Donkey Kong Teams Up With Pauline as Ostrich-Zebra Hybrid

Nintendo unveiled exciting gameplay details for Donkey Kong Bananza during today's Nintendo Direct, confirming that Super Mario Odyssey's Pauline will serve as DK's companion character.

This younger version of Pauline had previously leaked online before Nintendo swiftly removed all traces. How this new 3D platformer fits into the larger Donkey Kong universe remains unclear.

Innovative Co-op Gameplay

Pauline employs her singing abilities to temporarily transform DK into new forms - like a charging zebra or an egg-bomb-dropping ostrich. A second player can control Pauline, turning Bananza into a cooperative experience where her vocal attacks become explosive projectiles aimed using Joy-Con motion controls.

Through GameShare functionality, local multiplayer works across multiple Switch consoles (including Switch 1) without requiring separate game copies.

Creative Destruction Mechanics

The showcase revealed players can skate on environmental fragments DK tears from the ground, assembling them into bridges and structures. DK Artist mode lets players sculpt statues from destructible elements.

Alongside classic characters like Cranky Kong and Rambi the Rhino, eagle-eyed fans spotted Diddy and Dixie Kong - though their exact roles remain unconfirmed.

Nintendo UK separately confirmed Diddy and Dixie's return as opponents in the game's racing minigame.

Nostalgic Throwbacks

The presentation featured a remixed version of the iconic DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64. Notably absent was confirmation of which development team is handling the project, though fan theories suggest the Super Mario Odyssey team may be involved.

Collectible Amiibo

A new Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo featuring DK and Pauline will launch alongside the game, providing early costume unlocks. All existing amiibo will also be compatible, generating additional terrain materials.

Donkey Kong Bananza Screenshots

"Bananza is shaping up to be one of Nintendo's most visually stunning titles. It showcases Switch 2's capabilities with breathtaking environments and incredibly expressive animations - truly representing the next generation of Nintendo games." - IGN Hands-On Preview

Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17 exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.