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Nintendo upgrades Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch 2

Nintendo details development changes for Donkey Kong Bananza moving to Switch 2.

July 15, 2025 at 05:06 PM

Nintendo explains how Donkey Kong Bananza was upgraded on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo discusses the development improvements for Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2.

Nintendo shares insights on Donkey Kong Bananza upgrade for Switch 2

Nintendo revealed details on the upgrade process for Donkey Kong Bananza in an interview today. The game was initially developed for the original Nintendo Switch but faced challenges leading the team to switch to the more powerful Switch 2 around 2021. Co-directors Kenta Motokura, Kazuya Takahashi, and Wataru Tanaka explained that the new console allowed them to add more elements to the game, enhance visual effects, and run at a smoother frame rate. Motokura noted that memory constraints on the original Switch limited their ambitions, but the Switch 2 provided the additional processing power necessary for improved gameplay. Despite earlier setbacks, the team believes the upgrades have made the game more enjoyable and visually satisfying.

Key Takeaways

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Nintendo upgraded Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch 2 after initial development on Switch.

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Switch 2 allows for more objects and enhanced gameplay dynamics like destruction.

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The game runs at an improved 60 frames per second, enhancing visual effects.

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Developers were able to realize previously abandoned ideas for the game.

"This made the game possible."

Kenta Motokura emphasizes the pivotal role of Switch 2 in realizing gameplay ideas.

"We originally began developing Donkey Kong Bananza on Nintendo Switch, but we ran into some challenges."

Motokura explains the initial difficulties faced during development.

"Being able to place more objects didn’t just enhance the game’s visual richness."

Wataru Tanaka highlights the gameplay benefits of the Switch 2's capabilities.

"At 60 fps, we saw that sense of destruction coming through much more clearly."

Kazuya Takahashi discusses the impact of frame rate on gameplay experience.

The transition from the original Switch to Switch 2 marks a crucial step in game development, as many teams face similar limitations with hardware. Nintendo’s choice to prioritize visual richness and frame rate reflects a broader trend in gaming where performance improvements are paramount. The insights provided by the developers emphasize how important hardware advancements are for creativity in game design. The statement ‘This made the game possible’ suggests that the industry may shift more towards hardware optimization to enable richer gaming experiences.