Donkey Kong Bananza: Pauline Joins as Sidekick, DK Transforms

Nintendo has unveiled exciting new details about the upcoming game Donkey Kong Bananza during a recent Nintendo Direct presentation. Notably, the beloved character Pauline from Super Mario Odyssey will be featured as a sidekick, wielding magical powers that allow her to transform Donkey Kong into new forms such as a charging zebra or a flying ostrich. This 3D platformer brings another layer of fun with a cooperative mode where a second player can control Pauline, using her vocal abilities to assist Donkey Kong in his adventures. Players can take advantage of the GameShare feature, allowing local gameplay without needing multiple copies of the game. Additional gameplay mechanics include the ability to create structures from the environment, as well as a creative mode, DK Artist, for customizing destruction effects. The game will also see the return of classic characters including Cranky Kong, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong. Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch on July 17, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, promising stunning graphics powered by the new console's capabilities.

Players can look forward to new gameplay mechanics like cooperative play featuring Pauline, innovative transformation abilities, and the DK Artist creative mode. The game also incorporates returning characters and familiar elements like the DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64.

Donkey Kong Bananza is part of the renowned Donkey Kong franchise, which has been a staple of Nintendo's gaming lineup since its inception in the early 1980s. The series is celebrated for its engaging platforming gameplay and memorable characters such as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. With this new installment, Nintendo aims to blend nostalgia with modern gameplay innovations, appealing to both longtime fans and new players alike.