Nintendo has confirmed that a new Amiibo will be launching on July 17 alongside Donkey Kong Bananza. This upcoming title is developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, and during the recent Nintendo Direct, fans got a glimpse of new information and features about this highly anticipated game.
Throughout the presentation, Nintendo shared a wealth of information about Donkey Kong Bananza ahead of its release. The video highlighted the various locations that players will be able to explore in the game, as well as Donkey Kong’s new abilities and the introduction of a young Pauline. Additionally, it was also confirmed that Donkey Kong will be available as a new Amiibo, enabling some useful in-game unlocks in the game.
Donkey Kong and Pauline’s Amiibo figures released alongside Donkey Kong Bananza are now part of Nintendo’s Toy-to-Life collection. Tapping these figures in Donkey Kong Bananza will reward players with Pauline’s exclusive Diva Dress as an in-game reward. Young Pauline is presented with a new look, and this Amiibo interaction also increases the chance of Disc items dropping after defeating enemies. Additionally, players can earn four in-game titles that spell out the word ‘KONG’—each letter is associated with a powerful explosive item that, when thrown, impacts the environment and can deal heavy damage to enemies.
Donkey Kong and Pauline Amiibo Details
- Available July 17, 2025
- Unlocks Diva Dress for Pauline early
- Four Explosive KONG tiles
- All other amiibo are compatible
Along with the new Donkey Kong and Pauline Amiibo, Nintendo has also confirmed that Donkey Kong Bananza will support all Amiibo released so far. If players scan any version of Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong or King K. Rool, they will receive the same powerful ‘KONG’ titles. The feature will also work with the DK and Diddy Kong Power-Up Bands available at the Super Nintendo World theme park. If another Amiibo is tapped, players will receive a special ‘Material Ball’ as a reward, designed to propel DK through the game’s various levels and clear path obstacles.
It’s worth mentioning that the Diva Dress isn’t just an exclusive content tied to the Donkey Kong and Pauline Amiibo, but rather an early access bonus. Players can also unlock this dress normally at some point in DK’s adventure. Some sharp-eyed gamers have also noticed that this Diva Dress bears a striking resemblance to the outfit worn by the adult Pauline in Super Mario Odyssey. While there’s been no official confirmation, speculation has been rife that Donkey Kong Bananza could be a potential prequel to Mario Odyssey — and the presence of young Pauline only adds credence to this theory.
Along with the amiibo announcement, the Nintendo Direct presentation of Donkey Kong Bananza also detailed the first look at DK’s much-awaited return to the 3D world. Fans got to see many exciting reveals, including Donkey Kong’s new abilities and the colorful and vibrant characters that Pauline will meet on her adventure. The presentation clearly shows that the game is set to deliver a fresh and rich experience while maintaining the traditional style of the series.
