: After the credits, the total requirement jumps to 1,000 gems (unlocked via the chip exchange) to achieve a "3-star" completion.
: This term doesn't directly relate to Donkey Kong but could imply a mix-up or a playful term. There is a game called "Bananza" which seems to be less known.
XCI files are preferred by emulator users because they require no installation in some environments and run identically to physical media. If Donkey Kong Bananza were a real physical release, the XCI would be the holy grail for preservationists.
The homebrew community frequently creates extensive mods or romhacks of existing games. "Bananza" could be a community-driven total conversion mod of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze bundled directly into an XCI format for easy loading. donkey kong bananza xci
The only legally compliant way to obtain a Donkey Kong Bananza XCI file is to purchase a retail copy of the game, hack your personal Nintendo Switch console using homebrew software, and dump the cartridge yourself for private backup purposes.
Donkey Kong Bananza (known as 咚奇剛 蕉力全開 in Chinese) is a 3D platformer and action-adventure game developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo. Announced on April 2, 2025 and released worldwide on July 17, 2025, it is an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Following the acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey (2017), the development team set out to create a fresh experience for one of Nintendo's most iconic characters.
These files contain the game's code, assets (like graphics and sound), and save data in a specific format. The primary purpose of this format is to allow the data to be loaded onto a Nintendo Switch console for playing games without the need to insert the physical cartridge. This can be for personal backups or for use with custom firmware and emulators. It's important to note that the Donkey Kong Bananza digital download requires approximately 10 GB of free space. : After the credits, the total requirement jumps
: Installing XCI files on a Switch typically involves a process of transferring the file to the console, often through a PC connection and utilizing specific software. However, this process and the associated tools can change frequently due to updates in Nintendo's firmware and the homebrew scene.
How are XCI files used? They are almost exclusively associated with the console modding and "homebrew" (custom software) community. To use an XCI file, a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 console typically needs to run a Custom Firmware (CFW), such as Atmosphere or the now-defunct SX OS. This custom software bypasses Nintendo's security measures, allowing the console to load and execute these backup files from an SD card.
Mimics a physical game cartridge. It often includes the base game and, in some modified versions, can have updates and Downloadable Content (DLC) bundled directly into a single file. XCI files are preferred by emulator users because
Note: This guide is for educational purposes regarding file types. You should only play games you legally own.
'Donkey Kong Bananza' and the best cooperative games of the year so far
: The game emphasizes destructible environments , allowing players to carve paths and find secrets by smashing through terrain.