Donkey Kong Bananza Gets 2026’s First Update on Switch 2

Nintendo released version 3.1.0 for Donkey Kong Bananza on January 21, 2026, marking the first update for the game this year. The patch adds Polish as a supported language and fixes several issues to make gameplay smoother on the Nintendo Switch 2 console. Players can now download it worldwide.

Background

Donkey Kong Bananza launched last year as a major title for the Nintendo Switch 2. It features Donkey Kong and his friends in a big adventure through jungle worlds full of bananas, enemies, and platforming challenges. The game has seen steady support since release, with updates adding new content and fixes.

The previous patch, version 3.0.0, came out on December 21, 2025. That one brought holiday-themed items and performance tweaks. Before that, earlier versions improved controls and added multiplayer options. Nintendo has kept the game fresh with these changes, responding to player feedback from online forums and sales data.

This new update arrives alongside a busy time for Nintendo. On the same day, Mario Kart World got its own patch. Just a day earlier, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD received version 1.1.0, which added Dixie Kong as a playable character and other enhancements for Switch 2. Nintendo often groups updates like this to keep multiple games running well.

The game also ties into the Donkey Kong series history. Donkey Kong has been a star since the 1980s arcade days, evolving through platformers like Donkey Kong Country. Bananza builds on that with modern graphics, co-op play, and collectibles like golden bananas. Sales have been strong, with millions of copies sold since launch.

Key Details

The version 3.1.0 patch focuses on two main areas: language support and bug fixes.

Language Addition

Polish is now available for text in the game. Players set their Nintendo Switch 2 system language to 'Polish/English' to see Polish text. The audio stays in English for all users. This change helps players in Poland and other places where Polish is spoken. Nintendo has added languages step by step, starting with major ones like English, Spanish, French, and Japanese at launch.

Gameplay Fixes

The patch addresses several issues to improve the overall experience. Nintendo did not list specific bugs in the notes, but past updates fixed things like jumping glitches, enemy spawning problems, and save data errors. Players reported smoother play after similar patches, with fewer crashes during long sessions.

The update size is small, around 500MB, so it downloads quickly. It requires an internet connection and works on all Switch 2 models. No new levels, characters, or items were added this time.

Right now, an in-game event for the Emerald Rush DLC is running. Players can earn two new statues by completing challenges. The DLC itself came out late last year and expanded the map with new areas and bosses.

"We're happy to bring Polish support to Donkey Kong Bananza and keep fixing things for everyone," said a Nintendo spokesperson in the official patch notes.

Other recent Nintendo updates include Pokémon Café ReMix at version 6.50.0 and Pokémon GO at 0.395.0, both from January 20. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD's update added co-op improvements and better visuals.

What This Means

This update shows Nintendo's ongoing commitment to Donkey Kong Bananza. Adding Polish opens the game to more players in Europe, where Nintendo has a big market. The fixes help keep the game stable, especially as more people play the DLC event.

For players, it means better access if they speak Polish and fewer frustrations from bugs. The English audio keeps things simple for global teams. With the Switch 2 still new, these patches build trust in the hardware.

Nintendo plans more content this year. Rumors point to a new DLC pack and possible tie-ins with other Donkey Kong games. The active event suggests they want players logging in often.

The timing lines up with a wave of updates across Nintendo's lineup. Mario Kart World now has better online matching, and Pokémon titles got balance changes. This keeps the ecosystem healthy and players engaged.

Donkey Kong Bananza sits at a strong review score, around 85 out of 100 from major sites. Updates like this help maintain that by addressing edge cases. Sales continue to climb, boosted by holiday bundles.

For families, the language add makes it easier for Polish-speaking kids to enjoy the adventure. Co-op remains a draw, with parents and children teaming up against Kremlings.

Looking ahead, version 3.2.0 could bring bigger changes, like new worlds or characters. Nintendo's pattern shows they listen to community requests, such as more Diddy Kong moves or harder modes.

The patch rolled out quietly but spread fast on social media. Players shared screenshots of the Polish menu and thanked Nintendo for the quick fixes. This keeps the buzz going months after launch.