Deciphering an in-game secret language is impressive enough, but cracking it before a game’s release? That’s precisely what YouTuber 2Chrispy accomplished for Donkey Kong Bananza, pulling off what seemed impossible.
Much like fans decoded The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s cryptic script, 2Chrispy pieced together the Ancient Monkey Scrolls using trailers, previews, and even the Nintendo Today app ahead of Kong’s latest adventure.
“The trailer was packed with hidden clues,” 2Chrispy revealed in his fascinating breakdown video. “But the banana language caught my attention most. Watch as I decode every monkey-scripted letter I could uncover.”
By noticing an in-game item labeled “Chip Exchange,” Chrispy meticulously analyzed frame after frame to reconstruct nearly the entire banana alphabet—or “Bananabet,” as he playfully dubs it—missing only five characters.
Armed with his newfound deciphering skills, 2Chrispy has translated every sign, note, and document spotted in released footage. For full translations, visit Chrispy2’s YouTube video.
Among his discoveries: a “welcome” header, a neon “factory” sign, and icy terrain labeled “snow level.” He also decoded notices reading “hint,” “item,” and one touching message: “Thank you for reading. Someone.”
“I can’t wait to uncover more in-game text,” he added. “Will we find DK lore nods? References to missing Kongs? Even hints about Kremlings or King K. Rool?”
“Bananza might be Nintendo’s most visually stunning title yet,” we noted in our Donkey Kong Bananza hands-on preview. “It leverages Switch 2’s power brilliantly—lush environments, expressive animations—feeling like Nintendo’s next-gen has truly arrived.”
With the Switch 2 release date and specs finally confirmed—plus insights into first-party pricing—dive deeper with our expert analysis. Catch up on last month’s Nintendo Direct reveals. Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17 for $69.99, a Switch 2 exclusive.
