Pauline Age Revealed in Donkey Kong Bananza

Nintendo has revealed the age of Donkey Kong Bananza companion Pauline, raising questions about the young character's timeline and how Bananza's story connects to past titles - particularly the original Donkey Kong arcade game where DK famously played the villain kidnapping Pauline.

In a character profile on Donkey Kong Bananza's Japanese site, Nintendo describes Pauline as a "13-year-old singing enthusiast who previously lived above ground before mysteriously being transported to an underground world and transformed into rock."

Yesterday's Nintendo Direct reveal of this younger Pauline strongly implied she's the same music-loving character from Super Mario Odyssey, where an adult version serves as both New Donk City's mayor and a successful bandleader. Fans are debating what this means for Pauline's overall timeline - particularly how Bananza's friendly DK-Pauline dynamic contrasts with their usual kidnapper-victim relationship. Does DK turn evil later? Have we misunderstood their friendship all along?

Bananza follows teenage Pauline and DK working together to return her to the surface world to pursue her singing dreams. Her Odyssey appearance as a singer suggests she succeeds.

While Bananza appears to be an Odyssey prequel, the exact timeline remains unclear as Nintendo has never specified Pauline's age in Odyssey or other appearances.

By linking the games through Pauline's musical aspirations, this also highlights how Odyssey's Pauline references her traumatic kidnapping by DK.

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Screenshots

View 27 Images

Pauline has endured multiple DK kidnappings over the years. Most notably in the original arcade game and throughout the Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 series - including being snatched for choosing Mario's gift over DK's in March of the Minis, and kidnapped again in Minis March Again! when DK missed a theme park opening.

However, later entries like Minis on the Move and Tipping Stars portray a friendlier dynamic, with the pair collaborating on minigames and party planning.

Could Bananza's ending sour their relationship? Might we witness the original arcade abduction? Or have we misinterpreted their history? Some fans theorize Bananza could reveal Mario as the true villain who separated Pauline from her DK friendship.

Answers should arrive when Donkey Kong Bananza launches as a major Nintendo Switch 2 title on July 17, 2025.