Donkey Kong Bananza might have some kind of multiplayer element

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The recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation started off showcasing Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated racing game that’s been a hot topic among Nintendo enthusiasts. Set for release alongside the new console on June 5th, it has made waves with its $80 price tag, setting a new standard. However, during the showcase, there was a new rumor about the game that grabbed everyone’s attention: Donkey Kong Bananza. This game seems similar to some of Nintendo’s top-tier 3D Mario games, emphasizing chaotic environmental destruction. Interestingly, thanks to an eagle-eyed fan, there are whispers that the game could potentially include multiplayer.

Donkey Kong Bananza might have some kind of multiplayer mode or feature

The rumor arises due to a classification on Nintendo’s website. First noticed by user Triistan on Famiboards and subsequently reported by Nintendo Life, Donkey Kong Bananza seems to be listed under the “Local Multiplayer” section on Nintendo’s site alongside Mario Kart World and Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. However, it could simply be an oversight as neither the trailers nor gameplay revealed so far suggest multiplayer features. But it’s exciting to imagine possibilities!

There are multiple ways to understand this situation. Some interpretations are more logical than others. For instance, a logical theory is to draw parallels between “Donkey Kong Bananza” and Super Mario Odyssey. In Super Mario Odyssey, released at the beginning of the Nintendo Switch’s life cycle, one player can control Mario while another can control Cappy. Similarly, in Donkey Kong Bananza, Donkey Kong has a small companion that we haven’t seen yet. Although a second player may have limited control in this game, it could still be considered local multiplayer, which is why it falls into this category.

In another scenario, Donkey Kong Bananza might incorporate a feature akin to the Balloon World mini-game in Super Mario Odyssey. This would allow players to conceal a balloon within the game world and invite others to locate it. As a 3D platformer, this could be an exciting addition to the online challenge mode of Donkey Kong Bananza.

One more thought that might only resonate with those who played Donkey Kong 64, is that it’s highly improbable and may seem far-fetched. If my memory serves me right, this game had a multiplayer mode which was essentially a first-person shooter. You could choose from different characters within the DK crew and move around a map, engaging in combat with coconut guns or other food-based weaponry. This mode allowed for up to four players on a single screen, similar to Mario Kart. Although it seems highly unlikely given the distinct feel of Bananza compared to Donkey Kong 64, I was reminded of this when I heard the rumor.

Nintendo doesn’t usually validate or refute such rumors. It was surprising that they eventually unveiled the Switch 2 in January following persistent demand. For now, we can only keep an eye on this section of Nintendo’s website to see if anything new appears. As I write this, it remains unchanged.

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2025-05-10 04:34