Donkey Kong Demo Debuts at U.S. Mall Kiosks

Donkey Kong Bananza demo is now available on Switch 2 kiosks in shopping centers across the United States. Read on to learn more about the exclusive playable demo and where Bananza fits in the Donkey Kong series timeline.

Donkey Kong Bananza Builds Excitement for Launch

Demo Now Playable on Switch 2 Kiosks

Ahead of its July release, Donkey Kong Bananza has appeared on Switch 2 kiosks in major U.S. retailers like Walmart and Target. On June 20, Reddit user ZiaMonic231 reported that these kiosks now offer a playable demo of DK Bananza.

The demo lasts about ten minutes, giving players the chance to experience the game using Nintendo's new Pro controller. This early access has led fans to speculate that a digital demo for DK Bananza might soon be released on the Switch 2 eShop.

Nintendo has not yet confirmed plans for an eShop demo. The company rarely releases digital demos for major titles like the Super Mario series, The Legend of Zelda games, and other first-party releases. Nonetheless, fans remain hopeful about the possibility of trying the game on their consoles a few weeks before launch.

A Potential Prequel to Super Mario Odyssey?

After DK’s longtime friend and sidekick Pauline was revealed in the DK Bananza Direct on June 18, Nintendo shared her age on the game’s Japanese website. This prompted questions about the game’s placement in the timeline relative to Super Mario Odyssey.

According to her character profile, Pauline is described as a 13-year-old girl who loves to sing. She once lived on the surface but was mysteriously taken to the underworld and transformed into a rock. In Super Mario Odyssey, she appears as an adult, serving as the mayor of New Donk City and the lead singer of a popular band.

This suggests Bananza could serve as a prequel to Odyssey, with its storyline focusing on DK helping Pauline return to the surface—something we know she achieves based on Odyssey. Fans are also curious to see how their dynamic evolves, given their history as kidnapper and victim since the original Donkey Kong arcade game.

DK Rap Composer Unaware of Inclusion in Bananza

During the DK Bananza Direct, fans learned that the DK Rap is making a return in the game. In a June 19 interview with Eurogamer, composer Grant Kirkhope revealed he was unaware the track would be used in the upcoming title. "Well, what can I say, the worst rap track in the history of rap tracks seems to be back again!," Kirkhope joked.

He expressed surprise at the song’s newfound popularity, noting that it originally received a negative response when Donkey Kong 64 launched. Kirkhope added, "My tombstone will read, 'Here lies the body of Grant Kirkhope, he wrote the DK Rap and the Goldeneye Pause Music'... Nothing else will matter!!"

Unfortunately, it appears Kirkhope will not receive credit for the song’s inclusion. A similar situation occurred in 2023 when the DK Rap was featured in The Super Mario Bros. Movie without his prior knowledge. Kirkhope told Eurogamer on April 29 he approached Nintendo after the film’s release seeking clarification.

He explained, "[Nintendo] said we decided that any music quoted from the games we owned would not credit the composers—apart from Koji Kondo. Then they decided anything with vocals would be credited, so the DK Rap qualified. But if we also own it, they decided not to credit the composers. And that was the final nail in the coffin."

Music plays a central role in the game, enabling DK’s transformations—making the inclusion of the iconic DK Rap a natural fit. The game will also feature a music player, allowing fans to listen to Pauline’s songs and other soundtracks.

Donkey Kong Bananza launches on July 17, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. For the latest updates and details about the game, don’t miss our article below!