Donkey Kong Bananza Switch 2 Demo Hits U.S. Mall Kiosks

Donkey Kong Bananza’s playable demo is now live on Switch 2 kiosks in U.S. shopping malls. Dive into details about this exclusive demo and its place in the Donkey Kong timeline.

Donkey Kong Bananza Gears Up for Release

Switch 2 Kiosk Demo Now Live

As the July launch approaches, Donkey Kong Bananza is available to play on Switch 2 kiosks in U.S. stores like Walmart and Target. A Reddit post by user ZiaMonic231 on June 20 revealed that these kiosks now offer a hands-on demo of the game.

The demo, lasting about 10 minutes, lets players test the game with Nintendo’s new Pro controller. This has sparked speculation among fans that a demo might soon appear on the Switch 2 eShop.

Nintendo has not yet confirmed a digital demo for the eShop, as the company rarely releases online demos for major titles like Super Mario or The Legend of Zelda. Still, fans are eager to try Bananza on their Switch 2 before its official release.

A Prequel to Super Mario Odyssey?

After the DK Bananza Direct on June 18 showcased Pauline, Donkey Kong’s longtime friend, Nintendo’s Japanese website revealed her age. This has fueled speculation about the game’s timeline relative to Super Mario Odyssey.

Pauline’s profile describes her as “a 13-year-old singer who lived on the surface but was mysteriously taken to the underworld and turned to stone.” In contrast, Odyssey shows her as an adult, mayor of New Donk City, and a celebrated band leader.

This suggests Bananza could be a prequel to Odyssey, with its story centered on Donkey Kong helping Pauline return to the surface—a journey Odyssey confirms she completes. Yet, their history as victim and kidnapper from the original Donkey Kong arcade game leaves fans wondering how Bananza will explore their dynamic.

DK Rap Composer Surprised by Its Inclusion

The DK Bananza Direct revealed that the iconic DK Rap will feature in the game. In a June 19 Eurogamer interview, composer Grant Kirkhope shared he was unaware his song would be included. “It’s the worst rap track ever, and yet it’s back!” Kirkhope remarked.

He expressed surprise at the song’s newfound popularity, noting its initial backlash when Donkey Kong 64 launched. Kirkhope humorously added, “My tombstone will say, ‘Grant Kirkhope, writer of the DK Rap and Goldeneye Pause Music’—nothing else will matter!”

Unfortunately, Kirkhope may not receive credit for the song’s use. A similar issue arose in 2023 when the DK Rap appeared in the Super Mario Bros. Movie without his knowledge. In an April 29 Eurogamer interview, he explained Nintendo’s stance: “They decided not to credit composers for music quoted from games they own, except for Koji Kondo. Vocal tracks like DK Rap should get credit, but if Nintendo owns it, they won’t credit the composer.”

Music plays a key role in Bananza, driving Donkey Kong’s transformations and featuring a music player for Pauline’s songs and other tracks. The inclusion of the DK Rap is a fitting nod to fans.

Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17, 2025, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Check out our article below for the latest updates on the game!