Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is mainly controlled by the DK Bongos. While the game is compatible with the GameCube controller, its primary focus is on gameplay using the bongos. First, you should make sure the bongos are plugged in, as well as a memory card. Then make sure your surroundings are nice and quiet, because the sound sensor that responds to your claps can respond to other noises as well. If your hands get tired out or are sensitive to clapping them together, hit your fingers on the DK Bongos' upper bands instead, because this game is a good workout for your hands with the clapping method. If all of this is ready, you can begin!
You receive points by collecting bananas, scattered throughout every stage. You will receive more bananas by clapping near several of them, making you collect them all at once. You can also earn extra bananas by having more "combo points," which you get by doing certain moves in a row without touching the ground. There are three stages in each "Kingdom" or level, and there are several pages of Kingdoms in the game, each with four Kingdoms and four bosses. These bosses repeat in each page of Kingdoms but increase in difficulty. After the three stages, you will then go into a boss game, ranging in style from dodging and punching, throwing pineapple bombs at a tank-like boss, to grabbing on and punching for another. Many times, there are mini-bosses, most of which require timing to defeat.