Donkey Kong Banana Blast is not coming to the original Switch
Donkey Kong Banana Blast, the puzzle-platformer released by Nintendo in 2024, will not run on the original Nintendo Switch. The game requires the Switch OLED model or the Switch Lite, and it will not work on the first-generation Switch hardware released in 2017. If you own an original Switch and want to play this game, you will need to upgrade to one of the newer models.
This happens because Donkey Kong Banana Blast uses more processing power and memory than the original Switch can handle. Nintendo designed the game specifically for the improved hardware in the OLED and Lite versions. The original Switch's processor and RAM are straightforward not sufficient to run the game at the speed and quality Nintendo intended.
Key Takeaways
- Donkey Kong Banana Blast requires either a Switch OLED or Switch Lite — it will not run on the original 2017 Switch model.
- The original Switch lacks the processing power and memory the game needs, so no patch or update will make it compatible.
- You can check which Switch model you own by looking at the back of the console or checking your receipt and purchase date.
- If you want to play this game on your current Switch, upgrading to a Switch OLED or Lite is your only option.
How to tell which Switch model you own
The easiest way to identify your Switch is to look at the back of the console. The original Switch has a kickstand that runs almost the full width of the back. The Switch OLED has a much larger, wider kickstand that takes up more space. The Switch Lite is a smaller, handheld-only device with no dock and no removable controllers.
You can also check the box or your purchase receipt if you still have it. The original Switch was sold from March 2017 onward. The Switch OLED launched in October 2021. The Switch Lite came out in September 2019. If you bought your console before September 2019, you almost certainly have the original model.
Another way to verify is to power on your Switch and go to Settings, then System. Look for the serial number on the back of the console and compare it to Nintendo's official model identification guide on their support website. This takes a few minutes but removes all doubt.
Why the original Switch cannot run newer games
The original Switch uses an NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor from 2015. The Switch OLED and Lite use a newer Tegra processor with better performance. Donkey Kong Banana Blast was built to take advantage of that newer hardware, which means it needs more computing power to run smoothly. The original Switch straightforward does not have enough processing capacity.
Memory is another factor. The original Switch has 4 GB of RAM. The newer models have more efficient memory management and faster storage access. Games like Donkey Kong Banana Blast are designed with these improvements in mind, and they cannot be scaled down to run on older hardware without major changes to how the game works.
Nintendo will not release a patch to make this game work on the original Switch. The hardware limitation is permanent. If you want to play Donkey Kong Banana Blast, you must use a Switch OLED or Switch Lite.
Comparing the Switch OLED and Switch Lite for this game
Both the Switch OLED and Switch Lite can run Donkey Kong Banana Blast, but they offer different experiences. The Switch OLED has a larger 7-inch screen with brighter colors and better contrast. It connects to a TV via dock, so you can play on a larger display. The Switch Lite is smaller, lighter, and cheaper, but it is handheld-only and cannot connect to a TV.
For a puzzle-platformer like Donkey Kong Banana Blast, the larger screen of the OLED makes it easier to see details and react to obstacles. However, the Switch Lite is fully capable of running the game smoothly. Your choice depends on whether you want to play on a TV or prefer a portable handheld device.
| Feature | Switch OLED | Switch Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 7 inches | 5.5 inches |
| TV connection | Yes, via dock | No |
| Runs Donkey Kong Banana Blast | Yes | Yes |
| Removable controllers | Yes | No |
What to do if you own an original Switch
If you own an original Switch and want to play Donkey Kong Banana Blast, you have two paths. You can purchase a Switch OLED or Switch Lite. The Switch OLED costs more but offers a larger screen and TV connectivity. The Switch Lite costs less and is more portable, but you cannot use it with a TV.
Before you buy, check what other games you play on your Switch. If you regularly use your Switch docked on a TV, the OLED is the better choice because it preserves that option. If you mostly play handheld, the Lite is sufficient and saves you money. Both models play the same games and use the same digital store.
You can also wait to see if Nintendo releases other games that interest you. Donkey Kong Banana Blast may not be the only newer title that requires the OLED or Lite. If you are on the fence about upgrading, check Nintendo's upcoming releases to see if multiple games you want require the newer hardware.
Your original Switch still plays older games
Upgrading does not mean your original Switch becomes useless. The original model still plays hundreds of games that were released before 2024. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons all run perfectly on the original Switch.
You can keep your original Switch and use it for older titles while purchasing a newer model for games like Donkey Kong Banana Blast. Many households have multiple Switch consoles for this reason. You can also sell your original Switch to offset the cost of a new one, though the resale value has dropped since the newer models launched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Donkey Kong Banana Blast on my original Switch if I read it?
No. The game will not appear in your store or read at all on an original Switch. Nintendo's store checks your hardware and only shows you games your console can run. You cannot force the read or install it manually.
Will Nintendo ever make Donkey Kong Banana Blast work on the original Switch?
No. Hardware limitations are permanent. Nintendo would have to completely redesign the game to make it run on the original Switch's processor, which is not something they plan to do. The game was built for newer hardware from the start.
Is the Switch OLED worth buying just for this one game?
That depends on what else you play. If Donkey Kong Banana Blast is the only game you want that requires the OLED, it may not be worth the cost. Check Nintendo's upcoming releases to see if other games you are interested in also require the newer hardware. If multiple titles appeal to you, the upgrade makes more sense.
Can I borrow someone's Switch OLED to play this game?
Yes, you can play the game on someone else's Switch OLED or Lite. However, you would need to purchase the game on that console or have it already in your Nintendo account. If you own the game digitally, you can read it on any Switch you have access to and play it.
What if I have a Switch Lite — can I play Donkey Kong Banana Blast?
Yes. The Switch Lite can run Donkey Kong Banana Blast without any issues. The only limitation is that the Lite has a smaller screen and cannot connect to a TV, but the game plays at full quality and speed on that hardware.