(Image credit: Nintendo)
Few anticipated the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct to unveil Donkey Kong Bananza, marking the character’s comeback after over ten years and his first 3D journey since the N64. However, the real twist isn’t just the game’s existence. It appears that Nintendo might have accidentally highlighted an undisclosed character at the heart of the game.
(Naturally, discussing the box art may lead to some spoilers regarding marketing, but worry less about in-game spoilers as we’ll focus purely on the artwork.)
On the Nintendo Korea website, the full cover art for Donkey Kong Bananza is displayed, showcasing what seems like a significantly younger version of Pauline. She’s seen joyously clutching onto DK’s iconic tie while he obliterates the ground. Trailer reveals for the upcoming Switch 2 game notably omit any mention of Pauline or even a sidekick, with promotional materials elsewhere depicting DK solo amidst chaos.
The image showing young Pauline on the promotional key art from the Korean Nintendo site appeared on April 5, 2025. In Donkey Kong’s inaugural arcade game in 1981, Pauline was the damsel in distress, with Mario dodging barrels to rescue her from DK. She later emerged as mayor of New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey and made appearances in several other Mario spin-offs.
This youthful depiction of Pauline could have monumental implications for the MarioVerse. Were she and DK friends before being rivals? Could Donkey Kong Bananza be a prequel for one of gaming’s legendary figures? Did Mario misinterpret his role in saving Pauline? Perhaps it features Pauline’s relative or a totally new character sharing in the thrill. Whatever the truth, it’s sparking unexpected intrigue in the game’s narrative. (By the way, where’s Diddy Kong, Nintendo?)
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