After months of fan theories and speculation, Nintendo has officially confirmed that the team behind Super Mario Odyssey is leading development on the highly anticipated 3D platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza.
The confirmation comes from a hands-on preview event, where outlets like Shacknews were able to verify that Nintendo EPD (Entertainment Planning & Development) and 1-Up Studio—the same studios responsible for Mario’s 2017 3D adventure—are developing the upcoming Donkey Kong title.
While Nintendo has yet to detail which specific developers are returning, this announcement has certainly heightened expectations for the project.
A Promising Future for Donkey Kong’s Return
First unveiled during the April 2, 2025 Switch 2 Direct, Donkey Kong Bananza introduces a new underground adventure starring Donkey Kong and a young Pauline as they search for mystical Banandium Gems—powerful artifacts said to grant wishes.
The June 18 follow-up stream provided further details on gameplay, showing off vibrant environments, dual-character mechanics, and an array of collectibles reminiscent of classic 3D platformers.
Now, fans have even more reason to be excited. With Super Mario Odyssey widely considered one of the best 3D platformers in recent memory, the same creative force behind that game taking charge of Bananza sets a strong precedent.
Early Clues Were Hiding in Plain Sight
Long before Nintendo’s confirmation, sharp-eyed fans noticed striking similarities between Donkey Kong Bananza and Odyssey. For instance, the shop interfaces, UI elements, and even the Banandium Gem collection screen bear a clear resemblance to Odyssey’s Power Moon system. The art direction, animations, and smooth world transitions also hinted at a shared design philosophy.
Another connection comes in the form of Pauline, who was reintroduced in Super Mario Odyssey as the mayor of New Donk City. In Bananza, she returns as a young adventurer, suggesting either a timeline shift or a creative reinterpretation—possibly building on or reimagining the Odyssey universe.
While this is great news for Donkey Kong fans, it also means that a new mainline 3D Mario might still be some time away. If a significant portion of Nintendo EPD’s team is focused on Bananza, the next big Mario game may follow later in the Switch 2’s lifecycle.
Still, considering the talent involved, Donkey Kong Bananza may well deliver the kind of high-quality, innovative platforming experience fans have come to expect from Nintendo’s top-tier studios.
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