Donkey Kong has been pulled up to the majors. The 2D platforming star is back in a 3D adventure for the first time since the absolutely terrible Donkey Kong 64. Fortunately, things look way better in Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2.

Donkey Kong Bananza could be what makes me buy a Nintendo Switch 2. Yes, other intriguing games are coming to Nintendo’s next handheld/console hybrid, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Mario Kart World. However, Bananza seems to be the unofficial Super Mario Odyssey sequel I’ve been waiting for.

Nintendo is switching a few things up with its new console as it enters the next generation of gaming. The Switch 2 was unveiled Wednesday morning during a Nintendo Direct press conference, and Variety got a hands-on demo with the hardware and games launching on June 5.

Kevin Bayliss, formerly a character designer for Rare and the main artist behind Donkey Kong’s redesign for the Donkey Kong Country games, took to X to discuss online responses to DK’s new look. Bayliss is clearly a fan of the gorilla’s new design, and thinks it’s pretty clear that it’s better than his old one.

Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2 is bringing a redesign to the titular ape, and while it is a controversial choice, a former DK artist is for it.