Nintendo revealed during today’s Nintendo Direct that Donkey Kong Bananza is getting its first DLC expansion—DK Island & Emerald Rush—and it is available today on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2.

DK Island: Explore Kong’s Homeland

This expansion introduces DK Island, a new hub world inspired by classic Donkey Kong Country environments. The island has iconic landmarks like DK’s Treehouse, Gangplank Galleon, a mine cart track, jungle ruins, and even a mountain shaped like DK’s head. Familiar characters such as Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Cranky Kong, Rambi, and Squawks appear on the island. Players can relax or explore and can take in-game photos.

Decorative items are available—for example, players earn or use Banandium Chips to unlock statues of favorite characters and place them around DK Island. Hidden bonus stages are also scattered across the island’s environments.

Emerald Rush: A New Roguelike Challenge

The DLC’s other feature is Emerald Rush, a roguelike mode that tasks players with collecting emerald ore within various trials. Void Kong invites players to prove themselves by completing fast-paced rounds that emphasize smashing terrain and completing side objectives. Each run offers bananas that grant skill modifiers like “Turf Surf” or “Wind Up Punch,” and every few rounds these stats are randomized, keeping gameplay varied. Completing objectives or smashing enough adds Emerald rewards.

Emerald Rush is accessible not just on DK Island but also within levels from the game’s main story. Completing these trials unlocks exclusive content, including new costumes, Banandium Gems, and more collectible statues beyond DK Island.

Pricing and Availability

This expansion is paid DLC, priced at $19.99 USD and available today. Nintendo also published a free demo on the eShop, allowing players to test out the base game if they have not yet purchased it.