Donkey Kong Bananza: New Voice Actors for Donkey Kong and Pauline Confirmed on Nintendo Switch

Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest installment in Nintendo’s storied platforming franchise, has officially launched on the Nintendo Switch, bringing with it a fresh wave of excitement for fans worldwide.

As gamers dive into the newly released title, one of the most notable changes comes in the form of new voice talent for two of the series’ most iconic characters: Donkey Kong and Pauline. According to updated in-game credits confirmed by IGN, Kouji Takeda has taken up the mantle as the new voice of Donkey Kong.

Takeda is no stranger to the role, having previously lent his vocal talents to Donkey Kong in the Japanese dub of the Super Mario Bros.

Movie, which made its debut in 2023.

His casting in Donkey Kong Bananza marks a significant shift for the franchise, following reports that longtime Donkey Kong voice actor Takashi Nagasako was not credited in last month’s high-profile release, Mario Kart World, which marked the debut of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Pauline, another beloved character with deep roots in Nintendo’s lore, is also receiving a new interpretation in Donkey Kong Bananza.

The role is voiced by Jenny Kidd, an actress and musician who brings to life a 13-year-old version of Pauline.

This marks a change from the character’s previous English-language voice actor, Kate Higgins, who portrayed Pauline in Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch in 2017.

The choice to cast Kidd reflects a shift towards exploring younger iterations of classic Nintendo characters, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing established series while preserving their core identities. This double recasting follows recent news regarding changes to Princess Peach’s voice actor, signifying a broader trend within Nintendo’s approach to character development and franchise evolution.

With over two decades of vocal continuity coming to an end for Donkey Kong and new talent bringing fresh perspectives to familiar roles, Donkey Kong Bananza stands as a milestone in the series’ ongoing journey. Donkey Kong Bananza is available now exclusively on the Nintendo Switch and via the Nintendo eShop.

Players can experience the new voices and updated character portrayals firsthand, adding another layer of interest to one of Nintendo’s most enduring game series.

As the company continues to celebrate its history while embracing new creative directions, the evolution of its characters—both in gameplay and performance—remains a key feature of its success. Stay tuned for more updates on Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo Direct announcements, and the ongoing evolution of voice talent in Nintendo’s iconic franchises.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline Switch Bananza