Nintendo has confirmed that Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest installment in the Donkey Kong franchise, is being developed by the same team responsible for Super Mario Odyssey. While the company has not disclosed specific details about the director or key staff members, it has revealed that the director of Super Mario Odyssey is serving as a producer on Donkey Kong Bananza. The project originated from a request by Yoshiaki Koizumi for a 3D Donkey Kong game. Released on the Nintendo Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its inventive gameplay, core mechanics, and distinct identity separate from its predecessor. It has been described as a raucous, wildly inventive platformer that revitalizes one of Nintendo's iconic characters, earning high ratings and recognition as one of the best-reviewed games of 2025. The game features a cooperative mode and is noted for its clever design and engaging character relationships, solidifying its position as the Switch 2's first major single-player success.