The reward for achieving 100% completion in Donkey Kong Bananza is, to put it mildly, underwhelming. As Nintendo's newest 3D platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza is packed with an abundance of collectibles for players to discover. With 777 bananas to locate, 696 fossils to unearth, and 110 music discs to gather, completing everything in the game is no small task. While the journey itself is enjoyable, the final reward leaves much to be desired.

Completing the main storyline of Donkey Kong Bananza provides players with a satisfying conclusion to the central conflict, though it temporarily separates Donkey Kong and Pauline. However, as players delve into the post-game content, the duo is quickly reunited, embarking on a fresh adventure. The post-game challenges are among the most difficult in the game, requiring at least 600 bananas to unlock. Despite the effort required, the ultimate reward for full completion falls short of expectations.

The reward for achieving 100% completion in Donkey Kong Bananza consists of a slightly altered ending and a nostalgic redesign of the balloons that save DK from falling—a callback to the Donkey Kong Country series. While there may be undiscovered elements, the current reward feels lackluster, especially considering the 50+ hours needed to collect everything. Many players, myself included, anticipated a secret level or a more substantial ending, making the actual reward a letdown.

This issue isn't unique to Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo has a history of underwhelming rewards for full completion, as seen in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, where collecting all Korok Seeds yields a humorous but ultimately disappointing prize. It's a trend that many fans hope Nintendo will reconsider in future titles.

Despite the disappointing reward, Donkey Kong Bananza remains one of the standout games of the year. As the best exclusive title for the Switch 2 so far, it offers hours of entertainment. However, if you're debating whether to pursue 100% completion, the answer depends on whether you're still enjoying the hunt. If the collectible chase has lost its appeal, rest assured—you're not missing much.