I did the same thing.  I don't think I missed a single breakable thing in that first cave.

While Mario Kart World was a good game, and the right choice to launch the system with given the IP's sheer selling power, Bananza really feels like the system's first definitive modern classic, Switch 2's answer to BOTW on Switch 1, Mario 64 on N64, Halo Combat Evolved on OG Xbox, and the like.

Aside from a slightly slow opening, I have zero complaints so far. Gameplay is golden, visuals are nice, soundtrack's a banger.

Yes

Post game? I only just now gained access to world 3, I think.

The first boss is very "Splatoon" and I love that.

There's DNA of a lot of modern Nintendo's best here; TOTK and BOTW's dynamic world, Odyssey's freewheeling movement, Splatoon's wackiness, ARM's punchy feedback, even Pikmin's exaggerated environmental naturalism and creature design.

Also, fun fact that I never heard until just now; apparently the game has optional motion controls where you can use the Joycons to punch or beat your chest; gonna give em a try tonight, sounds like fun.

Any way for DK and Pauline to explore underwater in this game?

I can see why this started out as a Switch 1 game and eventually moved to Switch 2.

With all the destruction and wrecking shit you do throughout the game and all the things going on simultaneously as you do so, the Switch 1 would've caught fire trying to process it all!

Hitting a vein of gold and seeing all the shiny particles come spurting out never stops being satisfying.

They really nailed making the core loop of smashing stuff feel good.

I've been trying to pace myself and only play through an hour or so a day to make it last, it's so good that I don't want it to be over too fast.

Same.

Also, and sorry for this leading to any spoilers, but is a certain fan favorite Nintendo villain really in this game? So far I've only seen Cranky Kong allude to him.