Switch 2 title Donkey Kong Bananza to feature in June Nintendo Direct

Nintendo has revealed plans for an upcoming Direct presentation on June 18, which will highlight the eagerly awaited game, Donkey Kong Bananza. This first-party title is exclusively designed for the new Nintendo Switch 2 and is expected to launch next month. The live event will last approximately 15 minutes and will be available for viewing on Nintendo's official YouTube channel at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET / 6:30 PM IST. Although detailed content has yet to be revealed, Nintendo has indicated that the showcase will be centered around Donkey Kong Bananza, suggesting a potential look at gameplay. Donkey Kong Bananza was first unveiled during the Nintendo Switch 2 launch event on April 2. This game marks a significant return to the 3D action-adventure platformer genre for the beloved Donkey Kong franchise. Players can expect features such as environmental destruction, puzzle-solving elements, and treasure hunting. Slated for release on July 17, this title will not be accessible on the original Nintendo Switch. The announcement follows the recent launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, which debuted on June 5 with Mario Kart World as its flagship first-party game, alongside updated versions of classic titles and several third-party offerings. Despite a robust start, with sales surpassing 3.5 million units globally, the Switch 2 currently has a limited selection of first-party games. Looking ahead, Nintendo has announced upcoming titles for 2025, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Kirby Air Riders. Additionally, there is ongoing speculation about a new Mario title, although no official confirmation has been made. Doug Bowser, Nintendo's president for the American division, hinted in April that more well-established franchises will eventually make their way to the new platform. Recently, Nintendo also surprised fans by introducing Splatoon Raiders, a standalone spinoff of the popular Splatoon series, which is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, adding a fresh twist to its ink-based gameplay.