Nintendo revives nostalgia with Donkey Kong Bananza DLC today

Few characters in the history of video games have managed to inspire as much excitement as Donkey Kong . Since he won over millions with Donkey Kong Country in the 90s, each new announcement related to Nintendo's most famous gorilla generates worldwide excitement. This time was no exception: during the Nintendo Direct , the company surprised fans with the immediate release of the first Donkey Kong Bananza DLC .

The new downloadable content, titled DK Island + Emerald Hunt , marks a nostalgic return to settings that remind players of the magic of Super Nintendo classics. Leaping through vines, mysterious jungles, and iconic enemies reappear with a modern twist that blends traditional platforming with innovative mechanics.

DK Island is not only a visual homage, but also a fresh challenge: each stage was designed to balance nostalgia with the difficulty expected by today's players.

Beyond exploration, the DLC introduces the so-called Emerald Hunt , a roguelite- style game mode where each playthrough changes. Here, players must face unpredictable challenges and collect as many emeralds as possible before being defeated.

This proposal connects with a current trend in video games: offering replayable experiences that keep players engaged. Nintendo is betting heavily on keeping Donkey Kong Bananza in the gaming conversation throughout 2025.

What surprised fans most was the immediacy: Nintendo released the DLC on September 12, 2025 , without long waits. What's more, those who haven't yet tried the base game will be able to do so thanks to the free demo available on Nintendo Switch 2 , a strategic move to attract new players.

The DLC promises to extend the lifespan of one of the most celebrated titles of the year, which is already in the running for Game of the Year .

With over a decade without a first-party title before Bananza, the return of Donkey Kong represents a sure bet for Nintendo. The blend of nostalgia, innovation, and accessibility makes this installment one of the most relevant in the gaming calendar.

DK Island isn't just a setting: it's a bridge between generations, a reminder of how video games can unite past and present in a single adventure.