Nintendo Confirms Donkey Kong Dev, Fuels Switch 2 Mario Hype

Nintendo has officially disclosed the creative force behind Donkey Kong Bananza - confirming fan speculation that the Super Mario Odyssey team is developing this highly anticipated Switch 2 title.

Odyssey Dream Team Reunites

During a recent presentation attended by IGN prior to hands-on previews, Nintendo revealed that the same talented developers behind Super Mario Odyssey are crafting the new Donkey Kong adventure.

This disclosure follows initial secrecy regarding the development team, even after Bananza was showcased during the Switch 2's worldwide launch tour.

A Logical Creative Connection

The confirmation hardly surprises observant fans. Clever players had noted striking similarities between the two titles - particularly their shared focus on character Pauline - suggesting Odyssey's developers were likely involved.

Originally released in October 2017, Super Mario Odyssey was directed by Kenta Motokura (Super Mario 3D World) with veteran producers Yoshiaki Koizumi (Super Mario Galaxy) and Koichi Hayashida (Super Mario Galaxy 2) at the helm.

Industry Legends Reunite

While Nintendo hasn't specified whether the entire Odyssey team returned for Bananza, particular attention focuses on Koizumi's potential involvement.

The legendary Nintendo creative force - instrumental in the original Switch's creation - notably missed Switch 2's announcement. With thirty years at Nintendo spanning illustration work to directing Super Mario Sunshine, Koizumi's fingerprints appear on every major 3D Mario title since Galaxy.

Future Mario Implications

As Odyssey remains Nintendo's latest 3D Mario entry, Bananza's development raises questions about potential parallel Mario projects for Switch 2. The full credits upon release may offer further insights.

The Mario team's shift to Donkey Kong for Switch 2's launch window marks a notable departure from tradition, as this prestigious slot typically features Mario platformers.

Pauline's Expanded Role

The Odyssey connections deepen with Bananza's portrayal of Pauline. The Switch platformer revived Pauline as New Donk City's musical mayor, while Bananza features a younger version as DK's singing companion.

The developers' rare confirmation of Pauline's age has fueled speculation that Bananza might serve as both an Odyssey prequel and potential origin story for the original arcade Mario-DK rivalry.

Donkey Kong Bananza arrives July 17, 2025 as Nintendo's flagship Switch 2 summer release, preceding Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends Z-A later in the year.