By Final Fantasy 7 Remake co-director and Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi has lauded Donkey Kong Bananza as one of his top games of 2025.
We’ve been aware that the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to receive Final Fantasy 7 Remake since the moment the console was officially announced, and it’s now confirmed to be scheduled for January 22, 2026, with an Xbox release on the same date. While series director Naoki Hamaguchi has already mentioned Fable as his favorite Xbox series, it remains unclear what his preferred title from Nintendo is.
In a conversation with RPG Site, Hamaguchi was asked which games from 2025 he has played and truly enjoyed, and since the discussion centers around the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 adaptation of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, he opts to maintain the focus there.
“So in the context of Switch 2 games, I’d mention that the Donkey Kong game on Switch 2 was phenomenal,” he states, clearly alluding to Donkey Kong Bananza, which isn’t surprising considering it is the finest game of 2025 (at least, in my opinion).
Hamaguchi further remarks: “I suppose you can’t quite label it as a genuine open world, yet I felt that the kind of interaction one can experience within it was genuinely outstanding.” He then adds that “it’s definitely one of my top choices for this year.” So perhaps, if fortune smiles on us, Hamaguchi may be so inspired that he finally incorporates the One-Winged Kong into Final Fantasy lore.
Later in the interview, Hamaguchi was queried about the existing Cloud and Sephiroth amiibo available due to the Super Smash Bros. series, and if they would have any relevance in the Switch 2 rendition of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. In response, the director states: “We currently lack definitive plans for that, but if there is substantial positive player demand, it could lead to very fruitful discussions with Nintendo, I believe.”