What are the best monkey games? Whether it be spinning balls of primates going at a hundred miles per hour, or gorillas learning to fly before pigs do, there's a lot of fun to be had. While there are a few popular IPs you already know are going to make the list, we've also made sure to include a few surprise picks to keep these different and provide a couple of titles you might not have heard of before.
For more animal antics, be sure to browse our lists of cat games, dinosaur games, and dog games, as well as our list of games like Stardew Valley if you want to try your hand at some farming.
Here are the best monkey games:
Donkey Kong Bananza
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
In his 10/10 Donkey Kong Bananza review, Connor called it "the first Nintendo Switch 2 masterpiece". Those are some fighting words, and DK's return to 3D truly lives up to them. Following in Super Mario Odyssey's footsteps, this adventure sees Donkey Kong team up with a child version of Pauline, tunneling through various layers of the Earth and using the power of music to win.
There is so much to see and do in this game, and Nintendo is still supporting it with free updates and events. If you're looking for a reason to get a Nintendo Switch 2, this is it.
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Apple Arcade, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is a quaint experience, but a thoughtful one too, detailing one gibbon's escape from a deteriorating environment. It's by far the most poignant title on this list, packing a touching and palpably human experience for a monkey-based platformer (you don't see much eco-awareness in Donkey Kong, that's for sure).
If you still need convincing, why not take a read of our Gibbon: Beyond the Trees review.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
The headline act for our monkey games list is of course AiAi, MeeMee, GonGon, the baby, and the doctor, also known as the Super Monkey Ball crew. With all the classic levels you used to love, and the minigames too, there are hours of monkey business - we'll get that out the way early - in this reimagining of the Gamecube series.
Plus, in this title, other Sega icons like Sonic, and Yakuza's Kiryu, make an entertaining appearance. If that doesn't grab you, maybe our Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania review will.
Flying Gorilla
Portable platforms: iOS, Android
Flying Gorilla describes itself as "a surprisingly popular game", and they hit the nail right on the head there. I will say now, that as insane as you think a flying gorilla game could be, you need to bundle that thought up and throw it out the window, as this title is unlike anything you've ever seen before, and quite possibly for good reason.
Even still, as a free-to-play game, it's worth picking this one up just to blow your tiny mind, if nothing else.
Ape Out
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
Have you ever seen a great ape dodge a shotgun shell? Well if not, you need to play Ape Out, one of the more idiosyncratic monkey games on Switch.
This title is the closest you're going to get to Ape Escape in this day and age, starring a very angry gorilla trying to leave the maze it finds itself in, taking out anyone who gets in its way. If primate ultra-violence is what you're looking for, Ape Out is the only call.
Smashy City
Portable platforms: iOS, Android
In lieu of a like-for-like mobile or Switch port of the original Rampage, one of King Kong's first video game outings, the best way to take control of the massive monkey in this day and age is in Smashy City.
In the same way that the original Crossy Road revitalized Frogger mechanics, Smashy City brings Rampage into the palm of your hands as a fantastic free-to-play city destruction simulator, complete with the king of the apes himself.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
You thought we were going to do a whole list of monkey games and miss out DK himself? Fat chance.
As one of the first titles to port for the Switch from the maligned Wii U era, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is as fine a platformer as you can find on the vast eShop to this day, with hours of classic content and beautiful beachside locations.
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, Android
Now, for something entirely different, we're looking at Do Not Feed the Monkeys, which, spoiler, isn't really about monkeys, but you take a look at the list of monkey games on Switch and suggest something else!
For what this title lacks in actual primates, the voyeuristic narrative-driven gameplay loop is surprisingly enthralling, and there's a deeper message about surveillance society that doesn't go unnoticed. We're still hoping that the sequel, Do Not Feed the Monkeys 2099, comes to Switch one day.
Samba de Amigo: Party Central
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Meta Quest
Amigo is back on our screens in a big way! Samba de Amigo: Party Central is the ultimate monkey-themed party rhythm game for all the family, packed with 40 hit pop songs to battle to.
The Switch version features a bunch of crossovers with other Sega titles like Puyo Puyo and Sonic and utilizes the console's oft-ignored motion controls for an even more immersive maraca experience. However, if solo campaigns are more your jam, take a look at our next recommendation…
Samba de Amigo: Party-To-Go
Portable platforms: Apple Arcade
Party-To-Go is the Apple Arcade-exclusive version of Samba de Amigo: Party Central and it's perfect for those of you who prefer touchscreen rhythm gameplay. The mobile port also includes three exclusive songs from Psy, Lady Gaga, and Fitz and the Tantrums.
While Party-To-Go doesn't support online or local multiplayer like its Switch sibling, it is the exclusive home of Amigo's latest story campaign. Hardcore monkey fans should consider playing both titles to get the full Amigo experience.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
More monkeys in balls! 2024's addition to the series brings more classic Monkey Ball action, complete with online multiplayer and the standard Sega crossovers from previous editions.
If you're new to the series, Rumble might just be the starting point for you, as our hardware editor Connor said in his Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble review that the levels take some time to get difficult.
Bloons TD 6
Portable platforms: Apple Arcade, iOS, Android
We're of the opinion that everyone should play a Bloons TD game at least once in their life, so why not start with Bloons TD 6? This classic tower defense franchise pits hundreds of super-powered monkeys against a never-ending supply of explosive balloons, and you must use your strategic brain to protect yourself while managing your resources.
Not only is this an incredible single-player game, but you can also dive into chaotic four-player co-op matches to protect against the biggest threats together.