Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza Direct Reveals Pauline as Playable Sidekick on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo made waves today during the latest Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza Direct by unveiling a suite of intriguing details for its highly anticipated action-adventure title, Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza, set to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

The Direct served as a showcase for new gameplay mechanics and character developments, underscoring Nintendo’s commitment to expanding the beloved Donkey Kong franchise on its flagship hardware. One of the most talked-about announcements was the return of a fan-favorite character from across the Mario universe.

Players can now look forward to an unexpected twist: the mysterious 'Odd Rock' companion that Donkey Kong befriends early in the game is revealed to be none other than a youthful version of Pauline.

Nintendo confirmed that Pauline’s design draws direct inspiration from her acclaimed appearance in Super Mario Odyssey, bringing both nostalgia and fresh energy to the upcoming adventure. According to Nintendo’s Direct presentation, Pauline’s talents go beyond offering support.

As Donkey Kong's new playable sidekick, she will actively participate in the journey, using her renowned singing abilities to overcome unique obstacles.

Her voice unlocks specific barriers and also triggers powerful transformations for Donkey Kong, adding a multifaceted layer to the series’ classic platforming formula.

These new mechanics are expected to deepen gameplay variety and offer innovative cooperative possibilities for players. "We wanted to make sure Pauline felt like a core part of the experience," Nintendo highlighted in its presentation, emphasizing her key role not only in puzzle-solving but also in narrative progression.

This evolving partnership between Donkey Kong and Pauline marks a significant moment in the series’ history, merging established lore with new storylines tailored for veteran fans and newcomers alike. Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza further cements Nintendo’s strategy of leveraging its legacy characters to enhance new releases on the Nintendo Switch platform.

Since its debut in 2017, the Switch has been home to several breakout successes, and the return of Donkey Kong with such innovative character dynamics is poised to be another milestone.

While specific release dates and pre-order details are awaited, anticipation is already high within the gaming community. Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza will be available exclusively via Nintendo Switch, with additional updates expected to be shared through upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and the official eShop.

Stay tuned for further news as Nintendo continues to roll out new content and features for its iconic franchises.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Pauline Switch Donkey Kong Banana Bonanza Super Mario Odyssey