key character. Details from the game’s Japanese website describe her as "a 13-year-old girl who likes to sing. She lived on the ground, but for some reason, she was brought to the underworld and turned into a rock."
This portrayal contrasts sharply with her appearance in Super Mario Odyssey, where she appears as an adult, serving as the mayor of New Donk City and lead singer of a band. The narrative of Bananza—centered on Donkey Kong helping Pauline return to the surface—strongly suggests the game is set years before Odyssey, potentially serving as a prequel.
While their relationship has traditionally been framed as kidnapper and victim since the original Donkey Kong arcade game, Bananza may offer a deeper, more nuanced origin story, redefining how fans view their connection.
DK Rap Composer Surprised by Inclusion in Bananza
One of the most talked-about moments from the DK Bananza Direct was the surprise return of the infamous DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64. The track makes a comeback as part of the game’s music-driven transformation mechanics, much to the shock of its original composer, Grant Kirkhope.
In an interview with Eurogamer on June 19, Kirkhope revealed he had no prior knowledge of the song’s inclusion. “Well, what can I say—the worst rap track in the history of rap tracks seems to be back again!” he joked. Once criticized at launch, the DK Rap has since gained a cult following, a fact that still amazes the composer.
Despite the song’s resurgence, Kirkhope confirmed he will not receive credit for its use in Donkey Kong Bananza. This follows a similar situation in 2023, when the DK Rap appeared in The Super Mario Bros. Movie without his acknowledgment. In a follow-up statement on April 29, he explained that Nintendo’s policy excludes composer credits for music quoted from games they own—unless it features vocals, which initially seemed like an exception. “But then they decided if we also own it, we won’t credit the composers,” he said. “And that was the final nail in the coffin.”
Music plays a central role in Donkey Kong Bananza, with rhythm-based gameplay elements powering DK’s transformations. The inclusion of the DK Rap feels both nostalgic and functional. Additionally, the game will feature a built-in music player, letting fans enjoy Pauline’s vocal tracks and other original soundtracks from the game’s vibrant world.
Donkey Kong Bananza launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025. For the latest updates, gameplay insights, and official news, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage.
