Donkey Kong Bananza shocked fans with the surprise launch of its new expansion titled DK Island & Emerald Rush. This DLC, introduced during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct event, allows players to explore DK Island and partake in a new roguelike mode aimed at collecting emerald ore for the game’s nemesis, Void Kong.

The trailer for the Donkey Kong Bananza DLC did not specify the price for this expansion, but it is currently available for $19.99. While not the costliest expansion out there, some players may find themselves questioning whether it’s worth this price tag.

Is the DK Bananza DLC Worth It?

At $19.99, some may find the content lacking for what is offered in Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush. DK Island doesn’t introduce any new banandium gems or fossils for collection outside of those temporarily available during the Emerald Rush mode. However, it does feature bonus stages that could yield substantial gold for players. While it includes some nostalgic Easter eggs and references from classic Donkey Kong games, the value may not meet the $20 expectation. It’s clear that the heart of this expansion lies within the Emerald Rush mode, which might not resonate with all gamers.

Emerald Rush is a fast-paced mode challenging players to amass as much emerald ore as possible within a time constraint. Players can earn perks by collecting emerald fossils, which facilitate the ore-gathering process. The DK Island phase is the first of such challenges, offering a fresh area that’s enjoyable to discover. However, the remaining Emerald Rush challenges recycle familiar zones from the base game, generally known to dedicated players—particularly those who have completed 100% of the original game. After a few hours, one might feel satisfied with the Emerald Rush experience without a compelling reason to revisit, even with the promise of special limited-time events coming in the future.

Hollow Knight: Silksong vs DK Bananza DLC

Only the most devoted Donkey Kong Bananza fans should consider spending $20 on the DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC. There’s enjoyment to be found, but many might find DK Island uninspiring, while Emerald Rush feels repetitive, missing a fresh approach compared to the base game’s routine mechanics. You can find better options for $20 on the Nintendo Switch 2.