As gamers, we like to know “where everything goes” when a series/franchise has a specific timeline. Of course, this has backfired on us in the past, like with The Legend of Zelda. In the case of Donkey Kong Bananza, fans have been trying to “figure out the timeline” ever since it was revealed that Pauline was in the game, and both Diddy and Dixie had a key part of one level. While my Nintendo Entertainment Podcast hosts and I are fine with that not being explained, others did want an explanation.
To that end, in an interview with NDW, Director Kazuya Takahashi noted that while there are many references to the past games in Donkey Kong Bananza, you really shouldn’t worry about trying to “piece them all together” for a timeline:
Takahashi says Donkey Kong game references within Bananza should be enjoyed without thinking too deeply about it. (He was asked if there's a connection to DK Island)Not everything needs to be connected in a timeline! Some things are just for fun.www.ndw.jp/dkbananza-in…
— Stealth40k (@stealth40k.bsky.social) 2025-08-22T13:08:31.482Z
And that’s a totally fair thing to ask for! Donkey Kong isn’t meant to be the “deepest of characters,” and the game highlights that while also showing a special fondness for Pauline. So, don’t dive into it too much, okay?
Also, on another note, the game won an award at Gamescom!
Donkey Kong Bananza won "Best Gameplay" at Gamescom.
— Stealth40k (@stealth40k.bsky.social) 2025-08-22T18:53:32.930Z
