Donkey Kong Bananza: New Story Details Reshape Mario and Donkey Kong Lore on Nintendo Switch

Donkey Kong Bananza: New Story Details Reshape Mario and Donkey Kong Lore on Nintendo Switch Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest adventure from Nintendo, has taken the Nintendo Switch community by storm since its release just a week ago.

The game, developed with the same polish and creativity fans expect from Nintendo, has garnered impressive reviews for its vibrant level design, engaging mechanics, and, perhaps most intriguingly, its fresh narrative direction.

As longtime followers of the franchise know, story and lore in Donkey Kong games have often taken a back seat to gameplay, but Donkey Kong Bananza marks a significant departure, offering story beats that connect deeply with the greater Mario universe. The main campaign of Donkey Kong Bananza can be completed in roughly 20 hours, making it accessible for both casual players and series veterans alike.

Even for those not driven to achieve 100% completion, there’s a wealth of intriguing story content that invites careful examination.

In this article, we’ll break down the key narrative elements, address some of the most talked-about character appearances, and explain how these developments impact the larger lore of both Donkey Kong and the Mario series. A New Adventure, Classic Characters The story begins when Donkey Kong, drawn by rumors, leaves DK Island to explore Ingot Isle in pursuit of the mysterious golden bananas.

Notably, Donkey Kong embarks on this quest alone, encountering a young Pauline, aged thirteen, along the way.

The two join forces to oppose Void Kong, a newcomer villain who is determined to reach the Planet Core, where it’s said that any wish—such as infinite riches—can be granted. As the journey unfolds, familiar faces from the Donkey Kong Country games—including Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong—join the cast.

In a crucial moment, Dixie explains that she and Diddy have already shared several adventures with Donkey Kong, directly referencing the three classic Donkey Kong Country titles.

This confirms that Bananza’s storyline is set after those events, clarifying longstanding questions about the series’ timeline. Redefining Relationships: Pauline, King K.

Rool, and Beyond One of Donkey Kong Bananza’s most fascinating narrative decisions is the portrayal of Pauline as a child, with the game directly stating that she has always resided in New Donk City.

The story avoids supernatural explanations, such as curses or time travel, for her age.

Instead, it refers to her close relationship with her grandmother—an intriguing detail given the history of Cranky Kong, the original Donkey Kong from arcade fame, and the differences between arcade "Lady" and modern Pauline appearances.

In Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, for example, Pauline and "Lady" are recognized as distinct characters, reinforcing Nintendo's effort to clarify the evolving Mario and Donkey Kong continuity. King K.

Rool returns as Donkey Kong Bananza’s surprise antagonist.

Dialogue from Fractone NPCs reveals that K.

Rool once reached the Planet Core but was ultimately sealed away by the Banandium Root, only to be reawakened by Pauline's singing.

This creative twist both expands K.

Rool’s backstory and links past Donkey Kong games to Bananza’s narrative arc. Jumpman, Mario, and Canonical Clarifications The game’s setting clarifies several recurring questions about the broader Mario timeline.

With Pauline’s age established, Donkey Kong Bananza can be seen as a prequel to Super Mario Odyssey.

The distinction between "Jumpman" and "Mario" becomes increasingly clear—reflecting official Nintendo statements and even nods in other media, such as the Super Mario Bros.

Movie.

Interactions between these characters across various games—including Mario vs.

Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong for Game Boy—suggest evolving motivations and relationships, expanding the emotional complexity of the series. Lore-Driven Design Meets Classic Gameplay While the story may not be the primary draw for every fan, Donkey Kong Bananza proves that Nintendo continues to value continuity and character development.

The game’s careful references and character moments, such as the camaraderie displayed in Mario Kart World’s ending screens, encourage seasoned players to re-examine long-held theories about Donkey Kong, Pauline, and the supporting cast. Donkey Kong Bananza is now available globally for Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo eShop and physical retailers.

For those looking to explore the latest updates to Donkey Kong’s world—and its enduring influence on the Mario universe—Bananza represents both a thrilling platformer and a thoughtful expansion of Nintendo’s broader storytelling ambitions.

For additional details, fans can visit the official Donkey Kong Bananza website and follow future announcements through Nintendo Direct presentations.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Mario Switch Bananza Pauline King K. Rool Diddy Kong Dixie Kong Super Mario Odyssey Donkey Kong Country Void Kong Cranky Kong New Donk City Jumpman Planet Core Banandium Root Super Smash Bros. Ultimate