Many enjoy a good DIY project, seeing them as opportunities for creativity and often yielding unique results or memorable anecdotes. However, this particular tale highlights a Donkey Kong Bananza fan`s DIY attempt that went disastrously awry. While undoubtedly frustrating for the individual involved, the unfolding events have provided considerable amusement to observers.
Recently, a TikTok creator named Gardner decided to customize their Switch 2 cartridge for the popular 3D platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza, by painting it yellow. This choice was driven by nostalgia, as past Donkey Kong titles, such as Donkey Kong 64, famously featured banana-yellow cartridges, which Gardner displayed for context in an initial video.
Anticipating the collective disbelief and dismay this might evoke, I can attest to similar initial reactions. Nevertheless, the subsequent developments make for a compelling, albeit cringeworthy, narrative.
Gardner then roughly attempts to open the red Switch 2 cartridge, showing various unsuccessful methods before finally succeeding. After disassembling it, they remove the game`s circuit board and spray paint both halves of the cartridge casing. The first video concludes with them reassembling the cartridge and trying to insert it into the console, only for it to become lodged halfway and unable to fully enter the slot.
A prescient comment on the initial video warned, “The paint might melt and adhere to the system when it heats up. This seems ill-advised.” Little did the commenter realize just how accurate their prediction would prove to be within a mere day.
Compounding the issue, Gardner posted a follow-up video the next day, revealing that despite the console`s clear resistance, they forcefully inserted the custom-painted cartridge, rendering it permanently jammed. Attempts to extract it with pliers only resulted in chipped paint and a broken cartridge. Gardner eventually conceded defeat, humorously requesting, “Without tagging Nintendo, someone please advise on how to remove it from my console. I`m calm because I`ll be playing the game for a while, but suggestions would be appreciated.”
Predictably, Gardner`s absurd endeavor to acquire a yellow Bananza cartridge quickly gained viral attention. While some offered genuine advice, such as suggesting 3D printing a yellow case and reprinting the game art, a significant portion of the comments simply mocked Gardner`s commitment and unfortunate outcome.
Comments ranged from a blunt “It`s NOT THAT SERIOUS” (accompanied by a crying emoji) to humorous remarks like, “This guy just bought a Switch 2 with Donkey Kong pre-installed!!!” Perhaps the most cutting remark was, “Is this a bad moment to point out it`s not even the correct shade of yellow?”
The clear lesson here is to seek online advice before embarking on a DIY project involving costly gaming hardware, to prevent significant damage. One can only hope Gardner truly savors Donkey Kong Bananza, as it appears to be the sole game their Switch 2 will be capable of playing for the foreseeable future.