Nintendo's Surprise Character Leak in Donkey Kong Bananza

Nintendo has unintentionally revealed a new character for the upcoming Switch 2 exclusive, Donkey Kong Bananza. The slip-up occurred when artwork uploaded to Nintendo Korea briefly showcased an alternative version of the game cover featuring a young version of Pauline, a beloved character from the Mario series. This has sparked speculation among fans, with some wondering if this Baby Pauline is a prequel version of the character or possibly her daughter. While the gameplay preview did not include Baby Pauline, it confirmed the return of Cranky Kong, indicating a mix of familiar faces and extensive lore that fans may explore in the game.

In addition to the returning Cranky Kong, the newly revealed Baby Pauline adds an intriguing twist that may connect to the game's backstory. This inclusion hints at a potential exploration of Donkey Kong's lore and character development, which could delight long-time fans of the franchise.

Donkey Kong first appeared in arcade cabinets in 1981 and has since become a key figure in Nintendo's lineup of characters. His adventures have evolved from simple platforming challenges to rich storytelling, primarily featuring a mix of platformer and puzzle gameplay styles. With the Switch 2 set to launch, Donkey Kong Bananza looks to expand on this legacy while introducing new dynamics to the beloved franchise.