Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania screenshots and box art have seemingly leaked

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania screenshots and box art have seemingly leaked ahead of an official announcement.

The unconfirmed title was rated by the Australian Classification board in mid-April, leading many to believe an official reveal was imminent.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania was also rated in Brazil this month, with the country’s classification board listing the game for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC.

And today, freelance journalist Nils Ahrensmeier tweeted what are claimed to be the first screenshots of the game, along with PS5 and Switch box art.

Sega has been tipped to release a new Super Monkey Ball game for much of the past year. Matt Brian, who is the voice of the Monkey Ball series’ announcer, posted a number of hints towards an upcoming reveal on his Instagram page last summer.

In one post he wrote: “Playing a friend’s Switch. SuperMonkeyBall of course! I need to stop shouting out “Ready, Go!” You all understand. September will be amazing for what’s to come.”

In an earlier post covering the closure of Sega’s flagship Akihabara arcade, Brian wrote: “Akihabara arcade closing which means that the flow goes to Super Monkey Ball X. This month the ground will shake. Stay tuned!”

Last year Sega released an HD update of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz for consoles and PC, featuring updated graphics, optimised controls and online leaderboards.

According to comments made by the game’s director, positive sales could lead to further series remakes or even a new game.

“When considering how to bring Super Monkey Ball to modern platforms with the limited time and budget we had, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz was the most reasonable option,” Masao Shirosaki told Crunchy Roll.

“13 years ago was before I joined Sega; I’m really grateful for the fans who still support the Monkey Ball series after all these years, and who motivate me to create only the best for them.

“And of course, I am aware that the most favoured titles are the first two games. If there is enough support for Banana Blitz HD, this will open up doors for remaking the first two games or even a whole new title to the series. But for now, I’d be happy if everyone has fun playing Banana Blitz HD.”