The Nintendo Change 2 is actual! Though we should wait till April for extra particulars on the upcoming system, there’s one factor we all know for certain: It is going to ship new takes on beloved Nintendo franchises, particularly ones starring Mario. Nevertheless, I’ve an excellent feeling that Nintendo is gearing as much as highlight a traditional character who debuted alongside Jumpman in arcades in 1981. 2025 will not simply be the 12 months of the Nintendo Change 2—it can even be the 12 months of Donkey Kong.
Out of the Jungle
The 12 months of Donkey Kong has already begun. It is January, and Nintendo’s first launch, the sport that dropped in shops the identical day because the Change 2 trailer, is Donkey Kong Nation Returns HD. Granted, it isn’t a brand new title. As a substitute, it’s a high-definition remaster of the unique Wii recreation that bundles the additional ranges from the 3DS port. It’s not fairly pretty much as good as its sequel, Donkey Kong Nation: Tropical Freeze, which is already out there on the Change.
Examine Out These Cool Donkey Kong Video games
Nonetheless, Donkey Kong Nation Returns HD is a unbelievable recreation in its personal proper. In 2010, it wowed us with its great and surprisingly troublesome 2D platforming that honored Uncommon’s unique SNES trilogy (even with out the villainous Kremlings). Developer Retro Studios proved it may do extra than simply Metroid Prime.
It’s value enjoying, particularly in the event you’ve by no means tried it and gained’t discover the small, bizarre graphical points within the in any other case lovely remaster. However returning to Donkey Kong Nation Returns is only the start.
Nintendo can also be slowly increasing its Tremendous Nintendo World theme parks. There are places in Japan and Hollywood, with extra expansions slated for Florida and Singapore. However together with including extra places, Tremendous Nintendo World is gaining new points of interest. Naturally, the park debuted with Tremendous Mario Land, and late in 2024 it obtained its first main growth: Donkey Kong Nation.
The immersive Donkey Kong zone has all the pieces you’d anticipate from an attraction based mostly on the property, together with meals served in barrels and curler coasters modeled after mine cart chases. The aesthetic apes Donkey Kong’s fashionable video games, together with Donkey Kong Nation Returns. Nintendo has many iconic franchises to attract from when rising its theme park, from Animal Crossing to Zelda. These are all most likely coming, too. Nevertheless, Donkey Kong was the precedence. However why?
The Nice Ape Returns
Remasters and theme parks are all properly and good, however they’re a bit anecdotal as proof for an enormous Donkey Kong revival. We’re searching for the juicy clue, the true proof, the Donkey Kong lore that may bowl us over. We obtained it throughout the Change 2 reveal trailer.
Nintendo solely showcased one recreation for its upcoming system: the extremely anticipated next-gen Mario Kart. The web has already pored over the footage, noticing particulars like 24 racers on an expanded stage. However the largest revelation is that Donkey Kong himself sports activities a radical redesign, a extra cartoonish look that remembers his arcade days. In truth, it seems to be extraordinarily just like his look within the smash-hit Tremendous Mario Bros. Film. That movie is getting a sequel in 2026, with a Donkey Kong spin-off presumably quickly after.
Have a look at the far proper to see DK’s new design in Mario Kart for the Change 2 (Credit score: Nintendo)
All of this makes the Donkey Kong push really feel coordinated and intentional. However to make all of it make sense, it wants yet another massive swing. That’s why I’m satisfied the celebrities are aligning, and 2025 will see the discharge of an enormous, new Donkey Kong journey for the Nintendo Change 2. By way of significance, will probably be the equal of a flagship Mario recreation, the Change 2’s Tremendous Mario Odyssey. I believe the identical improvement workforce, Nintendo Tokyo, will work on it. Earlier than dazzling us with Tremendous Mario Galaxy, that group debuted with the bonkers bongo platformer Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (which must also come again). So, a brand new Donkey Kong recreation would carry issues full circle.
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2025 will not simply be the 12 months of the Nintendo Change 2—it can even be the 12 months of Donkey Kong.
Extra realistically, I feel this would be the subsequent mainline Mario recreation at the beginning, however Donkey Kong will play a outstanding function. The Tremendous Mario Bros. Film teased a little bit of their frenemy dynamic. The Mario vs. Donkey Kong collection is a nice assortment of puzzle platformers, however this might a real blockbuster, Nintendo’s tackle Godzilla vs. Kong.
For many years, ever since Donkey Kong 64, ape-heads like me have dreamed of an excellent 3D Donkey Kong journey (developer Vicarious Visions even pitched one referred to as Donkey Kong Freedom). This crossover will lastly make good on all that superior potential. I did not even give you this idea. For years, the web has chatted about this tantalizing team-up, even when it is extra of a want than a stable rumor. Nonetheless, I believe this potential recreation would be the Nintendo Change 2’s principal vacation title, and we’ll get a primary look throughout the April Nintendo Direct.
It’s Donkey Kong’s Nation, We Simply Reside in It
The Change 2 reveal proved that some rumors are correct—however some are issues we simply wish to see. Perhaps all these Donkey Kong happenings are only a coincidence, and Nintendo is content material with letting him be a facet character.
However I place confidence in Donkey Kong. A gorilla in a monogrammed necktie is simply too good to waste. I am unable to simply sit again and paradoxically watch episodes of the hideous DK cartoon eternally. That is why I’ve to imagine that in 2025, the world will get a brand new, epic Donkey Kong expertise that is solely attainable with the ability of Nintendo Change 2. Considering in any other case is simply bananas.
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About Jordan Minor
Senior Analyst, Software program
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