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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsNintendo revealed Pauline as Donkey Kong’s young singing companion in Donkey Kong Bananza during a Direct on June 18, 2025. First introduced as the mysterious Odd Rock, she becomes central to both the story and the game’s transformation abilities. The Nintendo Switch 2 game launched on July 17, 2025.
How Pauline was revealed
Nintendo’s June 18, 2025 Donkey Kong Bananza Direct introduced Odd Rock, a mysterious ally Donkey Kong meets underground, and then disclosed that she is Pauline, a talented young singer. The reveal is part of the game’s story rather than a separate playable-character announcement: Pauline accompanies DK on his journey through the Underground World. Nintendo’s Direct announcement describes her as “a talented young singer named Pauline!”
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Who Pauline is in the story
The adventure begins at Ingot Isle after golden bananas are discovered. A tempest sends DK deeper into the planet, where he meets Pauline as Odd Rock. Nintendo says Void Company caused the maelstrom and turned Pauline into Odd Rock. Together, she and DK travel toward the Planet Core and race Void Company. Pauline hopes the journey will get her back to the surface; DK is after more bananas.
How Pauline’s singing affects gameplay
Pauline’s voice is tied to DK’s powers. Collecting gold builds Bananergy, which lets her singing activate temporary Bananza transformations. Nintendo names three forms:
#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
- Kong Bananza: boosts DK’s strength.
- Zebra Bananza: gives him greater speed.
- Ostrich Bananza: lets him fly and use Egg Bombs.
DK’s destructive abilities, Banandium Gems and skill points also feature in the adventure. The singing mechanic makes Pauline more than a story companion: her voice helps DK overcome obstacles as they push toward the Planet Core.
Can two players control Pauline?
Yes. Nintendo describes local co-op for two players on one system, with one player controlling DK and the other controlling Pauline. The Direct announcement says Pauline’s vocal blasts use Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality. It presents this as a separate way to play together, not as evidence that Pauline is a second character in the solo campaign.
Rank #2
- 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.
Game and amiibo details
Donkey Kong Bananza is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive and launched on July 17, 2025. Nintendo’s UK catalog lists the game as an action platformer for one to two players on one system; its listed standard edition has a 9.0 GB download size and a PEGI 7 rating. Those catalog details are specific to that regional listing and edition.
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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 →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo, also released on July 17, 2025, grants Pauline’s Diva Dress and gold KONG tiles when tapped. The figure is optional: Nintendo UK says the Diva Dress can also be unlocked by progressing through the game. Nintendo’s amiibo page lists its bonuses, while the Nintendo UK game page confirms the in-game route to the dress.
Rank #3
![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?
| Diva Dress route | What you do | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Amiibo | Tap the Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo to receive the dress and gold KONG tiles. | Players who want the collectible figure and its listed bonuses. |
| Game progress | Unlock the Diva Dress by progressing through the game. | Players who prefer earning the outfit through play without buying the figure. |
Nintendo UK also lists DK Island & Emerald Rush as separately sold DLC. It is an add-on, not required to understand Pauline’s reveal or her role in the main adventure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Updates since launch
Nintendo Support’s update history lists version 3.2.0 as released on February 24, 2026. That history includes language additions, a camera auto-follow option, and fixes, including earlier fixes related to Pauline’s voice. Because the support page can change as new updates arrive, check Nintendo’s update page for the latest version and full notes.
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
![Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qtRWiIToL._SL160_.jpg)
- Full version of game required to use DLC. Sold separately.
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