Nintendo has not confirmed whether Pauline from Donkey Kong Bananza shares the same timeline or identity as Pauline from Odyssey, with producer Kenta Motokura avoiding the question and suggesting fans use their imagination. The connection remains speculative, and Nintendo has no plans to clarify the relationship anytime soon.
Nintendo initially considered featuring an adult Pauline with Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza but opted for a younger version, around 13 years old, to better fit gameplay and size considerations, ultimately deciding that a smaller, younger Pauline would work better for the game's dynamics.
Nintendo originally considered including an adult version of Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza, but ultimately chose to depict her as a 13-year-old girl to better fit gameplay and storytelling themes, emphasizing her age as a symbol of youthful conflicts and dreams.
Mattel has announced a special edition Pauline Hot Wheels vehicle, inspired by her appearance in Mario Kart, available for pre-order at $22, arriving in September 2025, featuring a Rhodamine red body and premium packaging.
In Donkey Kong Bananza, despite the game's chaotic and violent energy, Donkey Kong reveals a soft, caring side through his friendship with Pauline, supporting her emotionally and sharing fun, lighthearted moments that showcase his big heart beyond his muscular exterior.
Donkey Kong Bananza reveals new lore suggesting Pauline is a child and a prequel to Super Mario Odyssey, with connections to the broader Mario universe and potential future game developments, including a new 3D Mario game.
To unlock the Diva Dress for Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza, you need to speak to the NPC Collectone in the Resort Layer and use the amiibo, which allows you to get the dress earlier, but it's not necessary as it can be obtained later without the amiibo.
Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 game Donkey Kong Bananza was inspired by unexpected ideas, including a zebra transformation that led to the addition of Pauline, and was developed through experimentation with destructible environments, showcasing Nintendo's creative and spontaneous approach.
The developers of Donkey Kong Bananza explained their decision to make Pauline 13 years old to appeal to both new and longtime fans, emphasizing her role as a narrator and her musical abilities, which enhance gameplay and player engagement. The choice was influenced by creative concepts and the desire to include a relatable human character in the game's underground world.
Nintendo explains that Pauline was made young and included as a character in Donkey Kong Bananza to serve as a relatable human element, narrator, and musical contributor, with her age of 13 chosen to appeal to both new and long-time fans, enhancing player engagement and storytelling.
Nintendo has revealed that Pauline is a 13-year-old girl in Donkey Kong Bananza, sparking speculation about her timeline and relationship with Donkey Kong, and suggesting the game may serve as a prequel to Super Mario Odyssey. The story hints at a friendship between Pauline and DK, contrasting with their traditional roles, and raises questions about Mario's potential villainy. The game is set to release on July 17, 2025, on Switch 2.
Nintendo revealed new details about Donkey Kong Bananza, highlighting features like multiplayer co-op using Switch 2's GameShare, a strong musical theme with Pauline's singing and transformations, classic side-scrolling gameplay, and a creative DK Artist mode, all set for release on July 17 for Switch 2.
Nintendo's Donkey Kong Bananza Direct revealed Pauline as DK's companion, showcasing new gameplay mechanics including environmental manipulation, DK transformations, collectibles, and co-op features, with the game releasing on July 17, 2025.
Nintendo announced that Pauline will appear as a playable co-op character in Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2, using her voice for combat and puzzle-solving, with the game set to release on July 17. The game features a musical, third-person shouter mechanic and explores a younger version of Pauline, hinting at a pre-1982 storyline.
Nintendo announced a new Donkey Kong amiibo and detailed its functionality in DK Bananza, including unlocking costumes and perks for DK and Pauline, with Pauline's new Diva Dress increasing disc drops. The amiibo also unlocks elemental spheres for gameplay, and previous DK amiibo remain compatible.