After months of anticipation, Nintendo has finally confirmed that the creative minds behind Super Mario Odyssey are the same team developing Donkey Kong Bananza. This highly anticipated 3D platformer marks the next major installment in the beloved Donkey Kong franchise, where players will embark on an underground adventure as Donkey Kong and Pauline to uncover mysterious Banandium Gems and their wish-granting powers.

Originally unveiled during the April 2, 2025 Switch 2 Direct presentation, Donkey Kong Bananza captured fans' imaginations with its vibrant visuals and innovative gameplay. Nintendo further expanded on these elements during a follow-up showcase on June 18, 2025, though the development team's identity remained shrouded in mystery - until now.

The speculation finally ended at a recent hands-on preview event, where Nintendo confirmed that both Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development and 1-Up Studio - the teams responsible for Super Mario Odyssey - are leading Donkey Kong Bananza's development. While specific team members haven't been disclosed, this revelation has significantly raised expectations for the game's quality and innovation.

Several clues in the gameplay footage hinted at this connection long before the official announcement. Observant fans noted striking similarities between Bananza and Odyssey, particularly in the artistic design of in-game shops and user interfaces. The collection animation for Banandium Gems bears a remarkable resemblance to Mario's Power Moon gathering sequence, and Pauline's return - now as a younger version of her Super Mario Odyssey mayor character - suggests deeper narrative ties between the two games.

This development news, while exciting for Donkey Kong fans, does suggest that Nintendo's next flagship 3D Super Mario title might be further off than some hoped. However, with the Odyssey team's proven track record for creating exceptional platforming experiences, Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be a potential system-seller for the upcoming Switch 2 console.