Title: Donkey Kong Bananza DLC Review: DK Island & Emerald Rush Fan Service
Nintendo Switch 2 owners have enjoyed Donkey Kong Bananza since its July 2025 launch, with the game earning praise for its vibrant presentation, humorous story, and engaging gameplay. As a flagship title for the console, it provided a compelling reason for many to invest in the Switch 2. When Nintendo announced additional downloadable content for later in the year, anticipation grew about what new adventures awaited DK fans.
This story first appeared on eamvisiondirect.com.
DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC Overview
The DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC introduces a fresh location and new activities, shifting the focus from underground banandium gem hunting to a partnership between DK and Pauline as they seek green emeralds with an unexpected ally. While this expansion delights with numerous callbacks to the Donkey Kong series, it may fall short for players seeking substantial new content beyond the fan service.
- Release Date: September 12, 2025
- ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence
- Base Game: Donkey Kong Bananza
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Multiplayer: Local Co-Op
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer
Returning to DK Island: A Nostalgic Trip
The highlight of the DLC is undoubtedly DK Island, a locale deeply rooted in Donkey Kong 64 lore. While Donkey Kong Country on SNES holds an iconic status, Donkey Kong 64’s impact on the franchise is undeniable, and this expansion pays homage to both eras. The island’s design mirrors its Nintendo 64 predecessor, featuring familiar pathways and explorable areas accessible on foot or via ground-surfing mechanics.
Key points of interest include Donkey Kong’s tree house and the coastal shipwreck, nodding to titles like Donkey Kong Country Returns, Donkey Kong Country 2, and even Donkey Konga from the GameCube era. These references are plentiful and enjoyable for series veterans, though some deeper Easter eggs may require a keen eye to spot.
Originally published on eamvisiondirect.com, our initial review noted the DLC’s strengths and limitations.
Notable Omissions and Limited Appeal
Despite the wealth of references, the expansion curiously omits key elements from Donkey Kong 64. Characters like Chunky Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and even Wrinkly Kong’s ghost are absent, which may disappoint fans hoping for a comprehensive nostalgic experience. While animal allies and earlier DK game characters receive nods, the lack of Donkey Kong 64-specific content feels like a missed opportunity.
In summary, the DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC serves as enjoyable fan service but offers limited depth beyond its nostalgic appeal. For more in-depth gaming insights, check out our full analysis on eamvisiondirect.com.
