As a PlayStation Vita exclusive, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz launched in 2012 with the intent to make full use of all of the Vita's several touch and gyroscopic features. While this made sense given the gaming landscape at the time and the games exclusivity on the Vita, touch and motion controls are not the way to experience the Super Monkey Ball series on a handheld. The left analog stick is far superior to any motion control, regardless of console, and allows for more control over the speed and location of the ball. Furthermore, the required integration of touch controls to nearly ever menu in the game makes menu navigation a chore rather than a snappy and easy process. Overall, the touch and motion controls in Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz are fine additions, but are ultimately unwarranted and make little impact when the best way to play the game is still with an analog stick.

As I have never played any other Super Monkey Ball game, I don't believe I have much to say regarding level design in this game. I have nothing to compare the levels to, so I can only say that the levels seemed fair and were a fun challenge.

Overall, I'm not sure Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz was the best way to finally give this series a try, but my time with this game was well spent and served as a great time waster on an otherwise long and boring flight.