Ahead of its official launch on July 17,Donkey Kong Bananzahas already hit a major milestone by becoming one of the highest-rated games of 2025 across multiple review aggregate platforms.Donkey Kong Bananzawill be one of the latest games to join a growing library of Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive titles, and the first critical ratings for the iconic ape’s newest adventure could bode well for the game’s launch.
Drawing early comparisons to hit Nintendo Switchgames likeSuper Mario OdysseyandKirby and the Forgotten Land,Donkey Kong Bananzais set to be only the second-ever 3DDonkey Konggame, afterDonkey Kong 64from 1999. The legendary gorilla has had a profound presence in 2D platformers over the years, and pre-release reviews have fueled audience hype for the return to a 3D experience with the Nintendo icon.
According to data fromMetacritic,Donkey Kong Bananzaholds a score of 90 out of 100 with 100% positive reviews from 80 critics. Similarly, numbers onOpenCriticshowBananzasitting at an average score of 91, with a 100% positive review rate from 45 critics. Early praise for the game highlights the interactive environment, energetic soundtrack, new gameplay mechanics, and expressive Donkey Kong, with only minor critiques of potential performance issues that are expected to be resolved with the day one patch. WhileDonkey Kong Bananzawas originally a Switch 1 title, the improved performance and capability of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been noted as a major factor in the enjoyability of the new 3D platformingDKgame.
Top 10 Highest-Rated Games of 2025 According to Metacritic (July 15, 2025)
AlongsideDonkey Kong Bananza, two otherNintendo Switch 2 exclusive gamesrank among the highest-rated titles of 2025. BothThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomandBreath of the WildSwitch 2 editions currently hold the number one and two spots, respectively, on Metacritic’s review score ranking.Donkey Kong Bananzasits in the number six spot at the time of writing, though this may change once audience reviews start pouring in.
Nintendo has already teased the possibility offuture 2D and 3DDonkey Konggames, and the early critical success ofDonkey Kong Bananzacould set the tone for more releases in the beloved franchise. While it remains to be seen ifDonkey Kong Bananzawill have the same long-term success as its retro predecessors, audiences preparing for the game’s official launch on July 17 have been happy to see DK already receiving a round of applause for his return to the spotlight.
