Lots of new details were revealed overnight.
The Donkey Kong Bananza Direct took place overnight, and has made some huge reveals related to Pauline and GameShare to the original Switch.
“Donkey Kong Bananza kicks off in Ingot Isle, where the discovery of the century has just been made within its cavernous depths: golden bananas,” Nintendo said in a press release. “This turns out to be excellent news for renowned banana fan Donkey Kong, who just happens to be there for this incredible find. However, just before DK can indulge in the gilded treats, a tempest sends him hurtling deeper into the depths of the planet.
“There, he meets a mysterious new ally in Odd Rock, who turns out to be a talented young singer named Pauline. Together, the pair explore a vast Underground World by smashing, crashing, jumping and singing their way through it. A rollicking adventure you can play solo or in co-op with a friend, Donkey Kong Bananza gives you new ways to cut loose and unleash your inner Kong.”
Arguably the biggest revelations of the Direct, we now know that a younger version of Pauline will feature as Donkey Kong’s ally and co-op partner.
“While this unlikely duo explores the Underground World, Pauline can enhance Donkey Kong’s destructive ability and even make him temporarily transform through the power of her singing,” Nintendo advised. “Collecting gold builds up their Bananergy, which allows Pauline’s singing to activate the transformations, each with its own specialties.”
Transformations include the likes of the super-strong Kong Bananza, the speedy Zebra Bananza, and the flying Ostrich Bananza.
While Switch 2 users will be able to GameShare and play online and in local play, those multi-Switch households with a Switch 2 and an original Switch will be able to take on local GameShare. A Switch 2 will be needed to launch the feature with another on the original Switch, and that former player will act as Pauline.
“Nintendo Switch 2 must initiate GameShare session,” Nintendo said. “Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the software during the session in which it was shared. Shared game will not be playable after the session ends.”
Expect Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2 — technically playable on the original Switch as Pauline too — from 17 July.
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Donkey Kong Bananza17 July 2025Switch 2 |
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