An accidental update on Nintendo Korea’s official website has revealed intriguing new information about the upcoming game Donkey Kong Bananza. The updated key art includes a mysterious new female character with a resemblance to a younger version of Pauline, a character known throughout the Mario universe. This discovery has quickly sparked widespread speculation regarding the character’s identity and potential role within the game’s narrative.
What caught fans’ attention was the character’s striking features—specifically, a purple bracelet and shimmering, crystalline-like elements. These attributes appear to align with the design of a previously revealed entity known as the Odd Rock. This has led many to theorize that the new character may be connected to or even a transformation of the Odd Rock, hinting at deeper lore implications within the Donkey Kong or broader Mario universe.
Alongside the mystery character, classic favorites are also expected to return. Cranky Kong, a longtime member of the Donkey Kong cast, has been spotted in early demos of Donkey Kong Bananza, indicating the game will strike a balance between introducing fresh elements and honoring its legacy. This blend of new and nostalgic content seems designed to engage both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Donkey Kong Bananza is slated for release on July 17, 2025, and will launch on Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2. As anticipation builds, fans are awaiting official word from Nintendo to confirm the identity and role of the new character, as well as further plot details. A formal reveal may come as part of a larger pre-launch promotional campaign.
The leak has only intensified fan excitement, as the possibility of connecting new characters to existing lore opens up rich storytelling potential. Whether this mysterious figure turns out to be a reimagined Pauline, a descendant, or something entirely new, Donkey Kong Bananza looks poised to offer a compelling narrative twist that may expand the universe in unexpected ways.
English