Pauline Officially Confirmed for Donkey Kong Bananza on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has officially announced that Pauline will appear as a central character in Donkey Kong Bananza, following the latest Nintendo Direct.

This exclusive news brings clarity to recent leaks and speculation, offering fans an exciting first look at new gameplay features and story developments for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 title. Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to be a headline release for the Nintendo Switch 2 platform, with its launch scheduled for July 17, 2025.

Developed by Nintendo’s acclaimed in-house team, the game marks a return to classic Donkey Kong adventure while introducing new twists to the beloved formula.

With Pauline’s inclusion, Nintendo continues its tradition of revitalizing legacy characters across generations of hardware and fans. In the newly released Nintendo Direct segment, it was revealed that Pauline is, in fact, the true identity behind the enigmatic character Odd Rock.

Throughout the narrative, Pauline seeks a way to return to the surface, partnering with Donkey Kong on a perilous journey toward the planet’s core, where a magical wish awaits those who reach it.

With this confirmation, Nintendo not only resolves earlier fan theories but also expands the significance of Pauline's role in Donkey Kong lore. Addressing the excitement around the character’s introduction, the developer clarified through an official statement that, “Pauline’s story will offer players a fresh perspective, allowing them to team up with Donkey Kong in a completely new way and uncover secrets at the heart of the planet.” This approach builds on Pauline’s growing popularity following her appearances in titles such as Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart Tour, where her renewed design and character arc have resonated with longtime Nintendo fans. Donkey Kong Bananza’s listing on the eShop is expected to go live in the coming weeks, in line with Nintendo’s standard pre-release roadmap.

The game is widely anticipated to take advantage of Nintendo Switch 2's advanced hardware capabilities, promising enhanced graphics and refined gameplay mechanics while remaining accessible to both newcomers and franchise veterans. With the official confirmation of Pauline's role, Donkey Kong Bananza stands as one of the most promising releases in Nintendo's upcoming portfolio.

Fans can look forward to experiencing this new chapter when the game arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Direct Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline Switch 2 Switch