Nintendo producer won’t confirm another 3D Donkey Kong, but Bananza’s success gives him leverage

Kenta Motokura, producer on Donkey Kong Bananza, said he could not confirm whether Nintendo planned another full 3D Donkey Kong game, but added that Bananza’s strong reception has given him a clearer way to “communicate the potential” of the character to the company. Motokura made the remarks during an interview published March 13, 2026, with Game Informer.

Donkey Kong has mostly appeared in two-dimensional platformers in recent years, even in high-profile releases such as Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze. Bananza, which arrived in 2025, shifted the series back into full 3D and drew wide attention. Motokura said seeing players enjoy Donkey Kong in that form eased concerns within Nintendo about where the character could go next.

“I guess maybe what stands out to me is the idea, first of all, that Donkey Kong, as a character—and this is true for Mario as well—really are a part of Nintendo,” Motokura said. “For me, being able to see people have fun once again with the character of Donkey Kong helps me communicate the potential for that character. I have a sense of relief knowing that’s something that people can enjoy in the future as well.” He also declined to comment on “any specifics of future plans.”

Motokura has previously noted that elements from Bananza could inform Nintendo’s next major project, even if the company ultimately prioritizes ideas that feel fresh to players. That cautious tone matched his reluctance to tie Bananza’s success to any announced follow-up.

For background on wider development and reception around Bananza and the Switch 2 launch window, see reporting that linked the game to platform timing and reactions from original Donkey Kong Country artists: Nintendo reportedly delayed Switch 2 for Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza and Donkey Kong Bananza earns nod from original Donkey Kong Country artists.

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Donkey Kong Bananza

Developed by Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 8

Donkey Kong Bananza is exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2! Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it! Bash, throw, and climb through just about anything in DK’s brand-new 3D platforming action-adventure game!

• Genre: Platform, Adventure
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch
• Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
• Release: 2025-07-17
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Age Rating: PEGI 7 / CERO A / CLASS_IND L / USK 6 / ESRB E10+ / ACB PG / GRAC ALL
• IGDB Rating: 94.1/100

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