Nintendo has confirmed that Pauline, the former New Donk City mayor, will appear as Donkey Kong’s co-op partner in the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza exclusive for Switch 2.
Pauline features both in her human form, portrayed as younger than previous versions, and as Odd Rock, a small purple gem-like gremlin cursed by enemy apes called VoidCo. This younger depiction of Pauline suggests that the game’s story may be set before the original 1982 Donkey Kong.
In the game, Pauline supports Donkey Kong by using her singing abilities. She can detect hidden treasures with a sonar-like shout and participate in combat by projecting words such as “YEAH!,” “WOW!,” and “BAM!” as physical attacks that damage enemies and objects.
Donkey Kong Bananza offers a two-player co-op mode where one player controls Pauline’s voice using Switch 2’s motion controls, delivering a unique gameplay experience described as a “third-person shouter.”
The game will launch on Switch 2 on July 17.