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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNo—not officially. Donkey Kong Bananza introduces a young singer named Pauline as Donkey Kong’s companion, but Nintendo has not confirmed that she is the same person as the adult mayor in Super Mario Odyssey. The game does give her a substantial role: her singing powers Donkey Kong’s transformations, and a second player can control her in local co-op.
Is Bananza’s Pauline the same Pauline from Super Mario Odyssey?
That remains unresolved. Nintendo’s announcement describes Pauline as a young singer but does not identify her as the future mayor of New Donk City from Super Mario Odyssey. When GamesRadar asked producer Kenta Motokura directly about her identity, he replied through a translator: “I have to apologize to Dustin, but we’re going to have to leave that to his imagination for now.” The remark was reported in a March 13, 2026 interview; it is not a formal Nintendo statement confirming either identity.
So the safe answer is that Bananza features a character named Pauline whose connection to the Odyssey mayor is an open question—not a confirmed origin story. GamesRadar’s interview report
Who is Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Nintendo describes her as Donkey Kong’s “new partner.” He first encounters her underground as Odd Rock; VoidCo is responsible for turning her into that form. She is a talented young singer, and the two travel through the underground world toward the Planet Core. Pauline hopes it can get her back to the surface, while Donkey Kong is after bananas. Nintendo of Canada’s announcement
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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
What does Pauline do in Bananza?
Pauline’s singing is central to the transformation mechanic. Collecting gold builds Bananergy; once the pair have enough, her singing triggers a temporary Bananza form for Donkey Kong. Nintendo names three forms:
- Kong Bananza: boosts strength.
- Zebra Bananza: provides speed and short dashes.
- Ostrich Bananza: enables flight and Egg Bombs.
Nintendo’s game overview also highlights Pauline’s voice and the Bananza transformations.
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?
Can you play as Pauline?
Yes, in local two-player co-op: one player controls Donkey Kong and the other controls Pauline. Nintendo says the mode supports sharing a Joy-Con 2 controller. This confirms a separate co-op role; it does not mean Pauline is a separately playable character throughout the solo campaign. Nintendo also describes GameShare and GameChat, with online features subject to Nintendo Account, membership, internet, and availability conditions. Nintendo’s co-op details
What does the Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo unlock?
Scanning the Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo in Bananza unlocks Pauline’s Diva Dress outfit and gold KONG tiles that can explode on impact when swung or thrown. The figure launched July 17, 2025. Nintendo notes that amiibo functionality varies by game, and the figure, game, and system are sold separately. Nintendo’s amiibo details
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![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.
When and where was Donkey Kong Bananza released?
Donkey Kong Bananza released July 17, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo describes it as a 3D platforming action adventure with destructible terrain, an underground world, collectibles, and local co-op. Nintendo’s release announcement
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
