Get a better understanding of how to play Donkey Kong Bananza with a guide list of all the movement and control systems in the game.

Donkey Kong Bananza has finally hit the store and has all the fans in awe with how pretty the visuals look. Getting the hang of the controls may take some time, considering all the available movements and transformations integrated in the game. The game also features co-op, where the second player gets to support player 1.
In this article, we will look at all the different movements and controls in Donkey Kong Bananza.
Movement and Control Guide in Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong is available to play in both single and co-op modes. You can also choose to play it with both Joy-Cons, a single Joy-Con, or with the Pro Controller as well. Here is a list of all the available controls, movements, and transformations.
Player 1 Controls

Control | Action |
A | Jump |
B | Punch Downwards |
Y | Punch |
X | Punch Upwards |
‘Plus’ Button | Pause Menu |
‘Minus’ Button | Map |
‘L Stick’ | Move |
L (Hold) | Make Music |
ZL | Roll Forward |
L + ZL (Hold) | Drumbeat |
‘R Stick’ | Look Around |
R | Hand Slap |
ZR | Pick Up |
Up (D-Pad) | Skills Menu |
Down (D-Pad) | Photo Mode |
Left (D-Pad) and Right (D-Pad) | Switch Bananza Mode |
Bananza Mode Controls

Once you switch between the Banaza mode, you will have five different forms to choose from. Each Bananza form offers you a different power-up, which will come in handy in varied situations. Here is a guide on which form would be great to use when in need.
Bananza Form | Control | Action | Description |
Kong | Y (Hold) | Charge Punch | Smash concrete with a single punch |
Zebra | ZL (Hold) | Charge Dash | Run up walls |
Ostrich | ZL (Hold) (Mid-air) | Flutter | Float through the air for some time |
Elephant | ZR (Hold) | Inhale | Store the surrounding terrains and use them when needed |
Elephant | ZR (Hold) | Trunk Chunk | Hold the portion of the terrain you inhale |
Snake | A (Hold) | Charge Jump | Jump high up in the air |
Snake | Y (Hold) | Glare | Your surroundings will move in slow motion for some time |
Player 2 Controls

Also read: Is King K. Rool Playable in Donkey Kong Bananza?
When in coop mode, the second player will have a limited number of controls to play with. Player 1 will have full control in the form of Donkey Kong. The second player, on the other hand, will take over Pauline and support player 1 using the following actions.
Controls | Actions |
Joy-Con (Mouse control) | Aim |
ZR | Shout |
ZR (Hold) | Copy Material |
R (Hold) | Make Music |
‘Plus’ Button | Pause Menu |
R + ‘Plus’ Button | Map |
Left (D-Pad) + Right (D-Pad) | Switch Bananza |
Down (D-Pad) | Reset Cursor |
Stick | Look Around |

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