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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Yes: Nintendo identifies Odd Rock as Pauline, a talented young singer, in Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo also says VoidCo is responsible for turning her into Odd Rock. What the reveal does not confirm is whether this young Pauline is the same person as the adult Pauline from Super Mario Odyssey, or where the game sits in the series timeline.
Who is Odd Rock in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Nintendo’s June 18, 2025 announcement describes Odd Rock as “a talented young singer named Pauline.” In the game’s story, VoidCo is responsible for transforming Pauline into Odd Rock. That makes the answer to “Is Odd Rock actually Pauline?” a straightforward yes within Bananza’s story—not merely a fan theory or visual resemblance. Nintendo’s announcement gives the reveal and its immediate story context.
How Pauline fits into the story and gameplay
The adventure begins on Ingot Isle, where Donkey Kong finds golden bananas. A tempest sends him underground, where he meets Odd Rock. The two set out for the Planet Core, rumored to grant wishes: Pauline wants to return to the surface, Donkey Kong wants more bananas, and VoidCo has its own plans. Nintendo says VoidCo caused the banana-stealing maelstrom as well as Pauline’s transformation.
Her singing powers up Donkey Kong
Pauline is not only the subject of a story reveal. Her singing strengthens Donkey Kong’s destructive abilities, and collecting gold builds Bananergy that can trigger temporary transformations. Nintendo names Kong Bananza, Zebra Bananza, and Ostrich Bananza among those forms.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
She is playable in local co-op
Nintendo also describes local co-op in which one player controls Donkey Kong and the other Pauline. The Pauline player uses Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality to direct vocal blasts. In a developer interview, producer Kenta Motokura said Pauline was added after the destruction gameplay had taken shape, with the aim of connecting her singing to a feature distinctive to this game and letting players experience her growth alongside Donkey Kong. Nintendo says Pauline is voiced by Yurianne Eve. Nintendo’s developer interview discusses those design choices.
Is this the same Pauline as in Super Mario Odyssey?
That connection remains unresolved. Nintendo’s announcement establishes that the character in Bananza is a young Pauline; it does not explain how she relates to the adult Pauline familiar from Super Mario Odyssey, or confirm a prequel or other timeline placement.
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?
In a March 13, 2026 report, GamesRadar said it asked Motokura and programmer Tatsuya Kurihara about the young Pauline’s identity during a GDC interview. Motokura, speaking through a translator, reportedly replied: “I have to apologize to Dustin, but we’re going to have to leave that to his imagination for now.” That is a reported interview answer, not a published Nintendo transcript, and it leaves the wider continuity question open. GamesRadar’s report covers the exchange.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the Pauline amiibo affect the reveal?
No. Nintendo announced a Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo that unlocks Pauline’s Diva Dress early and provides KONG tiles with explosive power. It is optional; the announcement does not make it a prerequisite for discovering Odd Rock’s identity or following the story.
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)
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