Technologies

‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ Gives Our Favorite Ape His Big Moment

Available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ offers stunning graphics and hours of punch-throwing fun.

In 1981’s Donkey Kong, the «jumpman» characters chased a humongous gorilla through a construction site to rescue a damsel in distress. The video game is now best remembered as the introduction of jumping and the introduction of a lovable plumber named Mario, who would go on to make billions of dollars in the Super Mario Bros franchise.

Despite Donkey Kong being a popular playable character in games like Mario Party, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Kart, the villain-turned-goofy ape has arguably never quite gotten his own time to shine. The new, explosively popular Nintendo Switch 2 is changing that: DK is the headliner of Donkey Kong Bananza, which goes on sale July 17 and is only available on the Switch 2. (You can pre-order it now at Best Buy.)

CNET’s Scott Stein says Bananza is the Switch 2’s «new must-get game» – «full of its own styles and surprises that are utterly fresh.»

Explore an enormous world fueled by the Switch 2’s graphics

Donkey Kong can run, jump, and climb through a world of vibrant colors and creatures that are impressively realized in 4K on the Nintendo Switch 2. The character himself gets an upgrade with expressive eyes and textured hair. And he’ll sound familiar to anyone who watched The Super Mario Bros. Movie, as he’s once again voiced by Seth Rogen.

Since Banaza was made by the minds behind Super Mario Odyssey, an immensely enjoyable Mario title that revealed we were all hungry to see a T-Rex with a mustache and a tiny red cap, exploring the map is vital to the gameplay. You can wander endlessly through levels, collecting Banandium gems and competing in ancient ruin challenges. (If you haven’t noticed, there are a lot of banana references in this game). For gamers overwhelmed by too many options and not enough directions, maps and arrows can guide you and bypass some of the wanderlust.

Donkey Kong likes punching, and so do we

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Donkey Kong game without showcasing his mighty fists. Donkey Kong can punch in any direction and destroy almost anything, unearthing treasures and paths hidden under the surface of walls and the ground. Make no mistake: this is where the fun is. It’s like a classic Nintendo brawling game. Or a room that you have the green light to demolish before renovating.

The punching isn’t just pure chaos. Donkey Kong can dig tunnels to get somewhere or find hidden bananas, which means hours of gameplay for the obsessive completists among us. You also often have to use debris to solve a puzzle, throw at a bad guy, or as a tool to get through the level. It’s a high level of game design that uses «voxels» – which are kind of like big pixels, so that the scattering of debris feels real in Donkey Kong’s world.

Play as a damsel no longer in distress

Pauline, the original damsel in distress in the 1981 game, returned in Odyssey as the mayor of New Donk City. In Bananza, she’s in her teens and sits on Donkey Kong’s shoulder as his sidekick. (Apologies to the much-maligned character Diddy Kong, you were a real one.) Pauline is a singer whose melodious voice can transform Donkey Kong into a more powerful ape. Read: he can now punch through more things. He can also transform into a muscular speedy zebra or a beefy flying ostrich.

The game also features a nifty two-player co-op mode, so a friend can use the Switch 2 Joy-Con’s mouse-like pointer feature to control Pauline. She shoots words at enemies (yes, actual words like Wow! Yeah! Ha!). The targeting is reminiscent of classic shooters like GoldenEye, a fun bonus for a Donkey Kong game. But it also underscores how Donkey Kong lives in a world with real people – and gives Bananza a surprisingly human touch.

Pre-order Donkey Kong Bananza now at Best Buy

Donkey Kong Bananza retails for $70 and releases on July 17. Preorder it today at Best Buy and get ready to throw some punches.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im