Donkey Kong Bananza Was Originally Envisioned for the Switch 1 – Producer

by

Producer Kenta Motokura of Donkey Kong Bananza has disclosed that initially, this upcoming 3D platformer was conceptualized as a game for the Nintendo Switch, but due to certain technical limitations with voxel technology, it was eventually developed for the Nintendo Switch 2 instead. In an interview with IGN, Motokura discussed how the advanced voxel technology employed by Donkey Kong Bananza proved too demanding for the original Nintendo Switch hardware.

Essentially, as per Motokura, a significant aspect of the gameplay in “Donkey Kong Bananza” involves damaging the environment and causing destruction, which players can do. He called this concept “continuity of destruction,” where players are guided from damaged parts of the environment to new areas that can also be destroyed for greater rewards. Motokura pointed out that this aspect could be expanded even more with the hardware capabilities of the Switch 2.

“He explained that this enabled us to craft an incredibly diverse range of materials and significant environmental adjustments on the latest hardware. When destruction is the heart of your gameplay, we aimed to maintain a crucial aspect: the moment when a player wonders, ‘Can I destroy this?’ This question generates a valuable surprise with a substantial impact, which was most effectively achieved on the Switch 2.”

Motokura additionally pointed out that several other aspects of Switch 2 were enticing to the creators of “Donkey Kong Bananza”. Particularly captivating was the functionality that enabled a Joy-Con 2 controller to act as a mouse, thereby facilitating cooperative gameplay. This feature enabled a second player to engage in more engaging ways.

As a gamer, what truly drew me in with the Switch 2 wasn’t just its impressive processing power; it was the device itself that opened up intriguing opportunities. For instance, the addition of mouse control allows for an enhanced co-op experience, enabling a second player to command Pauline’s vocal blasts or delve into DK Artist, a mode where you can mold a vast array of voxels like a sculptor.

Previously in May, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa mentioned that the game “Donkey Kong Bananza” wouldn’t have been feasible on the initial Nintendo Switch. When questioned about whether the latest console was simply a temporary release before another one arrives, Furukawa clarified that the console was launched to provide unique gaming experiences.

Over the last eight years and beyond, it’s crucial to improve the hardware processing power to enable software developers to deliver fresh gaming experiences as envisioned by Nintendo. So, for this upcoming project, we chose to build hardware with superior processing capabilities. We are confident that Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will provide unique gameplay experiences that were previously unattainable on the Nintendo Switch.

Get ready, as “Donkey Kong: Tropical Frenzy” is set to arrive on your Nintendo Switch on July 17th! This exciting new release will see the return of Pauline, who last made an appearance in “Super Mario Odyssey”. There are more details to come about how the same talented team behind “Odyssey” has been working tirelessly on “Donkey Kong: Tropical Frenzy”. Keep an eye out for further updates!

Read More

2025-07-10 18:41