Nintendo confirms Donkey Kong studio, Switch 2 Mario buzz grows

Nintendo has officially confirmed the development team behind Donkey Kong Bananza, revealing that the highly anticipated Switch 2 title is being created by the same core team responsible for Super Mario Odyssey.

Odyssey Team Returns for New DK Adventure

During a pre-preview presentation attended by IGN, Nintendo disclosed that the staff who crafted the acclaimed 3D Mario platformer are now developing this fresh Donkey Kong experience. This confirmation follows months of speculation after the game's appearance during the Switch 2's global launch tour.

The revelation confirms fan theories that linked the two projects through their shared focus on character Pauline and similar creative DNA. However, Nintendo hasn't specified whether the entire original Odyssey team or select members are involved.

The Koizumi Question

Particular interest surrounds the potential involvement of Yoshiaki Koizumi, the veteran Nintendo producer and director who played pivotal roles in Super Mario Galaxy, Odyssey, and the original Switch console's development. His absence from Switch 2 marketing materials has raised questions about his current projects.

Koizumi's illustrious career spans over three decades, beginning as an illustrator before directing Super Mario Sunshine and producing nearly every subsequent 3D Mario title. His potential involvement in Bananza could signal interesting connections between the Mario and Donkey Kong universes.

Temporal Connections and Future Implications

The game's depiction of a younger Pauline serving as DK's companion has fueled speculation about Bananza being an Odyssey prequel - potentially even establishing backstory for the original arcade game where Mario first rescued Pauline from Donkey Kong.

With Odyssey remaining Nintendo's newest 3D Mario entry, this team assignment raises questions about potential parallel development of a new Mario adventure for Switch 2. A detailed examination of Bananza's credits upon release may provide further clarity.

Mark your calendars for July 17, 2025, when Donkey Kong Bananza launches as Nintendo's flagship Switch 2 summer title, followed later in the year by Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends Z-A.