Eight years after Super Mario Odyssey was released, Nintendo just showed off a game that feels eerily similar to the beloved Switch platformer – it's a new open-world game set in the Mario universe. This time,

Donkey Kong has been pulled up to the majors. The 2D platforming star is back in a 3D adventure for the first time since the absolutely terrible Donkey Kong 64. Fortunately, things look way better in Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2.

Donkey Kong Bananza could be what makes me buy a Nintendo Switch 2. Yes, other intriguing games are coming to Nintendo’s next handheld/console hybrid, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Mario Kart World. However, Bananza seems to be the unofficial Super Mario Odyssey sequel I’ve been waiting for.

Kevin Bayliss, formerly a character designer for Rare and the main artist behind Donkey Kong’s redesign for the Donkey Kong Country games, took to X to discuss online responses to DK’s new look. Bayliss is clearly a fan of the gorilla’s new design, and thinks it’s pretty clear that it’s better than his old one.

Donkey Kong's former designer has welcomed the character's latest look.

Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2 is bringing a redesign to the titular ape, and while it is a controversial choice, a former DK artist is for it.