Donkey Kong Bananza: Nintendo Direct Confirms Pauline as Playable Singer

Nintendo Direct Confirms Pauline's Playable Role in Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch Nintendo has officially unveiled one of the most anticipated surprises for its upcoming platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza, during the latest Nintendo Direct event.

Developed for the Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to become a major title in Nintendo’s lineup, building anticipation across the global gaming community.

With this announcement, Nintendo confirmed long-standing rumors about the mysterious 'Odd Rock' character and its significance in gameplay. A Key Reveal: Pauline Steps into the Spotlight During the Nintendo Direct presentation, it was revealed that 'Odd Rock,' the curious purple rock frequently seen alongside Donkey Kong in promotional materials, is actually Pauline in disguise.

Known to many fans as a remarkable singer and a key figure in the Mario universe, Pauline plays a central role in Donkey Kong Bananza.

Her goal? To reach the Planet’s Core and fulfill her dream of sharing her music with the world. Nintendo highlighted that Pauline’s singing ability is not only a narrative focus but also a unique gameplay mechanic.

Players will need to use Pauline’s voice to unseal special items and help navigate tricky platforming sequences, adding a fresh twist to the traditional Donkey Kong formula.

Additionally, customization features, such as the ability to dress up Pauline, bring an extra layer of charm and replay value. Pauline's In-Game Debut Confirmed After Months of Leaks Speculation around Pauline's inclusion originated back in April 2025, when official key artwork briefly appeared on the Nintendo Korea website before being promptly removed.

Though the initial reveal was curtailed, today's announcement brings official confirmation and offers fans a first comprehensive look at Pauline’s in-game capabilities and aesthetic updates. Donkey Kong Bananza Continues Franchise Evolution Donkey Kong Bananza represents Nintendo's ongoing commitment to evolving its beloved franchises.

By integrating known characters in innovative ways and leveraging the unique hardware features of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo maintains its legacy of high-quality platformers.

Including Pauline as a playable character with musical abilities underscores the company's emphasis on creative, engaging gameplay experiences. Release Information and Looking Ahead Nintendo has yet to announce an exact launch date for Donkey Kong Bananza, but the reveal has already generated strong excitement among both franchise veterans and new players.

As the Switch continues to dominate the console market, Donkey Kong Bananza is positioned as a must-play for platforming enthusiasts, with Pauline’s role cementing her place as a core member of the Donkey Kong legacy. For more updates on Donkey Kong Bananza, including further gameplay details and release information, be sure to follow upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and the official Nintendo eShop.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Direct Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline Switch Odd Rock