While the Nintendo Switch 2 currently has a limited library of exclusive titles, two stand out: Mario Kart World Tour and Donkey Kong Bananza. Both are excellent, but Donkey Kong Bananza has firmly established itself as one of the year's best games and an essential purchase for any Switch 2 owner.
Donkey Kong Bananza Stands Alone as 2025's Only Masterpiece
Donkey Kong Bananza Review by Logan Plant
"Donkey Kong makes a triumphant return to kick some tail in Donkey Kong Bananza, a brilliant follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey and a spectacular comeback for the classic character. Choosing Donkey Kong over Mario for the Switch 2's flagship 3D platformer was a bold move for Nintendo, but it has paid off brilliantly. DK's incredibly satisfying movement and powerful, dynamic moveset form the foundation of a truly groundbreaking adventure. The ambitious, destructible layers of this underground world are densely packed with rewarding collectibles, abundant charm, and clever challenges that constantly introduce fresh ideas, even long after the main story concludes. Over its 20-hour campaign and beyond, Bananza builds to a constant crescendo, with puzzle-platforming concepts that grow richer as DK and Pauline journey deeper toward the Planet Core. Every component works in perfect harmony to create Nintendo's first undeniable masterpiece for the Switch 2."
We not only awarded Donkey Kong Bananza a perfect 10/10 score, but it also remains the only game to receive our Masterpiece rating this year. While competition among Switch 2 exclusives in 2025 has been light, the year has been fantastic for console gaming overall. We've seen some of the finest releases in recent memory, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Death Stranding 2, and Doom: The Dark Ages—all of which came close to a Masterpiece score but ultimately fell just short. This isn't to say Donkey Kong Bananza is definitively better than those titles, as different reviewers handled each one, but it highlights the game's exceptional quality and unique merits that earned it such a prestigious accolade.
Pick It Up in Under an Hour at Best Buy
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Nintendo Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bananza
Explore a vast underground world by smashing your way through it! Use Donkey Kong's raw power to bash through almost anything! Exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system.$69.99 at Best Buy
If you're convinced and eager to get your hands on a copy, the most reliable method is to order online for in-store pickup at a retailer like Best Buy, Target, or Walmart. Best Buy, for instance, often has orders ready for pickup within an hour. Ordering online in advance is more convenient, as it guarantees the item is in stock and saves you from searching the store shelves. Don't expect to find a discount, however. We haven't seen any deals for this game and don't anticipate any before Black Friday. That said, you can still find value. Best Buy offers rewards points for every purchase with its free membership program, and Best Buy cardholders earn 5% cashback, similar to perks from Target's Circle card or Amazon's Prime card.
