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الوسم: Platforming Games

  • Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2: Tips I Wish I Knew Before Playing

    Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2: Tips I Wish I Knew Before Playing

    My first experience with a Donkey Kong game was with Donkey Kong Bananza, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But it turned out to be a real standout, and I’d say it’s the main reason you should consider getting a Switch 2 right now. The game is like a bigger, more intense version of Super Mario Odyssey—more expansive, with a stronger hero at its center. It mixes platforming, puzzles, and collecting into a gameplay loop that feels instantly familiar.

    But what really sets Donkey Kong Bananza apart is DK’s incredible strength. While Mario needs to master jumping and his abilities with Cappy, DK can just smash his way through almost anything. This can be both fun and dangerous, as I learned firsthand when I tore through the main path so badly that I lost track of where I was. My obsession with excavating fossils and finding gold kept me from just enjoying the ride.

    Getting sidetracked by collectibles is almost unavoidable. Make sure you’re on the lookout for Donkey Kong Bananza bananas—also called Banandium Gems—since they are key to DK’s progress. These edible mineral collectibles are hidden throughout the challenge levels like Hanging on Roof Road and Nostalgia Country. If you want to unlock the game’s full ending, you’ll need to gather as many as possible. Even more useful, though, is that bananas give DK skill points—every five bananas scores you a point you can use to unlock new skills, making DK stronger or giving him new tricks. Sometimes it’s worth leaving the main path to grab a few bananas and power up DK, even if collecting every single one isn’t your goal (there are nearly 800 in total).

    You can play Donkey Kong Bananza on the original Switch, but only through online co-op, and you’ll be stuck controlling Pauline from over one shoulder. I found that some of the skills are less useful most of the time, which can mean wasting points. After resetting my skill points, I tested all of them to see which were really worth using, and I’ve laid out the best options in a detailed guide.

    In addition to skills, you’ll unlock the game’s Transformations—temporary animal forms that give DK special abilities, like huge punching power or lightning-fast running to cross tricky terrain. Each form comes with its own set of skills, which I’ve also broken down in the guide.

    Because there are so many systems—skills, transformations, outfits, environmental hazards, and unique terrains—it’s helpful to have some tips. For example, unlocking Getaways and buying Red Balloons can make a big difference. Don’t forget, you can also turn on the Donkey Kong Bananza Assist Mode any time, which provides objective markers and makes DK much more durable with extra health.

    As you explore deeper into the game, you’ll encounter different sublayers that aren’t just straight paths. Take the Divide, for example, which offers branching routes to either the Freezer or Forest layer. This choice doesn’t drastically change the game, but knowing what to expect can be helpful. Later, you’ll reach a relaxing Resort Layer, where you can use a Collectone to scan amiibo figures for special Donkey Kong Bananza unlocks—though most of these aren’t particularly exciting.

    Finish the main adventure, and you’ll reach the end of DK and Pauline’s journey to the planet’s core. But the game isn’t finished there—you can go on a post-game quest for the true ending. Be prepared, though; it involves collecting a ton of bananas, so thorough searching is essential. I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you complete this final challenge and see everything the game has to offer.

  • All Donkey Kong Bananza Amiibo Unlocks & How to Obtain Them

    All Donkey Kong Bananza Amiibo Unlocks & How to Obtain Them

    There aren’t many ways to unlock content with Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo, but the main benefit is gaining early access to Pauline’s outfit that’s similar to her look in Super Mario Odyssey. To do this, you need the DK and Pauline figurines. However, using this amiibo isn’t completely easy—it requires finding a special NPC called Fractone about halfway through the game at SL 800.

    Luckily, scanning other amiibos is much simpler, thanks to a dedicated option in the pause menu. Unfortunately, the rewards for doing so aren’t particularly exciting. Still, here’s everything you need to know about how to use amiibos in Donkey Kong Bananza and what each one unlocks.

    How to scan amiibos in Donkey Kong Bananza

    You can scan your amiibos in two ways (yes, all amiibos ever made work here):

    • Press the ‘+’ button on your Joy-Con to pause the game, then pick the amiibo option. This opens up a menu where you can scan your amiibos by placing them on your controller.

    • Visit the Collectone in the Tropical Retreat area of the Resort Layer (SL 800). It’s just to the right of the Style Shop. Talk to the Collectone, and it will prompt you to scan an amiibo.

    Note: Using the Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo at the Collectone is the only way to unlock the Diva Dress for Pauline early. This outfit makes enemies drop music discs twice as often, which helps you build your collection faster.

    All Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo rewards

    Not many unlockables exist with amiibos, but the main one is Pauline’s Diva Dress. Here’s what you get with each scan:

    • Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo: Wearing the Diva Dress — a fancy red outfit similar to her look during the New Donk City celebration in Super Mario Odyssey. You get this near the end of the post-game quest, so you don’t need the amiibo right away. The outfit increases the chance of music discs dropping after defeating enemies, making it easier to complete your collection.

    • Other Donkey Kong-themed amiibos: When scanned, they summon four gold tiles reading ‘KONG.’ Break them for golden currency that fills your Bananergy bar, which you can spend or throw as a small explosive.

    • Any non-DK amiibo: Scan one of the other amiibos to summon a sphere of random material—like ice, crystal, or rock. These can be used to create explosions or interact with hazards in the game.

    Most of the fun comes from throwing these explosive tiles around, but many levels in Donkey Kong Bananza are quite destructive! If you’re curious about what lies beyond SL 800, check out our guide listing all sublayers and levels of the game.

  • Donkey Kong Bonanza: Nostalgic Banana Country Adventure

    Donkey Kong Bonanza: Nostalgic Banana Country Adventure

    Finding all three bananas in Donkey Kong Bananza’s Nostalgia Country level can be trickier than it looks. The first banana is hidden high up in DK’s hut, out of reach at first glance. It seems like you might need some extra help or a special skill to get there, but if you double jump, you can reach this classic callback and grab the first banana of the level.

    Luckily, the other two bananas are much easier to spot, making the rest of the level simpler to complete. Below, I’ll explain exactly how to find all three bananas in this bonus stage.

    Where to find all three bananas in Donkey Kong Bananza’s Nostalgia Country

    Like other challenge levels, Nostalgia Country has three special Bananda Gems you need to collect—one near the start, one in the middle, and one at the end. The middle two are easy to see. Here’s how you find each one:

    1. Start outside DK’s hut: From the level’s entrance, grab a piece of dirt from the ground. Double jump to the left and climb onto the top of the nearby cliff. This puts you right outside DK’s treehouse. Head inside, jump on the tire, and punch upwards to smash the banana hanging there.
    2. Second banana: This one is just after the first barrel cannon section. Keep an eye out as you progress through that part.
    3. Third (final) banana: You’ll find this at the very end of the level, near the exit barrel cannon.

    Once you’ve collected all three bananas, you’re ready to move forward through the Hilltop Layer and into the Canyon Layer—one of the biggest sections of Donkey Kong Bananza.

    If you’re aiming for even more bananas, don’t forget to grab all three in the “Hanging on Roof Road” challenge too! Every banana you gather helps toward your progress in the post-game after you finish the main story.

    Note: All images credited to Nintendo.

  • Donkey Kong Bananza: Complete Post-Game Strategy Guide

    Donkey Kong Bananza: Complete Post-Game Strategy Guide

    Here’s the rewritten, original version of your content in clear and simple American English:

    Completing the Donkey Kong Bananza Post-Game Adventure

    After beating King K. Rool in New Donk City, the extra content in Donkey Kong Bananza opens up. To continue, you need to return to the Underground World, where Pauline is looking for inspiration for her new song to perform at City Hall. The Elders can help by letting you clear their special Bananza Rehearsal bonus levels, but there’s a catch: you must have gathered enough Bananas in Donkey Kong Bananza to unlock each one.

    These Rehearsal levels involve puzzles centered around specific Bananza themes. It’s a good idea to fully upgrade these levels beforehand — remember, you can also respec your Bananza skills to better prepare.

    Here’s a step-by-step guide to finish the game and reach the true ending:

    1. Talk to the Elder in the Lagoon Layer and complete the Kong Bananza Rehearsal (you’ll need at least 300 bananas).
    2. Visit the Zebra Elder in the Freezer Layer and finish the Zebra Rehearsal (requires 350 bananas).
    3. Speak to the Ostrich Elder in the Forest Layer and complete the Ostrich Rehearsal (needs 400 bananas).
    4. Chat with the Elephant Elder in the Tempest Layer and do the Elephant Rehearsal (must have 500 bananas).
    5. Talk to the Snake Elder in the Radiance Layer and complete the Snake Rehearsal (requires 600 bananas).

    You can do these in any order. Unlocking each Rehearsal grants you a special golden Bananza Skill—each costs five Skill Points. These skills turn certain abilities into golden terrain, like punching or egg bombs. Completing all five also unlocks a duplicate Ancient Record at the Eternatable, mainly for Turf Surfing, with no extra use.

    Most importantly, after finishing these Rehearsals, you’ll unlock the Diva Dress outfit for Pauline, the same reward as the Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo. But there’s still one more big challenge if you want the very best ending:

    1. Head to the final boss arena at SL1609 in Planet Core and talk to the eels. They’ll summon the Great Harmoneel.
    2. Complete the Windpipe Rehearsal level, which is tough, with tough checkpoints and plenty of Bananza uses. Stock up on Apple Juice, Melon Juice, and Red Balloons before playing. Once done, you’ll be dumped back at the arena.
    3. Talk to the Banandium Root and select “go to the surface.”

    After that, the story concludes with DK and Pauline flying away as you see a final image of Pauline in her Diva Dress performing in New Donk City. Then, you’ll be returned to the start menu — your game will be saved just before you surfaced, so you can keep exploring and collecting if you want.

    If you’re aiming to gather more bananas or complete other tasks, you might be interested in how to achieve all three bananas in the Roof Road challenge.

    Note: The ending gets special thanks and credits, but the story wraps up with Pauline performing and DK flying away. The game then returns you to the beginning, allowing you to keep playing or exploring further.

    All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

  • Donkey Kong Bonanza: Roof-Roaming Banana Adventure

    Donkey Kong Bonanza: Roof-Roaming Banana Adventure

    Here’s a fresh and clear version of the content in American English:

    The Donkey Kong Bananza Hanging on Roof Road challenge might be the first one you encounter in the game. The first and third bananas are pretty easy to spot—they’re right along the main path through the level. However, the second banana is trickier to find because it’s tucked away in a less obvious spot that requires a bit of an awkward detour. To help you grab this elusive banana and complete the Hanging on Roof Road challenge, here’s where to look.

    Donkey Kong Bananza Hanging on Roof Road Banana Locations

    As mentioned, you can’t miss the first banana—that’s roughly halfway through after the initial hanging section—and the third banana is located near the exit barrel cannon. The tricky part is the second banana, which is hidden in a section where stone walls with small cut-outs move from left to right across a hanging pathway.

    Here’s how to reach the second banana:

    1. Jump onto the hanging road and take the left turn instead of heading straight for the exit.

    2. As you move forward, punch through the moving stone walls to prevent them from knocking you off or pushing you back. Using the Kong Bananza ability here can really help.

    3. Follow the narrow part of the hanging road as it heads toward where the stone walls emerge from. Then, turn right to land on a secret ledge that you can drop down onto.

    4. Smash the stone wall in this area to reveal the banana.

    This route is straightforward but can be confusing because of the moving stone walls, which can distract you or cause you to fall. Make sure to keep your eye out and consider using Red Balloons if you’re worried about falling.

    Remember to use your Bananza bananas to unlock new skills for Donkey Kong. If you’re unsure which abilities to prioritize, check out our guide on the best skills in Donkey Kong Bananza.

    Let me know if you’d like me to make any additional tweaks!

  • Discover Banana Locations in Donkey Kong Bananza

    Discover Banana Locations in Donkey Kong Bananza

    In Donkey Kong Bananza, bananas are everywhere, but finding them can be tricky. Many are hidden behind various challenges, puzzles, or secrets. Confusingly, these large bananas also serve as Banandium Gems, which look valuable but are actually tasty and essential for DK to gain Skill Points. To unlock the secret ending after finishing the main story, you’ll need to collect at least 600 of these gems!

    While there are plenty of bananas to acquire simply by playing through the main story, many are tucked away out of sight, waiting for players to explore thoroughly. Here are some tips for hunting down bananas in Donkey Kong Bananza, highlighting sources of these Banandium Gems you’ll find in various sublayers.

    How Many Bananas Are in Donkey Kong Bananza?

    (Image credit: Nintendo)

    There are 777 locations for bananas in Donkey Kong Bananza. However, the actual number of Banandium Gems is much higher, as some spots contain clusters of three or five bananas.

    Additionally, through the Chip Exchange, you can trade Banandium Chips for bananas, making the total count potentially limitless, as there is no upper limit on exchanges. In short, there are plenty of bananas in Donkey Kong Bananza—enough to unlock all the skills in the game.

    How to Get Bananas in Donkey Kong Bananza

    Donkey Kong Bananza Bananandium gem treasure map from stuff shop

    (Image credit: Nintendo)

    With nearly 800 locations to find bananas, how can you uncover them all? Keep these four strategies in mind:

    • Use DK’s Hand Slap sonar: This can help you discover bananas within a level, whether they’re underground or hidden behind obstacles or puzzles. Make sure to unlock the Better Sonar skill to assist with this.
    • Buy Treasure Maps: Visit a Stuff Shop in any layer to purchase maps that reveal banana locations in that area. These maps will be marked on your primary map and start at 1,000 gold, increasing by 100 gold for each subsequent map, so be prepared for potential costs.
    • Find Treasure Maps: Treasure chests uncovered during your journey may contain treasure maps, with a chance that some of these maps lead to banana locations. This isn’t a surefire method, but it is a free way to explore more.
    • Get hints from NPCs: Characters with a banana icon next to their speech bubble can offer hints about nearby bananas, marking them on your map. While these are infrequent, they come at no cost.

    Donkey Kong Bananza lagoon layer map Bananas

    (Image credit: Nintendo)

    Once a banana location is marked on your map, hover over the marker and hit X to pin it. This will cause the marker to show up whenever you press L for navigation help, guiding you close to the banana. You can also change the filters when looking at your map by pressing L and R, letting you see only bananas, fossils, and so on.

    Now that you’re familiar with finding bananas, here are various sources to keep in mind. Note that not all these sources exist in every sublayer of Donkey Kong Bananza:

    • Reaching New Sublayers: You can expect to find at least three bananas when entering a new sublayer for the first time, usually right after defeating a boss. Major milestones might even reward you with five bananas, which is enough for a whole skill point!
    • Buried Underground or in Puzzles: Use DK’s sonar to uncover bananas hidden in the ground or behind puzzle mechanics. Look for alternate paths or ways to bypass obstacles—sometimes, they’re covered in purple Void metal, so keep an eye out for Banandium Gem-shaped objects in void spaces.
    • Chip Exchange: Trade Banandium Chips and gold for bananas at a Chip Exchange shop, which you can find in almost every level. If you’ve built multiple getaways in a layer, the concierge can also facilitate exchanges. The initial rate is 10 Banandium Chips + 100 gold for one banana but increases with each exchange, up to 100 Chips + 300 gold for one banana. Exchanges can continue as long as you have resources.
    • Challenge Levels: Every challenge level accessed through a triangular portal contains three bananas. Typically, you’ll find one midway through, another near the exit, and a third hidden away off the main track. Explore thoroughly!
    • Combat Challenges: Circular portals you punch through lead to short combat encounters. Defeat all enemies within 30 seconds to earn a banana.
    • Shifty Smash Challenges: When you hit a floating triangle object, start a mini-challenge to break enough of a fragile metal within 20 seconds. Succeed to earn a banana; if you fail, you can try again.
    • Find Cranky Kong: DK’s grandfather can be found in many levels. Finding him grants you a banana after he shares some wisdom (or lectures you).

    Donkey Kong Bananza Bananas from Growtone

    (Image credit: Nintendo)
    • Fractone Requests:
      • Rescue Fragments for Fragmentones: Help these jigsaw-puzzle-shaped characters find their missing pieces. Listen for their high-pitched sounds, and once you collect all pieces, bring them back to the Fragmentone for two bananas.
      • Find Hiddentones: Speak to Seekertones, who will challenge you to locate their four hidden friends. Look for their round shapes, and when you break them, hope they reveal a Hiddentone. Collect all four to receive a banana.
      • Answer Quiztone Questions: Quiztones will test your trivia skills with three questions. Answer all three correctly to earn a banana; if you miss a question, you can restart the quiz.
      • Complete Smashintone Requests: Smash a certain number of cubes of the specified material for a Smashintone and receive a banana as a reward. Your progress can be tracked under Smashin’ Stats.
      • Help Bloomintones: Clear any obstacles blocking sunlight to these beings, and you’ll earn a banana for your kindness.
      • Feeding Growtones: Feed these unique pineapple-shaped characters some of your gold, and they will sprout three bananas for you to smash.

    Don’t forget to check for Collectones to unlock Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo features. And explore our Donkey Kong Bananza tips for more assistance on DK and Pauline’s quest.

  • Exploring the Sublayers in Donkey Kong Bananza: How Many?

    Exploring the Sublayers in Donkey Kong Bananza: How Many?

    The levels and sublayers in Donkey Kong Bananza offer an incredible variety, not just in theme but also in size. Some levels are quick trips to uncover deeper paths, while others are expansive with various objectives to tackle. You’ll explore delightful settings like the Resort Layer, hazardous Forest Layer, dusty Canyon Layer, and much more.

    In total, there are 17 main layers to conquer, plus a few additional mini-levels. Since some layers require revisiting, Donkey Kong Bananza turns out to be quite a large game. If you’re curious about what’s coming up, I’ve organized all the sublayers by depth and also included a list of levels in the order they’ll appear in the main narrative, serving as a simple walkthrough.

    All Donkey Kong Bananza Levels

    (Image credit: Nintendo)

    Donkey Kong Bananza kicks off with a brief tutorial level, followed by 17 main layers and a final stage that wraps up DK and Pauline’s adventure. You can teleport between layers by accessing the map and selecting a fast travel point, and using Warp Gongs allows you to return to previously visited layers at any time.

    Below is a list of all the sublayers arranged by depth, although you’ll actually experience them in a different order:

    • Ingot Isle (tutorial)
    • Ingot Isle Cave-In – SL 10
    • Lagoon Layer – SL 100
    • Hilltop Layer – SL 200
    • Canyon Layer – SL 300
    • The Divide – SL 400
    • Freezer Layer – SL 500
    • Forest Layer – SL 600
    • The Junction – SL 700
    • Resort Layer – SL 800
    • Tempest Layer – SL 900
    • Landfill Layer – SL 1000
    • Racing Layer – SL 1100
    • Radiance Layer – SL 1200
    • Groove Layer – SL 1300
    • Feast Layer – SL 1400
    • Forbidden Layer – SL 1500
    • Planet Core – SL 1600
    • Finale level

    If you want to skip ahead, please note that spoilers follow! If you’re interested in a straightforward guide through the levels, I’ve also created a list of layers and their sublayers in sequence, including the average time to beat Donkey Kong Bananza.

    All Donkey Kong Bananza Sublayers in Order

    Donkey Kong Bananza sublayers and levels DK and Pauline celebrating that they're moving on to the next layer

    (Image credit: Nintendo)

    Here’s the complete list of levels in Donkey Kong Bananza, arranged in the order you’ll complete and revisit them in the main story, covering 21 levels in total. I’ve added notes for what players can expect to discover and accomplish in each sublayer:

    1. Ingot Isle: This is a brief tutorial stage that quickly leads to the next layer. Once you leave, you cannot return here.
    2. Ingot Isle Cave-In – SL 10: The remaining tutorial area where Void Co. causes the island to plunge underground. You’ll also pick up Pauline here in her gem form, but you can’t revisit until finishing the game.
    3. Lagoon Layer – SL 100, 101, and 102: A sunny, water-filled town where the first Donkey Kong Bananza Bananzas is unlocked, and you’ll encounter formidable foes like Void Kong, Poppy Kong, and Grumpy Kong!
    4. Hilltop Layer – SL 200: A brief stop where you assist the Fractones and reveal a pathway to the next layer.
    5. Canyon Layer – SL 300, 301, and 302: An arid area rich with small islands linked by minecarts, leading you deeper into a Banandium Refinery.
    6. The Divide – SL 400: A small level with a choice that determines which of the next two layers to explore first: the Freezer Layer or Forest Layer.
    7. Freezer Layer – SL 500, 501, 502, and 503: A chilly, sweet-themed area where you help locals repair their cooling system and discover the source of the unusual heat.
    8. The Junction – SL 700: Another decision point, this time needing to traverse both layers from The Divide before proceeding on the main path. Warp Gongs can be used to return.
    9. Forest Layer – SL 600, 601, 602: A swampy jungle with the famous Eggshell Hotel, where you assist residents in identifying the poison’s source.
    10. The Junction – SL 700: Return to the Junction. With both prior layers completed, you can face a boss, necessitating brief visits to Hilltop Layer and SL 101 of the Lagoon Layer using Warp Gongs before going back to the Junction.
    11. Resort Layer – SL 800: A serene beach paradise filled with oversized cube-shaped fruit. All you need to do here is reach the top of the giant watermelon in the center.
    12. Tempest Layer – SL 900, 901, and 902: A large area battling various adverse weather conditions, including whirlwinds and fire rain. You’ll need to defeat a boss multiple times to restore order.
    13. Landfill Layer – SL 1000: A compact trash heap where you clear out tunnels of debris.
    14. Racing Layer – SL 1100: A brief level featuring a 3D racing minigame. Win to advance to the subsequent layer.
    15. Radiance Layer – SL 1200, 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204: A cavern overshadowed by its darkened Synthetic Sun. Reactivate it to aid the resident snake citizens.
    16. Groove Layer – SL 1300: A party-themed level filled with Fractones eager to dance. Help them revive the disco to proceed.
    17. Feast Layer – SL 1400 and 1401: A food-centric level where you explore and fix the Fried Pride Factory, which is overwhelmed by acidic muck.
    18. Forbidden Layer – SL 1500: An enigmatic layer close to the core, inhabited by irritable Fractones.
    19. Planet Core – SL 1600, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, 1606, 1607, 1608, and 1609: The final major level with numerous small islands leading up to the core and the final boss.
    20. Finale stage: I won’t reveal details here, but there’s an additional level following the final boss.

    After you complete the last level and the credits roll, you’ll have the chance to freely explore SL 10 to 1609 to gather bananas and fossils, which can be spent on upgrading your skills and outfits. There’s also a post-game quest to further enhance your abilities!

    If you want a smoother gaming experience, consider activating Donkey Kong Bananza Assist Mode. I’ve also put together some helpful tips and tricks for navigating Donkey Kong Bananza.

  • Is Donkey Kong Bananza Coming to Switch 1?

    Is Donkey Kong Bananza Coming to Switch 1?

    Unfortunately, Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t available on the original Switch—it’s exclusive to the Switch 2. However, there’s still a way to enjoy the game through co-op play. To clarify, there is no version of the game that works on the original Switch, so don’t purchase it unless you have a Switch 2! If you know someone with a Switch 2 who owns the game, you can team up and play together for free using the GameShare feature.

    Keep in mind, though, that there are some significant restrictions, and the experience won’t be the same as it is on a Nintendo Switch 2 since you can’t play as Donkey Kong. Below, I’ll walk you through the details of how to play Donkey Kong Bananza on a Switch 1 through co-op.

    How to Play Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 1 in Co-op

    (Image credit: Nintendo)

    If you want to enjoy Donkey Kong Bananza on a Switch 1, you’ll need to have a friend who owns a Switch 2 with the game, as they will need to use the GameShare feature. To make this work, both consoles must be connected to the same local network. This usually means they need to be in the same room. However, if both players have Switch 2s, you can also play online.

    Here’s how to set it up, assuming you meet the requirements:

    1. The player on the Switch 2 needs to launch Donkey Kong Bananza and select “Co-op Play” from the main menu.
    2. Choose “GameShare (Local User)”. This will bring you to another menu where you should wait for the other user to join.

    Donkey Kong Bananza co-op play menu with gameshare local user option

    (Image credit: Nintendo)
    1. The player on the Switch 1 should then open the GameShare app. The icon looks like a teal rectangle with curves coming in from the top.
    2. Click “Join GameShare” and then “A Local User”. Your Switch 1 will start searching for a session. Join the Switch 2 player’s session when it appears on your screen to start playing DK Bananza on your Switch 1.

    Donkey Kong Bananza join gameshare on switch 1 menu

    (Image credit: Nintendo)

    Keep in mind that if you’re joining a Donkey Kong Bananza session via GameShare on your Switch 1, you’ll only be able to play as Pauline since the host will be DK. As Pauline, you can ride on DK’s shoulders, using your powerful singing abilities to defeat foes and break objects. However, you can’t move independently, creating an on-rails shooter experience.

    Also, there’s no standalone version of Donkey Kong Bananza available for purchase on Switch 1, so this local co-op option is your only way to play the game without a Switch 2.

    If you opt for co-op mode, you might want to toggle the Donkey Kong Bananza Assist Mode for some extra help or fewer distractions. Don’t forget to check out our Donkey Kong Bananza tips and Donkey Kong Bananza review!

  • Top Skills to Unlock First in Donkey Kong Bananza

    Top Skills to Unlock First in Donkey Kong Bananza

    Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version in American English, simplified and unique:

    —

    Donkey Kong Bananza offers various skills for you to invest your earned Skill Points, but some are definitely more beneficial than others. Given the game’s heavy emphasis on destruction and collecting items, it’s wise to enhance your sonar and collection capabilities early on to make your journey easier later.

    That said, don’t forget to balance these upgrades with important boosts to your health and punching strength to navigate the more challenging areas safely. With so many skills available to DK, figuring out which ones to focus on can be overwhelming. After playing through the game, I’ve compiled a list of the top skills in DK Bananza that you should unlock as soon as possible.

    How to Earn and Reset Skill Points in Donkey Kong Bananza

    To quickly recap, for every five Bananas you consume, you earn one Skill Point that you can allocate to different skills. Anytime you want, simply press the Up directional button to access the “Skills” menu.

    You can reset your Skill Points by visiting any Elder once you’ve unlocked their Bananza form. Talk to an Elder, and you’ll see an option to “reset my skills!” This will refund all your Skill Points at no cost, allowing you to redistribute them as you see fit. Keep in mind that any extra Apple and Melon Juice items you possess will be converted to gold.

    Top Skills in Donkey Kong Bananza

    Now that you know the basics of skills and Skill Points in DK Bananza, let’s look at the best skills to unlock, particularly the yellow, non-Bananza skills on the left side of the Skills menu. If it’s not included in this list, it’s likely not worth your time:

    • Health Levels 1-4: Upgrading to level 4 costs a total of 10 Skill Points, giving you seven hearts, which should be adequate to see you through the game. Aim for at least six hearts by the time you reach SL 900. If you’re playing in Assist Mode, five hearts should suffice.
    • Apple Juice Level 1: This skill acts like an extra life if your health runs out. It’s a bit pricey, so consider unlocking level 2 only if you feel it’s necessary.
    • Bananergy Levels 1-3: This skill extends your Bananza time, a handy upgrade since it applies universally to all Bananzas. Various Pauline outfits can enhance specific Bananza durations, so switch them out as you level up this skill.
    • Punch Power Levels 1-4: While DK can break a lot, tougher terrain requires more punches. This skill makes breaking through stronger surfaces faster and easier. Upgrade consistently.
    • Better Collecting Levels 1-3: DK’s initial pickup radius for Gold and other items is limited. Unlocking level 1 of this skill should be a priority, followed by levels 2 and 3 as you progress.
    • Better Sonar Levels 1 and 2: Similar to Better Collecting, DK’s sonar range is initially weak. Since it helps locate Bananas, fossils, and treasure chests, grab level 1 right away. Level 3 is costly, so stopping at level 2 is a good idea.
    • Better Turf Surfing: This skill is useful for traversing tougher sublayers and provides a permanent boost to your surfing duration.
    • Surf Surf: Another improvement for Turf Surfing, this allows you to surf on water, including poisonous waters, without taking damage, an ability not even the Zebra Bananza has.

    These are the best skills for DK, but remember that each of the five Donkey Kong Bananza forms has unique skills. Some forms gain much from upgrades, while others are not worth the investment. Here’s a breakdown of the best skills for each Bananza form:

    Top Kong Bananza Skills

    The Kong Bananza is essentially a powerful upgrade for DK, significantly enhancing his punching capabilities. As we’ve noted in our Donkey Kong Bananza tips, unlocking all skills for this form is highly recommended:

    • All of them: With full levels of Charge Punch, Fast Charge, and Kong Armor, DK turns into an unstoppable force capable of demolishing nearly anything.

    Top Zebra Bananza Skills

    In my opinion, the Zebra Bananza is the weakest of the five forms and not worth heavy investment in skills:

    • Charge Dash Level 1: This cheap skill slightly improves your speed, which is primarily what this Bananza excels at.

    Top Ostrich Bananza Skills

    The Ostrich Bananza focuses on flight, making it more beneficial than the Zebra. Here are a couple of upgrades worth considering:

    • Glide Levels 1 and 2: Continue holding ZL after fluttering to glide. At level 2, the glide angle becomes shallower, allowing for greater distance.
    • Better Flutter: This skill boosts both the speed and duration of your flutter.

    Top Elephant Bananza Skills

    The Elephant Bananza is incredibly powerful, with its ability to inhale terrain and create useful spheres. It’s worth upgrading as much as you can:

    • All of them: Unlocking level 1 of Better Inhaling and Stronger Lungs is crucial for improving the Elephant’s inhalation abilities. Upgrading these skills to level 2 is also helpful, but prioritize Trunk Room and Quick Storage for better material storage.

    Top Snake Bananza Skills

    The Snake Bananza becomes available late in the game, making heavy investments in skills less worthwhile. Nonetheless, here are a couple of skills to consider:

    • Better Glare Levels 1 and 2: The time slow effect of Glare is brief, so unlock level 1 as soon as possible and then go for level 2 to double its duration.
    • Better Charge Jump: This skill costs 3 Skill Points but greatly enhances your Charge Jump height, allowing for superior gliding when transitioning to the Ostrich Bananza.

    Curious about how long it takes to complete Donkey Kong Bananza? Check out our estimates and our review for more insights!

  • Unlocking Mirror Mode in Mario Kart: A Simple Guide

    Unlocking Mirror Mode in Mario Kart: A Simple Guide

    Regardless of how you feel about Mario Kart World, it’s clear that the highly anticipated launch title for the Switch 2 is packed with content. In addition to unlockable elements like characters, outfits, and karts, there’s an exciting new feature: an updated version of Mirror Mode.

    Unlocking Mirror Mode in Mario Kart World takes some effort, and we’ve spent time cross-referencing our findings with the community’s tips. Thanks to everyone diving into the Switch 2’s flagship game this past weekend! Here’s a list of tasks you need to complete to access it:

    • Finish every Grand Prix at 150cc (you don’t need a top-three finish)
    • Complete every Knockout Tour at 150cc (just placing fairly high is sufficient)
    • Locate P-Switches in Free Roam; you need to find 10 of them
    • Discover 10 ? Panels in Free Roam
    • Collect 10 Peach Medallions in Free Roam

    While following these steps seems to work, some players have suggested that the requirements might be a bit easier, though we haven’t been able to verify this ourselves since we’re going for full completion.

    (Image credit: Nintendo)

    The image above shows what our Grand Prix screen looked like before we unlocked Mirror Mode. It’s important to note that the Special Cup, featuring the beloved Rainbow Road track, is only available after completing all seven previous cups. Once you finish all these tasks, replay the Special Cup, and a notification will appear after the credits letting you know Mirror Mode is unlocked.

  • Unlock New Outfits in Mario Kart World: A How-To Guide

    Unlock New Outfits in Mario Kart World: A How-To Guide

    Mario Kart World is packed with content and plenty of unlockable items, including a variety of characters, vehicles, and stickers. However, you’re probably here to find out how to unlock new outfits in Mario Kart World.

    Many players want to look their best while racing to the finish line. The good news is that Mario Kart World features a wide array of unlockable outfits and costumes.

  • Mastering Wall Rides in Mario Kart: A Quick Guide

    The latest Mario Kart game doesn’t immediately reveal all the important details, especially when it comes to how to ride walls in Mario Kart World. Some of the new features might seem tricky at the beginning since there aren’t traditional tutorials to guide you. We’ve already covered all the items available in Mario Kart World and the method to grind rails. Now, let’s dive into how to jump onto walls and ride them on specific tracks.

    Even with all the fresh elements, the control setup remains the same as in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The new moves work with the familiar drift and boost buttons (R/ZR) that players have mastered over time. It’s all about how you use these buttons, your positioning, and your movement direction. However, wall riding is a bit more challenging to execute than rail grinding because of the initial jump. Here are some tips to help you successfully ride the walls and gain a speed boost:

    1. Utilize the Feather item to jump higher: To effectively ride walls, you first need to gain altitude and land on them. The Feather item is a great way to achieve that, although it can only be obtained randomly from item boxes, which may not always be reliable.

    2. Use ramps to gain height: The jump-boosting mechanic is still in play; make sure to take advantage of every bump and ramp you encounter for an extra boost. Sometimes, ramps are positioned right before wall segments, making it easier to jump onto them. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.

    3. Perform charged jumps onto walls: You can manually initiate wall riding with charged jumps by holding down and then releasing (R/ZR) without turning your kart sideways. Avoid drifting! Once your kart charges up, release to jump. The right timing and position will allow you to reach the nearest wall.

    Press (R/ZR) again to do tricks or bounce off the walls by using directional inputs. You can even jump between walls this way! Remember, riding along the wall builds up your speed, which is why mastering this mechanic is so beneficial.