As the gaming world eagerly awaits its July 17 release, Donkey Kong Bananza has already achieved remarkable success, securing its place among the top-rated games of 2025 according to multiple review aggregators. This Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive represents a significant milestone for the beloved franchise, being only the second full 3D adventure for Donkey Kong since 1999's Donkey Kong 64.

Early reviews have drawn favorable comparisons to Nintendo's platforming masterpieces like Super Mario Odyssey and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Critics and fans alike are praising the game's vibrant environments, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and the expressive animation of the iconic gorilla protagonist.

The game's critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with Metacritic reporting a score of 90 based on 80 reviews, while OpenCritic shows an average score of 91 from 45 critics. Reviewers consistently highlight the game's interactive world design and energetic musical score as standout features, with only minor concerns about performance that are expected to be addressed in the day-one patch.

Top 10 Highest-Rated Games of 2025 (as of July 16)

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (96)
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (95)
3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (93)
4. Blue Prince (92)
5. Split Fiction (91)
6. Donkey Kong Bananza (90)
7. despelote (89)
8. The Talos Principle: Reawakened (89)
9. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach (89)
10. Monster Hunter Wilds (88)

Notably, Donkey Kong Bananza shares the spotlight with other Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives in the top rankings, demonstrating the console's strong launch lineup. The enhanced capabilities of Nintendo's new hardware have reportedly elevated the gaming experience significantly compared to what would have been possible on the original Switch.

With Nintendo already hinting at potential future projects in both 2D and 3D formats for the franchise, Donkey Kong Bananza's early success suggests a bright future for the series. As players prepare for the official launch, the game's critical acclaim has generated significant excitement for DK's return to the spotlight in this ambitious new adventure.