Nintendo Switch 2 owners have enjoyed Donkey Kong Bananza since its July 2025 release, with the game earning widespread praise for its vibrant presentation, humorous storyline, and engaging gameplay. As a flagship title for Nintendo’s newest console, it provided compelling reasons for players to invest in the hardware. When Nintendo announced additional downloadable content would arrive later in the year, anticipation built around what new experiences the expansion might deliver.
The DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC introduces a compact expansion to the main game, offering a fresh location to discover and new activities to master. Rather than pursuing banandium gems underground, Donkey Kong partners with Pauline and an unexpected ally to hunt for green emeralds. Throughout this new adventure, longtime series fans encounter numerous nostalgic references and callbacks to various Donkey Kong titles, though this fan service ultimately constitutes the DLC’s primary appeal.
Exploring DK Island’s Legacy
The DLC’s main attraction lies in returning to DK Island, a location deeply connected to Donkey Kong 64 on the Nintendo 64 – arguably one of the franchise’s most beloved entries. While many consider the SNES’s Donkey Kong Country more iconic, Donkey Kong 64 remains a influential title that significantly shaped the series’ direction. The new content thoughtfully acknowledges both perspectives through numerous references spanning the DK universe.
The island’s layout closely mirrors its Donkey Kong 64 counterpart, featuring interconnected pathways and explorable areas accessible by foot or via ground-surfing mechanics. Players will discover numerous destructible environments and hidden corners, though most will gravitate toward key landmarks like Donkey Kong’s treehouse and the coastal shipwreck near surrounding islets. These locations cleverly nod to games including Donkey Kong Country Returns, Donkey Kong Country 2, and even the GameCube’s Donkey Konga. While obvious references will delight casual fans, deeper cuts reward those with extensive series knowledge.
Notable Omissions and Limited Scope
Despite abundant references to Donkey Kong Country games and recent franchise entries, several conspicuous absences may puzzle dedicated fans. While the island itself expands creatively upon its Donkey Kong 64 foundation, many characters from that game remain entirely missing. No traces appear of Chunky Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, or even Wrinkly Kong’s ghostly presence, despite their significance to the original adventure. Though earlier DK characters and animal allies receive representation, the absence of these Donkey Kong 64 elements feels particularly noticeable.
Our coverage suggests the DLC ultimately functions as competent fan service without substantial gameplay innovations. The emerald hunting mechanics provide adequate diversion, and local co-op maintains the base game’s enjoyable multiplayer dynamics. However, players seeking meaningful narrative development or significant mechanical evolution may find the expansion’s offerings somewhat limited beyond its nostalgic appeal.
The DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC delivers precisely what it promises: a heartfelt tribute to Donkey Kong’s history that will particularly resonate with series enthusiasts. While it doesn’t revolutionize the Bananza experience, it provides a satisfying extension for players craving more time in this colorful world and additional opportunities to explore the franchise’s rich legacy.
