The Ultimate Banana Hoard: Every Donkey Kong Pre-Order Bonus For Bananza And Returns HD

As of December 15, 2025, the world of Donkey Kong is buzzing with anticipation for two major releases, each offering a unique set of incentives for early adopters. The frenzy for exclusive merchandise and in-game content has reached a fever pitch, with retailers and the My Nintendo Store competing to offer the most appealing "banana hoard" for fans. This deep dive uncovers all the confirmed and rumored pre-order bonuses for both the highly-discussed Donkey Kong Bananza and the confirmed release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.

The term "pre-order bonus" has become synonymous with collectible swag, allowing fans to grab a piece of video game history before the title even launches. For the latest Donkey Kong titles, this means everything from exclusive physical goods to digital items that enhance the jungle-smashing experience. Below is the definitive guide to securing the best possible loot for your upcoming adventure with DK and the rest of the Kong Krew.

The Speculative Barrel: Donkey Kong Bananza Pre-Order Bonuses (Rumored)

The announcement of Donkey Kong Bananza has generated immense excitement, especially given its rumored tie to the unannounced Nintendo Switch 2 console, with a target release date of July 17, 2025. While official, centralized pre-order bonuses from Nintendo itself are typically scarce, several retailer-specific and merchandise-based incentives have begun to surface, primarily revolving around the core themes of the Donkey Kong universe: bananas, barrels, and the Kong family.

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• Release Date: July 17, 2025 (Rumored for Nintendo Switch 2)
• Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (Rumored)

Rumored and Retailer-Specific Incentives for Bananza

While Nintendo has not officially detailed a global, cross-retailer bonus for Bananza, the following items have appeared in various pre-order guides and retailer listings, suggesting potential exclusive offers:

1. The Exclusive DK Bananza Poker Card

One of the more unique items appearing in early listings is a collectible poker card set. These cards, featuring the official Donkey Kong Bananza logo and character art, are being marketed as an exclusive gift for fans who pre-order the game for the new console. This type of small, collectible item is a classic retailer tactic to drive early sales.

2. My Nintendo Store Exclusive Swag

The official My Nintendo Store is often the source of the most desirable, limited-edition merchandise. For Bananza, speculation points to exclusive DK-themed apparel and collectibles, including:

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• Banana-Yellow T-Shirts
• Fleece Blankets featuring the Kong Krew
• Collectible Pin Sets (possibly including new characters)

These items are usually offered as separate purchases or as a bonus for pre-ordering directly through the official Nintendo channels, catering to the die-hard collector base.

3. New Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo

A new amiibo figure featuring Donkey Kong and Pauline is scheduled to launch alongside Donkey Kong Bananza. While not a direct pre-order bonus, securing the game and this amiibo together is a must for collectors. Amiibo integration typically unlocks in-game bonuses, making it an essential companion purchase.

The Confirmed Haul: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Pre-Order Bonuses (Official)

In contrast to the speculative nature of Bananza, the pre-order bonuses for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Nintendo Switch are official, confirmed, and highly diverse. This definitive edition of the Wii classic, scheduled for release on January 16, 2025, has a wide array of physical bonuses available across different regions and retailers.

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• Release Date: January 16, 2025
• Platform: Nintendo Switch

Top 5 Physical Pre-Order Bonuses for Returns HD

The following incentives are currently the most sought-after and confirmed physical bonuses for pre-ordering Donkey Kong Country Returns HD:

1. The K-O-N-G Pin Set

A standard bonus offered by the My Nintendo Store in the UK and Europe, this set includes four individual pins styled after the iconic K-O-N-G letters collected throughout the game. This is a classic Nintendo collectible and a guaranteed way to show off your fandom.

2. Donkey Kong Barrel Pencil Holder

Perhaps the most thematically appropriate bonus, several major retailers are offering a free pencil barrel featuring the classic DK logo. This item functions as both a desk accessory and a nod to the game's core mechanic—smashing and riding barrels.

3. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Waist Bag (Fanny Pack)

A highly practical and retro-stylish bonus, the official Waist Bag (or fanny pack) is being offered by select retailers, particularly in the UK. The bag is designed to hold your essentials—perhaps even a few bananas—and is emblazoned with the game's logo, making it a unique piece of merchandise.

4. Exclusive Retailer Art Cards/Posters

Many local and regional retailers are including exclusive art cards or a reversible poster as a simple, low-cost incentive. These often feature key art from the game, showcasing the vibrant HD visuals of the Switch port.

5. Digital Wallpapers and Themes

Pre-ordering the game digitally through the Nintendo eShop often grants immediate access to digital bonuses. These typically include exclusive wallpapers, home screen themes, and icon sets for your console, allowing you to customize your Switch with a Returns HD flair.

Topical Authority: The History of Donkey Kong Pre-Order Swag

The Donkey Kong franchise has a rich history of collectible pre-order items, often reflecting the jungle environment and the character's love of fruit. Understanding this history helps set expectations for future releases like Bananza.

Key Collectibles and Entities

Nintendo rarely offers *in-game* digital bonuses, preferring physical collectibles that become sought-after items on the secondary market. This focus on physical merchandise drives the collector community and creates a sense of urgency for pre-orders. Entities like Dixie Kong, Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong, Funky Kong, and King K. Rool are all popular choices for merchandise, often appearing on the following types of items:

• Keychains: Small, character-focused accessories.
• SteelBooks: Premium game cases for physical collectors.
• Soundtrack CDs: Featuring the iconic music of David Wise.
• Collectible Coins/Medallions: Often featuring the DK logo or a Banana Coin design.
• Plush Toys: Small plushies of Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong.

The current bonuses for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD—the pin set, the barrel, and the waist bag—are perfectly in line with Nintendo's long-standing strategy of offering fun, tangible, and highly collectible items that celebrate the spirit of the game.

Securing Your Bonus: A Final Word on Pre-Ordering

To ensure you secure the specific pre-order bonus you desire, it is crucial to check the exact offer from your chosen retailer. Bonuses are often region-specific (like the UK's Waist Bag versus the US's Pencil Barrel) and are only available while supplies last. For the confirmed Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, act quickly to secure your K-O-N-G pins or DK barrel. For the anticipated Donkey Kong Bananza, keep a close eye on major retailer announcements as the July 2025 release date approaches, as this is when the most exclusive, retailer-specific deals are typically revealed.

Essential Entities & Keywords for DK Fans

To further enhance your knowledge of the Donkey Kong universe and related search terms (LSI Keywords), consider these key entities:

• Donkey Kong Country (Original Series)
• Retro Studios (Developer of Returns)
• Tropical Freeze (Previous Major Title)
• Banana Hoard (In-game Goal)
• Kritters (Common Enemies)
• Tiki Tak Tribe (Returns Antagonists)
• Rambi the Rhino (Animal Buddy)
• Mine Cart Levels (Infamous Challenges)
• Nintendo Switch Online (Virtual Console Access)
• Platformer Games (Genre)
• Nintendo eShop (Digital Storefront)
• Wii U (Previous Console)
• Golden Bananas (Collectibles)
• Kongs (Family Name)
• Wii Remote (Original Control Method)