Pauline Joins Donkey Kong Sidekick; DK Turns Zebra, Ostrich

Nintendo unveiled fresh gameplay insights about Donkey Kong Bananza during today's Nintendo Direct presentation, confirming Super Mario Odyssey's Pauline will serve as DK's companion throughout the adventure.

Pauline's Musical Abilities Take Center Stage

This previously leaked (and promptly removed) younger version of Pauline brings dynamic new mechanics to the platformer. Her vocal talents allow temporary DK transformations into combat-ready forms - including a charging zebra and bomb-dropping ostrich. A second player can control Pauline directly, turning her musical notes into targeted explosive attacks via Joy-Con motion controls.

Innovative Co-op and Building Mechanics

• GameShare enables local multiplayer across Switch consoles without requiring additional copies
• DK can skate on environmental debris and assemble structures mid-gameplay
• New DK Artist mode lets players sculpt destruction effects into creative stone carvings

Kong Family Reunion

The trailer confirmed returns for classic characters like Cranky Kong and Rambi, with surprise appearances from Diddy and Dixie Kong - though their roles remain mysterious.

SPOTTED: Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza. (They're alive!)

— IGN (@IGN) June 18, 2025

Nostalgic Callbacks With Modern Twists

The presentation featured:

1. A refreshed DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64
2. A racing minigame featuring Diddy and Dixie as opponents
3. New amiibo functionality including early costume unlocks

IGN praised the title's visual fidelity: "Bananza showcases Switch 2's capabilities with stunning environments and remarkably expressive animations that signal Nintendo's next-generation leap."

Donkey Kong Bananza arrives exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, accompanied by a special edition DK and Pauline amiibo.