Nintendo has dropped a surprise expansion for Donkey Kong Bananza, only a couple of months after the base game’s release. The paid DLC is titled DK Island & Emerald Rush, and it’s out today.
A Return to DK’s Home
The new content takes players back to DK Island, giving long-time fans an instant hit of nostalgia with a setting tied directly to Donkey Kong’s roots. Levels are designed around familiar beats, but the new mode changes things up significantly.
Emerald Rush Mode
At the core of the DLC is Emerald Rush, a roguelike-inspired mode where players attempt to rise through the ranks of Void Co by smashing through emerald ore. Runs mix platforming and action with skill upgrades, random boons, and branching benefits.
This mode isn’t limited to DK Island either. It’s integrated into a selection of base-game levels, creating replay value across the main campaign. Beating trials will unlock rewards, including new costumes for Donkey Kong.
Demo for New Players
Nintendo has also released a free demo of Donkey Kong Bananza on the eShop. If you’ve been holding off on the game, now’s the time to test out the action before jumping into the new expansion.
