Nintendojust held aDonkey Kong BananzaDirect ready for the launch of its next first-partySwitch 2game in less than a month, and despite only running for 15 minutes, there was a lot if new information packed in there. Not only did we getour first official look at Pauline, but Nintendo also revealed she and Donkey Kong are getting a new amiibo.
The figure features Donkey Kong with the younger version of Pauline, who is now confirmed to be accompanying DK in the upcoming game, perched on his back. If you scan the amiibo, then you will unlock an alternative outfit, the Diva Dress, for Pauline in Bananza. The new DK game will also be compatible with older Donkey Kong amiibo that, when scanned, will unlock explosive Kong letters that can be used to help you destroy the surrounding environment more easily.
Not only are previously released DK amiibo compatible with Bananza, but every other figure ever released can also be scanned to unlock items in the game. Scanning non-DK amiibo will make spheres drop from the sky, which can seemingly help in a variety of ways. During the Direct, Donkey Kong was shown throwing a sphere made of water to clear a lava waterfall, presumably so he can access and climb the rockface hidden underneath.
Not Only Is Pauline Back In Bananza
But She’s Perched On DK’s Back For A New Amiibo
Nintendo has hinted that it wouldn’t be leaving the amiibo era behind on the originalSwitch, but Donkey Kong and Pauline’s new figure is the first one that is directly tied to a Switch 2 exclusive game.The figure will be released on July 18, 2025,the same day as Bananza, so it will presumably be available to pre-order through Nintendo soon, but it isn’t available yet.
The Bananza Direct also showed off a new power Donkey Kong will have in his first 3D platformer for more than 25 years -the ability to transform into different animals. The Pauline reveal needed to happen now so that power could be shown off, as it’s Pauline’s singing voice that gives DK the power to transform.
Donkey Kong was shown turning into a zebra and an ostrich, with different abilities granted to him while assuming each animal’s form. What the Direct neglected to confirm is whether Nintendo’s 3D Mario team had a hand in the creation of this game. However, after getting our best look yet, that seems almost certain.
