Nintendo has officially confirmed the age of Pauline, Donkey Kong Bananza's new sidekick, prompting discussions about how this younger version fits within the franchise's established timeline—particularly regarding her past abduction by DK in the original arcade game.

A Younger Pauline Emerges

The Japanese website for Donkey Kong Bananza reveals Pauline as "a 13-year-old music enthusiast who was mysteriously transported from the surface world to an underground realm, where she became petrified as stone."

Yesterday's Nintendo Direct presentation strongly hinted this is the same character who appears as an adult in Super Mario Odyssey, where she serves as New Donk City's mayor and frontwoman for a popular band.

Fans are speculating about the implications for the franchise's timeline, particularly how Bananza's cooperative dynamic between DK and Pauline contrasts with their traditional kidnapper-victim relationship from earlier games. Could DK undergo a villainous transformation? Or has their relationship been misunderstood all along?

Musical Dreams and Timeline Puzzles

Bananza follows the duo helping teenage Pauline return to the surface to pursue her singing ambitions—a dream she seemingly achieves based on her Odyssey career. While this suggests Bananza could be an Odyssey prequel, the exact timeframe remains unclear since Nintendo hasn't specified Pauline's age in other appearances.

Interestingly, Odyssey's Pauline references her traumatic kidnapping by DK, creating intriguing connections between the games through her musical aspirations.

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Screenshots

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The Complex History of DK and Pauline

Pauline's history with DK features multiple abductions. Most famously in the original Donkey Kong arcade game, she's rescued by Mario, only to be kidnapped again in several Mario vs. Donkey Kong sequels.

The relationship evolves in later series entries—from DK kidnapping Pauline in March of the Minis over a rejected gift, to their friendly collaborations hosting mini-games in Minis on the Move and planning parties in Tipping Stars.

Unanswered Questions

Could Bananza's conclusion turn DK against Pauline, explaining his later villainous behavior? Might we witness the original arcade abduction? Some theorists even suggest Bananza could redefine franchise lore by portraying Mario as the true antagonist.

Answers may come when Donkey Kong Bananza launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.