Nano Banana 2 (Google Gemini 3.1 Flash Image) is announced in February 2026. This article documents the updates from the previous Generation and shows several test results using the new model.

Related articles:

  1. Gemini "Nano Banana" image editing capability
  2. Gemini "Nano Banana" generally available
  3. Gemini 3 Pro image (Nano Banana Pro) early preview

API Updates

  1. The model name is gemini-3.1-flash-image-preview. You can use it with the generateContent or streamGenerateContent endpoints.
  2. It adds a new resolution - 0.5K, which is equivalent to 512px.
  3. It adds several new ratios - 1:4, 1:8, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1, 8:1
  4. Google search grounding (including Google image search)
  5. The model could output an image only or text & image in the same response.

Sample:

{
   ......
  "generationConfig": {
      "maxOutputTokens": 32768,
      "responseModalities": ["TEXT", "IMAGE"],
      "imageConfig": {
        "aspectRatio": "16:9",
        "imageSize": "2K"
      },
      "thinkingConfig": {
        "thinkingBudget": 3000
      }
    },
    "tools": [
      { "google_search": {} }
    ]
}

Test #1: 0.5K Image

This is suitable for generating assets such as logos, icons, or stickers.

App icon design: a centered uppercase letter “N” made from royal-blue embroidery thread, stitched as an outline (no fill), with clean rounded corners and consistent stitch length; 
the “N” looks realistically sewn onto a natural off-white linen canvas background with subtle woven texture and gentle fabric shading. 
Minimal, premium notary aesthetic. Soft top-left lighting creating slight thread sheen and a faint shadow where the thread lifts from the fabric; no other symbols. 
Square icon composition with generous padding so the “N” is bold and legible at small sizes, calm uncluttered background. 
No text besides the “N”, no logo watermark, no border.

Test #2: New 8:1 ratio

In this test, we generate a photo taken in ultra-wide panoramic mode.

Photo-realistic panoramic landscape of an imaginary alpine mountain range: snow-capped jagged peaks in the far distance, a vast pine-forested valley below, and a small winding river catching sunlight as it snakes through the trees. 
Viewpoint from a high ridge overlook (wide establishing shot), strong sense of depth with layered ridgelines receding into the horizon. 
Crisp midday clarity with clean dry air, high sun, natural balanced camera-like colors (true-to-life greens, deep blues, bright whites), high micro-contrast and fine detail, sharp focus across the frame, minimal atmospheric haze, no clouds, clear blue sky. 
Composition optimized for an ultra-wide 8:1 panoramic ratio, horizon in the upper third, river as a subtle leading line; 
no people, no buildings, no text.

Test #3: New 1:8 ratio

In this test, we generate an image that resembles a strip of film negative.

Clean graphic illustration of a vertical 1:8 film negative strip: one long column with 5–7 frames showcasing “random street photo” scenes (crosswalk, storefront signage, parked scooters, neon reflections, rainy pavement, distant pedestrians as small silhouettes). 
Classic orange-brown color negative look with warm amber base, subtle cyan shadows, inverted tonal feel, and soft film grain. 
Crisp rectangular sprocket holes on both sides, thin frame borders, small edge markings/numbers as abstract shapes (no readable brand text). 
Minimal off-white background with gentle shadow to lift the strip; centered composition with generous empty space near the top for icons. 
Flat, clean vector-like rendering, sharp edges, consistent spacing, no clutter.

Test #4 - Google search

Finally, we test the Google Search capabilities. We requested a photo of a currency exchange rate board, and we specifically asked to show today's rate.

Photorealistic close-up of a currency exchange shop digital LED rate board at evening in a busy city/urban setting, neon ambience and soft reflections on glass, shallow depth of field with blurred street lights (bokeh) in the background. 
The board is the clear focal point, centered slightly lower to leave clean negative space near the top for phone icons, no people. 
Display shows a clear header “EXCHANGE RATES” and “AGAINST MYR”, with four rows in crisp LED dot-matrix type: USD, EUR, SGD, JPY, each with a plausible numeric rate aligned in columns; include subtle “BUY” and “SELL” column labels. 
Color palette: deep blacks and charcoal casing, bright red/amber LED digits with cyan neon rim-light, realistic glare, minor dust, smudges, and light scratches on the protective acrylic. 
Urban storefront hints at edges (metal frame, stickers peeled) but keep background minimal. 
Vertical composition 9:16, high resolution, no watermark, no logo, no border, no UI overlay beyond the rate board text. 
Use the most recent rate as of today.

That seems to be pretty accurate.