Donkey Kong Bananza's Next DLC Event is Right Around the Corner

A new event is going live in Donkey Kong Bananza this month, allowing owners of the DLC to obtain a new pair of statues that can be used to decorate DK Island. Donkey Kong Bananza was released last year on Nintendo Switch 2, serving as the second major exclusive following Mario Kart World at launch. The game quickly proved a critical and commercial success, winning several awards last year.

In September 2025, Donkey Kong Bananza‘s DLC expansion was shadow dropped, offering new content for players. One of the highlights of the expansion is that it allows players to unlock exclusive statues. These statues have given the developers a chance to pay tribute to the long history of the Donkey Kong series, often with designs based on characters that didn’t actually make it into Bananza‘s campaign. The DLC has helped extend the life of the game, while also giving Donkey Kong fans a way to see some long missing characters.

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Donkey Kong Bananza’s Rattlin’ Snake Bananza Event

On May 12 at 1 a.m. PT, a new event will begin in Donkey Kong Bananza, called the Rattlin’ Snake Bananza. As the name implies, the event will focus on snake-themed statues. Some of Donkey Kong Bananza‘s DLC events have paired transformations with older characters. This event is no exception, as players can unlock a statue based on DK’s Snake Bananza, as well as the animal companion Rattly. Rattly first appeared in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, where his jumping abilities allowed players to jump higher and reach long distances. The event will run through May 19.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

The Rattlin’ Snake Bananza event will take place in the game’s Radiance Layer. As is always the case with these events, Donkey Kong Bananza players must own the DLC to participate. The statues don’t actually unlock anything, other than offering players a new decoration for DK Island. Still, completing these tasks can be pretty difficult, so it’s a good option for players seeking an extra challenge.

The Donkey Kong series was largely missing in the original Switch era. While Nintendo offered remasters, remakes, and new releases for older games like Mario vs. Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, the system did not receive an actual new game starring the character and his supporting cast. For fans, Donkey Kong Bananza was a breath of fresh air, and the DLC in particular has served as a celebration of the series. Many of the characters that have returned as statues are making their first appearance in several years.

What’s That Weapon?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

What’s That Weapon?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

It’s unclear how long Nintendo will continue to support Donkey Kong Bananza with new events, but there are still plenty of DK characters that could get their own dedicated statues. If Nintendo does keep the events going, it would help to ease the wait for the next 3D Mario. A 3D Mario game is rumored for 2027, but nothing has been confirmed at this time. Fans have desperately wanted to see a follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey, and it’s a safe bet that something is in the works. Unfortunately, fans will have to keep waiting to see what Nintendo has in store.