Unveiling Pauline’s Age in Donkey Kong Bananza Sparks Theories About Its Place in the Mario Universe

Introduction: A New Clue About Pauline’s Backstory

Recently, Nintendo confirmed the age of Pauline, the beloved sidekick from Donkey Kong Bananza, igniting curiosity among fans about her timeline and the connections between this game and previous titles. The revelation raises many questions about how Bananza’s narrative fits into the broader Mario universe, especially considering Pauline’s role in classic and modern titles alike.

Pauline’s Age and Background: An Unexpected Revelation

On the Japanese official website for Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo describes Pauline as a “13-year-old girl who loves to sing.” According to the profile, she used to live above ground but was inexplicably transported to an underground world, where she was transformed into a rock. This detail adds a new layer to her character and hints at a more complex backstory than previously known.

Connections to Super Mario Odyssey: A Closer Look

The recent announcement during the Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct suggested that this younger version of Pauline shares similarities with her portrayal in Super Mario Odyssey. In Odyssey, Pauline is an adult serving as the mayor of New Donk City and also as the lead singer of a popular band. Fans are now debating whether Bananza’s Pauline is a younger incarnation of this same character or if they are separate versions within the same universe.

What Does Pauline’s Age Imply?

• Some fans speculate that Pauline’s youthful age indicates a different point in her life, possibly before her rise to fame.
• Others wonder if her friendship with Donkey Kong in Bananza hints at a different relationship dynamic than the typical kidnapper-victim trope seen in earlier games.
• Could something have changed in DK’s character, turning him from an antagonist to an ally? Or have we misunderstood their relationship over the years?

Storyline and Timeline Speculations

In Donkey Kong Bananza, DK and Pauline team up to help her return to the surface so she can pursue her dream of becoming a world-famous singer. Her role as a singer in Odyssey suggests she ultimately achieves her goal. However, the exact timeline of Bananza remains unclear, as Nintendo has not revealed Pauline’s age or story context in Odyssey or other appearances.

Some fans interpret the game as a prequel to Odyssey, implying events happen before Pauline becomes the mayor and bandleader. Yet, without official confirmation, the chronological relationship between these titles remains a fascinating mystery.

Historical Context: Pauline’s Kidnappings and Relationships

Throughout gaming history, Pauline has been kidnapped multiple times. Her most famous rescue occurs in the original Donkey Kong arcade game, where Mario saves her from DK’s clutches. She is also abducted repeatedly in titles like Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 series—such as after attempting to pick a gift in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, and when DK is upset about missing out on a theme park opening in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!

However, later entries present a more friendly relationship between Pauline and DK. For example, in Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move, they collaborate on a mini-game, and in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars, they even plan a surprise party for Mario, hinting at a potential shift in their dynamics.

The Future of Pauline and DK’s Relationship

Questions arise about whether Bananza will depict a turning point—perhaps transforming DK from her kidnapper into a friend or ally. Could the game reimagine the original Donkey Kong story, with Mario stepping in as the hero once again? Or might the narrative reveal that Pauline and DK’s relationship has always been more complex than simple animosity?

Some fans even speculate that Bananza could challenge the entire Mario universe by suggesting Pauline and DK are friends, and that Mario has been the true villain all along—stealing Pauline away just as she was close to her friends.

Anticipation for the Release

All these theories and questions will likely be addressed when Donkey Kong Bananza launches as part of Nintendo’s big Switch 2 line-up on July 17, 2025. Fans eagerly await how Nintendo will tie these storylines together and what new revelations will emerge about Pauline’s past and her relationships within this expanding universe.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.