Donkey Kong Bananza: New Voice Actors Announced for Donkey Kong and Pauline on Nintendo Switch 2

Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest entry in the iconic Nintendo franchise, has made headlines following the reveal of new voice actors for some of its most beloved characters.

Now available worldwide for Nintendo Switch 2, the game introduces a refreshed cast for both Donkey Kong and Pauline, highlighting ongoing changes in character voicing across the Nintendo universe.

The game's credits officially confirm that Kouji Takeda assumes the role of Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza.

Takeda is no stranger to the character, having previously provided Donkey Kong’s voice in the Japanese version of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie.

He also reprised the role in Mario Kart World, confirming his place as Donkey Kong’s primary voice for this new era.

This marks a transition from Takashi Nagasako, who had served as Donkey Kong’s voice actor until Mario Kart World.

Beginning with that installment, Nagasako stepped down, making way for Takeda to take over the role moving forward. Alongside Donkey Kong, the character of Pauline has also been recast.

Jenny Kidd lends her voice to Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza, following Kate Higgins, who previously voiced the character in Super Mario Odyssey.

The shift comes as the character is portrayed as significantly younger in this title, requiring a fresh vocal direction.

These casting changes reflect Nintendo's recent trend of updating its character portrayals, further evidenced by high-profile recastings in other parts of its vast portfolio. Notably, Samantha Kelly—known for giving life to Princess Peach, Toad, and Toadette since 2007—was also replaced in Mario Kart World.

According to recently surfaced details, Kelly was informed about her replacement just one day before that game's release, a move that sparked discussion and disappointment among fans regarding Nintendo's handling of the transition. Voice acting roles within Nintendo games have become a central topic for the community, especially after multiple mainstay characters, including Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi, received new voice talent in 2023.

Kevin Afghani now voices these characters, stepping in for Charles Martinet, who has transitioned to the role of Mario Ambassador for Nintendo. Donkey Kong Bananza’s launch on Nintendo Switch 2 not only expands the series' legacy but also stands as a testament to Nintendo’s evolving approach to character portrayal and performance.

These changes underscore a broader movement within the company to refresh its roster as the Nintendo Switch 2 ushers in a new generation of gaming.

Fans and industry observers alike will be watching to see how these new voices shape the ever-expanding Nintendo universe.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline Switch 2 Switch voice actors Bananza Kouji Takeda Jenny Kidd Super Mario Bros. Movie Mario Kart World Charles Martinet Kevin Afghani