Nintendo's Switch 2 hands-on event has come and gone, and while many were expecting a new 3D Mario game to take center stage, it was Donkey Kong Bananza that stole the show. According to Ash Parrish, a reporter who covers the business, culture, and communities of video games, Donkey Kong Bananza is perfectly positioned to fill the plumber-shaped platforming hole left by the absence of a new Mario game.

In Donkey Kong Bananza, the Kong Kingdom has been hit by a gold rush, with everyone obsessed with digging up precious metals and gems, including diamonds suspiciously shaped like bananas. These banana gems function similarly to the power moons in Super Mario Odyssey, with Donkey Kong traveling the world to dig them up or fight monsters who've stolen them. The game's detailed world offers a new level of depth, with players able to platform above ground and dig below ground to find hidden treasures or simply smash things for fun.

Donkey Kong himself has received a new design, making him more expressive and fun to watch as he smashes, punches, and chucks rocks around. The game also features a neat little sidekick, similar to Mario's hat friend Cappy from Super Mario Odyssey. The gameplay beats are similar to those in Super Mario Odyssey, with players using their platforming skills to collect special "jiggies" while thwarting a team of cool-looking villains.

According to Parrish, who surveyed the press at the event, everyone agreed that Donkey Kong Bananza was the best game on show. While a new Switch 2 Mario platformer is still expected, Donkey Kong Bananza is more than capable of taking its place. The game's addition of destructible environments and other minor tweaks keeps the gameplay loop fresh and exciting.

The success of Donkey Kong Bananza at the Switch 2 hands-on event is a testament to Nintendo's ability to create engaging and innovative games that appeal to a wide range of players. With the Switch 2 set to launch soon, gamers can look forward to experiencing Donkey Kong Bananza and other exciting titles on the new console.

In related news, the Switch 2 has been making headlines with its new mouse-like controls, which have received mixed reviews from gamers and critics alike. The console's pricing is also a topic of discussion, with many wondering how the Trump tariffs will affect the final cost. Despite these uncertainties, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be an exciting new addition to the gaming world, and Donkey Kong Bananza is just one of the many reasons to get excited.