Donkey Kong Bananza’s Developer Finally Isn’t a Secret

Videos by ComicBook.com

Donkey Kong Bananza is being developed by Nintendo EPD, specifically the Super Mario Odyssey team. This detail was officially revealed by Nintendo reps during a recent hands-on preview of the game that I attended. While the confirmation is a welcome one, this wasn’t a hugely surprising revelation; fans have spent the last 8 years wondering what the Super Mario Odyssey team has been up to. On top of that, there seems to be a lot of tissue connecting the 2017 game to Donkey Kong Bananza. Both games feature similar 3D gameplay and a massive scope, and there’s also the fact that Pauline plays a significant role in both games.

pauline was a big part of super mario odyssey, and her role is even bigger in bananza

Now that we know Nintendo EPD is the team behind Donkey Kong Bananza, it will be interesting to see what this means for Mario’s next 3D adventure. Bananza should satisfy those looking for a 3D adventure game on Nintendo Switch 2, but it still seems to be very much a Donkey Kong game at its core. Those hoping for the true successor to Super Mario Odyssey are likely hoping to see what’s next for the mustachioed mascot himself. Some have speculated that it could be a long wait, depending on when Nintendo EPD began and finished work on Bananza.

Rumors have suggested that a new 3D Mario game is still in the works for Nintendo Switch 2. Right now, it’s impossible to say how soon that might happen, but it’s hard to imagine a new 3D Mario game not being in development given the fact that a new Mario movie is coming in 2026. However, it’s just as possible we could end up with a sequel or follow-up to Super Mario Bros. Wonder next year instead.

For now, Mario fans are going to have to wait patiently to see what the Nintendo Switch 2 era holds for the character. 2025 happens to be the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros., and Nintendo offered a significant number of announcements related to the 35th anniversary five years ago. It’s possible the company is keeping some secrets at the moment, possibly for the next big Nintendo Direct, whenever that might be.

Are you excited to see what the Super Mario Odyssey team does with Donkey Kong Bananza? Do you think it’ll be a long time before the next 3D Mario game? Share your thoughts with me directly on Bluesky at @Marcdachamp, or on Instagram at @Dachampgaming!