In Donkey Konga 2, performances are graded by how accurately players drum along to the rhythms shown on the screen. In Street Performance mode, players play for DK Coins. The better their performances, the more coins they earn. Coins are spent at the Shopping Mall to purchase expert-level music, alternate sound sets for the DK Bongos controller, and mini-games at the Shopping Mall. The Music Lab features two new mini-games. In Challenge mode, players must match a set performance score to move on to the next song, with the ultimate goal of playing every song in the game in one sitting. Battle mode pits two players against one another to see who can achieve the higher score. Hitting strategically placed POW blocks will lower opponents' scores, and there's a drum roll contest for bonus points as well. In Jam Session, the more the merrier – up to four players can grab DK Bongos controllers and go bananas!
Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Donkey Konga 2 is played with the DK Bongos controller, which was introduced in the original Donkey Konga. It has a left drum, right drum and a microphone that picks up the sound of clapping. As you play the mini-games, you will get opportunities to unlock special "badges," icons that you and your friends can use to personalize your high scores.
Characters: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong.