Yes. Pauline is in Donkey Kong Bananza—Nintendo officially confirmed her on June 18, 2025, ahead of the game’s July 17, 2025 launch. The promo-art report was an early clue; Nintendo’s announcement is the definitive confirmation.
Who is Odd Rock?
Odd Rock is Pauline. In Nintendo’s June 18, 2025 announcement, the company introduces her as “a talented young singer” and Donkey Kong’s new partner. In the game’s story, VoidCo has transformed Pauline into Odd Rock. She joins Donkey Kong underground, hoping the Planet Core can return her to the surface, while he is pursuing bananas.
What does Pauline do in the game?
Pauline is an active partner, not just a cameo. Her singing powers Donkey Kong’s temporary Bananza transformations, helping him take on different forms and break through obstacles. Nintendo’s official game page, reviewed October 8, 2026, identifies her as 13 and says her voice can blast rocks and empower Donkey Kong.
The game also supports local two-player co-op: one player controls Donkey Kong and the other controls Pauline, according to Nintendo’s game page.
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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
Is this the same Pauline from another game?
Nintendo’s official material establishes Pauline’s identity and role in Bananza, but does not explain how this version fits into a broader timeline or whether she is the same individual as a Pauline from another game. Her stated age in the Bananza page alone does not settle that question.
When did Donkey Kong Bananza come out?
Donkey Kong Bananza launched on July 17, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo’s current game page lists it as available and notes that DLC is available. Nintendo of Canada also described Donkey Kong and Pauline as a duo when it said the game was available on July 25, 2025.
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?
Is the Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo required?
No. The game does not require the amiibo to access Pauline. Nintendo says the separately sold Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo can unlock Pauline’s Diva Dress early and provide KONG tiles. It is an optional accessory, not a prerequisite for the game or Pauline’s story role.
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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