All Donkey Kong transformations in Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong transformations take center stage in Donkey Kong Bananza, which officially launched on July 17, 2025, marking the series’ exciting return to 3D platforming after an 11-year break. From the moment players start the game, it’s clear Nintendo has committed to variety, with five new transformations that change gameplay — from smashing walls to gliding through the air.

Here’s a closer look at all the Donkey Kong transformations in Donkey Kong Bananza and what makes them stand out.

---

How do Donkey Kong transformations in Donkey Kong Bananza work?

Donkey Kong transformations don't last forever (Image via Nintendo)

You get to try out five different Donkey Kong transformations as you play through the main campaign. Each time you meet a new elder giant, a wise figure you’ll encounter as you progress, you acquire the power for a new form. To use any of these, you need Bananergy (your transformation energy), which mostly builds up by collecting Gold, Banandium Chips, or munching Banandium Melons, which you can eat as much as you want for a quick boost. Grabbing a Banandium Gem will also instantly top off your meter.

If you need an instant transformation but your meter's empty, Melon Juice (buyable for 500 Gold) allows you trigger Bananza Mode right away — one can per use. If you ever run low, resting at a Getaway will fully restore your Bananergy.

Once your Bananergy is full (you’ll see a yellow ring fill up), just hold the L and R buttons together to transform. While transformed, you can switch directly between forms by hitting left or right on the D-pad. If you finish early, any unused Bananergy is put back, so you won't waste it if you change your mind.

---

All Donkey Kong transformations in Donkey Kong Bananza

1) Kong Bananza

Kong Bananza among the Donkey Kong transformations (Image via Nintendo)

Your first transformation is all about smashing through barriers. Kong Bananza is basically Donkey Kong supercharged: his strength is maxed out, and he can break through almost all kinds of tough materials, including concrete. If you hold down the Y button, you’ll unleash a Charge Punch that even sends out a shockwave. We used this transformation to defeat Peekabruiser.

---

2) Zebra Bananza

Breeze or crumbling pathways (Image via Nintendo)

This transformation is focused on speed. When Donkey Kong takes the shape of a zebra, he moves much faster and has a lot more control, especially when crossing dangerous ground. Run over water, ice, or anything falling apart underfoot, and you stay steady without sliding. You can use the ZL Charge Dash for a big burst of momentum.

---

3) Ostrich Bananza

Use updrafts to gain more air (Image via Nintendo)

The Ostrich Bananza, awarded by the Ostrich Elder, enables DK to soar in short horizontal bursts, opening up routes that previously did not exist and transforming air jets into secret lifts. There’s also the bonus of dropping egg bombs on unsuspecting enemies below, which can clear tough patches or create shortcuts with style.

---

4) Elephant Bananza

Elephant Bananza in all Donkey Kong transformations (Image via Nintendo)

Later in the game, you get to use Elephant Bananza, where DK transforms into an elephant that’s great for solving puzzles and moving stuff around. He can suck up big chunks of terrain with his trunk, which can be thrown to make platforms, fill gaps, or even to use as a handle for a zipline.

---

5) Snake Bananza

Snake Bananza works well at tricky places (Image via Nintendo)

Snake Bananza is perfect for tackling tricky platforming, grabbing high secrets, or pausing the action just when you need it most. It gives DK a Charge Jump by holding A, letting him soar to spots normal hops can’t reach. Holding the Y button activates Glare, slowing moving platforms or hazards for a shot at perfect timing.

By finding Banandium Gems and spending skill points, you can level up your Charge Jump and extend Glare’s duration, with upgrades such as Better Glare and Meteor Punch for extra impact.

---

These five Donkey Kong transformations in Donkey Kong Bananza keep things interesting, changing how you play and how you solve problems as you go.

For more gaming news and guides, check out these articles:

• Every Donkey Kong game ever released: Complete list of Nintendo-exclusive titles
• Will Donkey Kong Bananza be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S?
• Is Donkey Kong Bananza coming to PC?
• 7 best announcements from the Xbox Games Showcase 2025
• All Summer Game Fest 2025 announcements: Code Vein 2, Atomic Heart 2, and more
• 5 most shocking Summer Game Fest reveals till now