Donkey Kong Bananza: Developers Explain Pauline’s New Role and Age in Nintendo Switch 2 Debut

Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, launching worldwide on July 17th.

Developed by the acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey team, this next-generation platformer brings Donkey Kong back into the spotlight—this time accompanied by a reimagined sidekick, Pauline, portrayed as a 13-year-old for the first time in franchise history. Fans of Nintendo and Donkey Kong will know Pauline as the classic damsel-in-distress from the 1981 arcade original and later as a supporting character in Mario titles like Super Mario Odyssey.

Traditionally depicted as an adult woman, Pauline's youthful reinvention in Donkey Kong Bananza represents a notable departure for the character and, according to the development team, a deliberate creative choice. Director Kazuya Takahashi recently shared insights with IGN, explaining the rationale for this bold decision.

Takahashi outlined the team’s goal to create a character who would both accompany Donkey Kong on his journey and serve as something of a narrator.

"We recognized the opportunity to introduce a character who would be instantly familiar to long-time Donkey Kong fans, yet brought to life with a new look that could resonate with first-time players.

By reimagining Pauline, we aimed to connect with returning and new players alike in a meaningful way,” Takahashi stated. When asked about the choice to make Pauline specifically 13 years old, Takahashi suggested it was intended to offer players an evolving experience as they progress through the game, encouraging discovery and connection with the character’s journey. Producer Kenta Motokura, known for his work directing Super Mario Odyssey, offered further perspective on the decision process.

Motokura emphasized that the team consistently evaluates character roles based on how they enhance player enjoyment.

He recounted how, in early development, Pauline's inclusion wasn't finalized until concept art featuring her zebra transformation inspired both gameplay prototypes and original music compositions.

Motokura explained, “When the composer first developed a track for that transformation, it was so compelling that it led us to expand Pauline’s presence in the game, ultimately giving her unique songs for each in-game transformation.” Takahashi also highlighted the importance of featuring a human character within Bananza’s vibrant world.

“Pauline’s presence supports player immersion, offering meaningful dialogue and hints, especially in a dynamic environment populated by talking animals and unusual elements.

Her ability to use music, such as singing pathways into existence or opening up new areas, is integral to both solo and cooperative gameplay.

A second player can even utilize Pauline's vocal abilities to interact with the game's terrain and enemies," he detailed. Bananza’s development journey began as a title for the original Nintendo Switch before transitioning to the more powerful Switch 2.

This mirrors recent trends in Nintendo’s approach to flagship franchises as seen with titles like Mario Kart World.

As Donkey Kong Bananza prepares for its exclusive launch on Nintendo Switch 2, both Nintendo veterans and newcomers can look forward to exploring a fresh take on iconic characters, inventive co-op features, and the innovative spirit marking the Super Mario Odyssey team’s legacy. Donkey Kong Bananza’s arrival signals not only Donkey Kong's enduring appeal, but also Nintendo’s continued commitment to creative evolution on their flagship hardware.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Mario Pauline Switch 2 Switch Super Mario Odyssey team Super Mario Odyssey team Bananza Super Mario Odyssey Team Kazuya Takahashi Kenta Motokura IGN