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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Nintendo Korea briefly displayed alternate Donkey Kong Bananza artwork in April 2025 that appeared to show Pauline riding with Donkey Kong. The image prompted reports of an accidental character reveal, but it did not explain the story—and the identity of the figure was not confirmed by Nintendo at the time. Nintendo later confirmed that Pauline is Donkey Kong’s partner and that she meets him as Odd Rock.
What the Nintendo Korea artwork appeared to show
Images circulated on April 5–6, 2025, after Nintendo Korea’s website briefly showed alternate Donkey Kong Bananza key art that differed from artwork shared in other regions. VGC reported on April 6 that the picture appeared to feature Pauline, while Nintendo Life described the figure more cautiously as supposedly looking like a young Pauline. The artwork was later removed, according to Nintendo Life; VGC also reported on the apparent character reveal.
That distinction matters: the image was promotional art, not an official explanation of the plot. At the time, reports could only say that the character looked like Pauline; Nintendo had not yet explained who she was in the game or how she related to the purple Odd Rock character.
What was speculation—and what Nintendo later confirmed
NintendoSoup pointed to a purple bracelet in the image and speculated that the girl and the purple rock character might be one character able to change form. That was a theory based on the artwork, not a fact established by the April appearance. NintendoSoup’s report covered the speculation.
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- Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it!
- A brand-new 3D platforming action adventure starring Donkey Kong and Pauline
- Bash through just about anything in groundbreaking exploration! Crash through walls and carve tunnels—the more you smash, the more areas open up to you
- Pair up with Pauline to use Bananza Transformations: smash through obstacles with the raw strength of Kong form, gallop with incredible speed as a Zebra, and more
- Team up with a friend in two-player co-op as Donkey Kong and Pauline! Blast foes and terrain alike with Pauline’s voice as you explore together
Nintendo answered the central question in its June 18, 2025 Donkey Kong Bananza Direct announcement: Pauline is Donkey Kong’s new partner, and she meets him as Odd Rock. Nintendo also said VoidCo is responsible for turning Pauline into Odd Rock. The official announcement called her “His New Partner Pauline.”
The timeline: artwork, official reveal, and release
- April 5–6, 2025: Alternate artwork briefly appeared on Nintendo Korea’s site and circulated online; contemporary reports said it appeared to show Pauline.
- June 18, 2025: Nintendo officially introduced Pauline as Donkey Kong’s partner and explained her connection to Odd Rock.
- July 17, 2025: Donkey Kong Bananza launched exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, as stated in Nintendo’s Direct announcement.
The April artwork incident is separate from later reports about story details appearing in early copies before launch. GameSpot covered that distinct episode on July 14, 2025; it was not the same event as Nintendo Korea’s briefly displayed art: GameSpot’s report.
Rank #2
![Donkey Kong Bananza Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Xv8olm5RL._SL160_.jpg)
- Uncover a wide variety of environments, like forest, canyon, and lagoon, as you delve underground
- Reshape the world as you tear through it, with the help of…an Odd Rock?
Does the artwork settle Pauline’s deeper identity?
No. Nintendo’s announcement confirms Pauline’s role in Bananza and her connection to Odd Rock, but it does not settle how this version relates to the adult Pauline seen in other games. In a later interview report, producer Kenta Motokura was asked about Pauline’s identity and said, “I have to apologize to Dustin,” before adding, “but we’re going to have to leave that to his imagination for now.” GamesRadar’s interview report leaves that deeper question open rather than confirming a prequel, alternate timeline, or other explanation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it!
- A brand-new 3D platforming action adventure starring Donkey Kong and Pauline
Rank #4
- Embark on a brand-new Donkey Kong adventure exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore the Underground World with dynamic environments and hidden secrets.
- Battle VoidCo and its minions using DK’s signature strength and powerful punches.
- Team up with a mysterious new companion with unique gameplay abilities.
- Recover the Golden Bananas across thrilling, action-packed levels.
Rank #3
![Donkey Kong Bananza Bundle (game + DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC) Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51N7IcgPIEL._SL160_.jpg)
- WARNING: If you have epilepsy or have had seizures or other unusual reactions to flashing lights or patterns, consult a doctor before playing video games. All users should read the Health and Safety Information available in the system settings before using this software. A Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) is required for Save Data Cloud backup. Nintendo.
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