Like many gamers with semi-disposable income, I bought aNintendo Switch 2on launch day. I know it isn’t the most technically impressive generational leap, but for someone who’s used to playing on aLet’s Go Pikachu & EeveeSwitch modelfrom 2018, it’s quite the jump. The graphics, the framerates, even the new UI for the Switch 2 system menu are enough to impress me thoroughly right now.
But even then, it’s less so the improvements themselves and more what they open up for me. I lost interest in most first-party Nintendo franchises a few years ago due to the original Switch’s shortcomings, so theNintendo Switch 2isn’t just my gateway to the future of Nintendo, but to the past as well. And right now, the Switch 2 is my gateway to a franchise I haven’t touched in over 20 years.
My History With The Donkey Kong Franchise Has Been Short But Sweet
My One and Only Donkey Kong Game
One of my very first video game consoles as a kid was my parents' beat-up Game Boy. We only had a handful of games for it, and most of the cartridges had seen better days. To this day, I have no idea if theZeldagame I played as a kid wasLink’s Awakeningbecause the front of the cartridge was ripped off.
But one of the few games kept in pristine condition wasDonkey Kong Countryfor the Game Boy Color. Of course,Game Boy Color gamesdon’t work on the original Game Boy, but little 3-year-old me didn’t know that. I remember staring longingly at Donkey Kong’s face on the transparent cartridge, wondering just what kind of crazy antics that gorilla could be getting up to.
I never played that version ofDonkey Kong Country. Instead, a few years later I was gifted a blueGame Boy Advance SPfor my birthday, the first console I properly owned, and one that’s managed to survive two decades of wear and tear, and even a water bath courtesy of my then-4-year-old sister. Along with it cameDonkey Kong Country, a 2003 remake that’s apparently a sizable downgrade from the original SNES version. But I didn’t know that at the time.
All I knew was that I could finally playDonkey Kong Country, and the wait was worth it. The music, the visuals, the addictively frustrating minecart missions. I loved all of it. My obsession was so strong that even two decades later I still hearKing K. Rool’s boss fight musicechoing in my ears, usually at the most inopportune moments.
Watching Donkey Kong From The Wings
But for some reason,Donkey Kong Countrywas my one and only brush with the long-running Nintendo franchise. I’ve never played theDK Countrysequels. I’ve never tried the ambitious Nintendo 64 game. I haven’t even dipped my toes into theDonkey Kongentries on Nintendo Switch. This hasn’t been an active effort on my part; I just haven’t had the desire to jump into any of theDonkey Konggames that have passed me by over the years. But that’s all about to change.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Opening a Lot of Gorilla-Shaped Doors
Donkey Kong Bananza Is My Most Anticipated Game of the Year
Out of nowhere, I’m suddenly incredibly excited forDonkey Kong Bananza, and I can pinpoint a few reasons behind my unexpected interest. First and foremost, I’m desperate formore Nintendo Switch 2 games. After a week and a bit with the console, I feel like I’m still just scratching the surface of what it can do, and I’m hopingDonkey Kong Bananzawill be a great demonstration of its shiny new features.
It also helps thatDonkey Kong Bananza’s gameplay is much more my speed than previous entries in the franchise. I enjoy 2D side-scrollers, but it’s far from my favorite genre. 3D platformers are much more up my alley, and I’ve been a sucker for destruction mechanics ever since2001’sRed Faction.
I also find myself leaning more towards breezy, colorful adventures at the minute. I love hard-hitting narratives like the ones found inThe Last of Us,God of War Ragnarok, and the recentClair Obscur: Expedition 33, but I often feel the need to balance those out with less-intensive experiences.
It Might Be Time to Revisit Some Older Donkey Kong Entries
ButDonkey Kong Bananzaisn’t out for another month. While I wait, I’m strongly considering making my way through the entireDonkey Kongfranchise’s back-catalogue. Nintendo Switch Online has a fewDonkey Kong Landgamesthat I’ve heard good things about, and there are a few Switch 1DKentries that I’m sure will look at least a little brighter and run a little better on Switch 2. It’s time for me to make up for some lost time.
