Pauline Joins Donkey Kong Bananza With Musical Powers and Co-Op Mayhem on Switch 2

Big news for Donkey Kong fans! Nintendo has just confirmed that Pauline, the iconic New Donk City mayor, will not only appear in Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch 2, but she’ll be a playable co-op partner. This twist brings a fresh musical vibe to the upcoming adventure—and there’s a lot to unpack!
- Pauline joins Donkey Kong as a co-op partner in Bananza
- She appears as a younger version and as Odd Rock, a cursed gremlin
- Musical abilities are key to gameplay, including combat and treasure hunting
- Co-op lets players control Pauline’s voice for unique attacks
- Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17 on Switch 2
Pauline Steps Up in Donkey Kong Bananza
For months, rumors swirled about Pauline’s role in Donkey Kong Bananza. Now, Nintendo’s latest Direct has settled the debate: Pauline is here, and she’s ready to team up with DK. What’s new? She’ll appear in two forms—first as Odd Rock, a quirky purple gem-gremlin, and second as a much younger human Pauline. This twist suggests the game is set before the original 1982 classic, but Nintendo still has some explaining to do about the timeline.
Musical Powers and Co-Op Gameplay
Gameplay-wise, Pauline brings something totally new. Using her voice, she can help Donkey Kong spot hidden treasures with a kind of musical sonar. In battles, her voice becomes a weapon: players can shout words like “YEAH!,” “WOW!,” and “BAM!” to send out projectiles that hit enemies or break objects. The two-player co-op mode is also getting a shake-up—one player can control Pauline’s musical attacks with Switch 2’s mouse controls, while the other plays as DK.
Is This a “Third-Person Shouter”?
With all this focus on musical combat, Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be a true “third-person shouter.” This creative twist could make it one of the most unique co-op games on Switch 2. Nintendo’s presentation teased plenty of musical flair, and fans are already buzzing about how Pauline’s younger look might impact the story.
Release Date and What’s Next
Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch exclusively on Switch 2 on July 17. Whether you’re a longtime DK fan or just love innovative co-op games, this title is one to watch. Stay tuned for more updates as Nintendo reveals more about Pauline and DK’s wild, musical adventure!
