Alright, so I’m usually skeptical about platformer co-op; it’s either great or totally chaotic.
But when DK Bananza showed off co-op in the June 18 Direct, I was surprised how polished it looked.
This post is about what co-op mode in DK Bananza actually includes, how to set it up, and what makes it different from past DK games.
What Makes Co-Op in DK Bananza Work
Donkey Kong Bananza doesn’t make you choose between solo or multiplayer.
The game supports both couch co-op and online multiplayer which is super handy if your partner is halfway across the country.
You can jump in with one Joy-Con each or connect fully if you are playing on Switch 2.
One thing that stood out to me: you don’t both need to own the game.
If one person has a copy, you can use the GameShare feature to co-op on another Switch.
That’s a lifesaver for friends who are not all in yet.
I tried the mode during a demo session and the screen sharing works without much chaos; it auto-adjusts to keep both players visible during platforming and zooms out just enough in 3D exploration zones.
How To Set Up Co-Op in Donkey Kong Bananza
You can start co-op anytime from the main menu or mid-session by activating “Add Player.”
Both characters have equal ability sets, but one of you controls DK while the other rotates between side characters.
You will need to sync controllers if you are local, or add a Friend Code if online.
Co-op sessions let you explore together, solve puzzles, and even split up in certain areas.
Tip from experience: Do not rush solo sections; if one player triggers a boss arena, the other will get teleported in without warning.
What Most People Don’t Realize About Co-Op Mode
Some early reviews made it sound like co-op was a throwaway feature.
That is not true.
The level design actually supports tag-team exploration, and some puzzles are easier with two people working together.
Also, many don’t realize the second player isn’t stuck as a clone that they can switch between Diddy, Dixie, or Cranky, each with their own passive boosts.
Conclusion
If you were hoping for solid co-op in Donkey Kong Bananza, it’s here and it’s better than expected.
It works well and actually adds something to the experience.
I will update this post if anything changes post-launch though; so bookmark this page or subcribe to our newsletter.
Additional Reading
How To Use The Double Jump In Donkey Kong Bananza
What Is a Voxel in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Where To Find Banandium Gems in Donkey Kong Bananza (And What They Do)
Brianna is based in Minnesota in the US at the moment, and has been writing since 2017. She is currently a 3rd Year med student at the time of writing this.
