Donkey Kong Bananza: Pauline’s Key Role Explained by Nintendo Developers for Switch 2 Release

Donkey Kong Bananza, the upcoming adventure from Nintendo, is set to launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

As the latest major installment in the Donkey Kong series, this title introduces new gameplay mechanics and fresh character dynamics, most notably featuring a young Pauline—aged 13—as a central figure alongside the iconic Donkey Kong.

The project assembled key talent, including Kenta Motokura (known for his work as producer of Super Mario Odyssey) and director Kazuya Takahashi.

In a recent interview, they discussed the creative decisions behind Pauline’s inclusion and her role in the highly anticipated game. From the outset, Donkey Kong Bananza was envisioned as a journey not only for Donkey Kong but also for an accompanying character who could connect with players and enrich the gameplay experience.

Motokura shared that, while the idea of pairing Donkey Kong with Pauline was suggested early in development, it was not immediately implemented.

Inspiration struck when a concept artist created an imaginative zebra transformation for Pauline.

This visual sparked a wave of creativity—prompting the team to quickly develop a prototype for the transformation and encouraging the composer to craft a unique piece of music to accompany it.

The music turned out so compelling that the team expanded upon the idea, ultimately transforming the composition into a full song, and thus reinforcing Pauline’s critical role within the game.

After this, Motokura said, "several elements fell into place and we solidified Pauline as Donkey Kong’s partner, which shaped much of the game’s direction." Director Kazuya Takahashi explained further that Pauline was a deliberate choice as a human character who could anchor the player in the game’s imaginative, underground world.

With players encountering talking animals and even rocks, the presence of Pauline offers a relatable, human perspective and dynamic feedback.

Takahashi noted, "Having Pauline react, notice, and provide audio hints helps players navigate the world while integrating critical information naturally within gameplay." Her role is heightened by music-driven mechanics—Pauline’s songs illuminate secret paths or open new routes, and in co-op play, a second player can use her vocal abilities to interact with the environment or enemies.

Takahashi emphasized that these unique features emerged directly from selecting Pauline as a core character, a decision the development team embraced wholeheartedly. The developers also addressed the particular choice of Pauline’s age in Donkey Kong Bananza.

Takahashi clarified that at 13 years old, Pauline serves both as a familiar figure for long-time fans and a refreshing, accessible presence for new players.

"We wanted a character who could act as a fellow traveler and a bit of a narrator, fitting for newcomers and veteran players alike," said Takahashi.

Motokura added that the team carefully considers each character’s setting and background to maximize player enjoyment, while the reasoning for making Pauline specifically 13 is a detail they intend players to ponder as they play. Originally envisioned for the Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Bananza's development shifted focus to Nintendo Switch 2 as the new hardware emerged, promising enhanced visuals and gameplay innovations.

The project marks a significant milestone for Nintendo, especially following producer Motokura’s acclaimed work on Super Mario Odyssey and his push for a fresh 3D Donkey Kong adventure. Donkey Kong Bananza’s arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 in summer 2025 is one of the most notable launches on the upcoming platform, reaffirming Nintendo’s dedication to evolving its classic franchises while introducing inventive co-op and narrative mechanics to a new generation of players.

Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline Switch 2 Switch developers Bananza Super Mario Odyssey Kenta Motokura Kazuya Takahashi