Donkey Kong Bananza demo is now accessible on Switch 2 kiosks located in U.S. shopping centers. Continue reading to discover more about this exclusive playable demo and where Banaza stands within the Donkey Kong timeline.

Donkey Kong Bananza Ramping Up Towards Launch

Demo Now Accessible on Switch 2 Kiosks

In anticipation of its July release, Donkey Kong Bananza has appeared on Switch 2 kiosks at retail locations like Walmart and Target throughout the U.S. As reported by Reddit user ZiaMonic231 on June 20, Switch 2 kiosks now offer a playable demo of DK Bananza.

This demo lasts around 10 minutes, giving players the chance to experience the game using Nintendo’s new Pro controller. Enthusiasts quickly speculated that this might mean a DK Bananza demo could be quietly released soon on the Switch 2 eShop.

Nintendo has not yet confirmed or announced a DK Bananza demo for the online store, as the company usually avoids releasing eShop demos for major titles such as most Super Mario games, The Legend of Zelda series, and others. Still, fans hope to get a chance to try the game on their Switch 2 before its launch.

Could it Be a Prequel to Super Mario Odyssey?

After revealing DK's long-time friend and companion, Pauline, during the DK Bananza Direct on June 18, Nintendo shared her age on the game’s Japanese website. This led to questions about the game’s timeline compared to Super Mario Odyssey.

According to her character profile, Pauline is described as "a 13-year-old girl who enjoys singing. She lived above ground but was somehow taken to the underworld and transformed into a rock." In contrast, her portrayal in Odyssey shows her as an adult, serving as mayor of New Donk City and lead singer of a band.

This suggests that Bananza may serve as a prequel to Odyssey since the story centers on DK helping Pauline return to the surface, which she ultimately achieves, as seen in Odyssey. Their dynamic has traditionally been between victim and captor since the original DK arcade game, prompting curiosity among fans about how this relationship may develop in Bananza.

Composer of the DK Rap Was Unaware It Would Be Included in Bananza

During the DK Bananza Direct, fans learned that the DK Rap would make a return in the game. In an interview with Eurogamer on June 19, composer Grant Kirkhope admitted he wasn’t informed that the song would be used in the new DK title. "Well, what can I say—the worst rap track in the history of rap tracks seems to be back again!" Kirkhope remarked.

He expressed surprise that people now appreciate the track, especially considering the criticism it received when DK64 first launched. Kirkhope joked, "My tombstone will read, 'Here lies Grant Kirkhope, he wrote the DK Rap and Goldeneye Pause Music'... Nothing else will matter!!"

Unfortunately, he won't receive credit for the inclusion of the track. A similar situation occurred in 2023 when DK Rap was featured in the Super Mario Bros. Movie without his knowledge. Kirkhope told Eurogamer on April 29 that after the film's release, he reached out to Nintendo to understand why he wasn’t credited.

He explained, "[Nintendo] said we decided that any music quoted from our owned games wouldn't credit composers—except Koji Kondo. Then they decided to credit vocal tracks, so DK Rap qualified. But then they reversed and said if we own it, we won't credit composers. That was the final blow."

Music plays a key role in the game, particularly for transforming DK, making the inclusion of the iconic DK Rap a natural choice. Additionally, there will be a music player allowing fans to enjoy Pauline’s songs and other soundtracks.

Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled for release on July 17, 2025 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. For the latest updates on the game, check out our article below!

Donkey Kong Bananza

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