Donkey Kong Bananza is a thrilling 3D platformer for the Nintendo Switch 2. In the Hilltop Layer (SL200), you’ll find Nostalgia Country, a fun challenge course that feels like the classic Donkey Kong Country with its 2D side-scrolling style. This guide shows you the fastest way to grab all three Banandium Gems (bananas) in Nostalgia Country, including the tricky hidden one. Written in simple English for all players, let’s get those bananas quickly! Information is based on trusted sources like Game8, Polygon, and ScreenRant.
Where to Find Nostalgia Country
Nostalgia Country is a Challenge Ruin in the Hilltop Layer (SL200), the third main area in Donkey Kong Bananza. To reach it:
- Head to the Undertone Canal, found in the corner of the map opposite the Warp Gong (main hub).
- Drop into the underground tunnel section and look left. You’ll see a door with purple seals.
- Sing to the door with Donkey Kong and Pauline by pressing the L button to unlock it. Walk through to start Nostalgia Country.
This short level is a nod to the first level of Donkey Kong Country on SNES, and it has three Banandium Gems to collect. Two are easy to spot, but one is hidden, so follow these steps to grab them all fast.
How to Get All 3 Bananas Fast
Here’s the quickest way to collect all three Banandium Gems in Nostalgia Country. Each banana gives you one point toward skill upgrades, so they’re worth grabbing!
Banana 1: Hidden in DK’s House (Treasured Memories Banandium Gem)
- Where It Is: Right at the start of the level, above the entrance in Donkey Kong’s house from Donkey Kong Country.
- How to Get It Fast:
- As soon as you enter Nostalgia Country, don’t move forward. Turn around to face the entrance.
- Press and hold ZR to rip a chunk of the ground (dirt or a small rock).
- Press A to jump, then press A again mid-air to do a “chunk jump” (Jump Shot). This boosts you higher.
- Grab the wall above the entrance and climb up to enter DK’s house.
- Inside, jump on the tire in the middle of the room. Press X to punch upward while bouncing to grab the banana floating near the ceiling.
- Tips: If you can’t reach the wall, grab a small rock dropped by enemies nearby for a better chunk jump. This banana is tricky but quick once you know where to look.
Banana 2: On the Main Path (Over the Valley Banandium Gem)
- Where It Is: About halfway through the level, after the first barrel section.
- How to Get It Fast:
- Play through the level normally, moving right. Jump through barrels and avoid or punch enemies like rock-carrying bugs.
- After the first set of barrels, you’ll see a large banana on a ledge or the ground, right on the main path.
- Punch it with Y to collect it.
- Tips: You can’t miss this one—it’s in plain sight. Keep moving to grab it quickly. If you see a Crockoid enemy, use Kong Bananza (activated with enough Bananergy) for a Charge Punch to clear it fast.
Also Read: Guide to All Layers and Collectibles in Donkey Kong Bananza
Banana 3: At the End (Hijinks in the Jungle Banandium Gem)
- Where It Is: Right at the end of the level, before the exit barrel.
- How to Get It Fast:
- Keep going right through the level, using barrels to cross gaps and punching enemies.
- After the second barrel section, you’ll face a Crockoid enemy blocking the path.
- Use Kong Bananza for a quick Charge Punch to defeat the Crockoid.
- The banana is on the ground or partly buried near the exit, in front of the final barrel. Punch it with Y to collect it.
- Jump into the barrel to exit the level.
- Tips: This banana is impossible to miss if you finish the level. Speed through by using barrels and avoiding delays.
Quick Tips for Speed
- Use Kong Bananza: If you have enough Bananergy (check your meter), activate Kong Bananza to smash enemies and obstacles faster. It’s great for the Crockoid at the end.
- Practice Chunk Jump: The first banana needs a chunk jump, so practice tearing a chunk (ZR) and double-jumping (A, then A mid-air) to nail it quickly.
- Skip Extra Fights: Only fight enemies in your way, like the Crockoid for the third banana. Ignore others to save time.
- Replay Easily: If you miss the first banana, use the Warp Gong in Hilltop Layer to return to Nostalgia Country. The entrance is right by the Undertone Canal checkpoint.
Why Grab These Bananas?
Each Banandium Gem gives one point, and every five points unlock a Skill Point to upgrade Donkey Kong’s strength, speed, or abilities like Better Sonar. Getting all three in Nostalgia Country helps you progress faster and makes tough challenges easier. You can check your collected bananas in the Collection Menu, but some numbers show up only after beating the main story.