Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t just a spin-off... it could be the key to Mario Odyssey’s return
A connection that could be over 40 years old.
Nintendo fans have been eagerly awaiting a follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey, and while no official sequel has been announced, Donkey Kong Bananza might hold the key to its return. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title is more than just another Donkey Kong adventure: it could be laying the groundwork for a new era of Mario platformers.
A surprising connection to Super Mario Odyssey
At first glance, Donkey Kong Bananza seems like a standalone 3D platformer, but recent leaks and fan theories suggest a deeper connection to Super Mario Odyssey. One of the biggest clues is the presence of Odd Rock, a mysterious new companion for Donkey Kong. Some speculate that Odd Rock is actually Pauline, transformed or appearing in a younger form.
Pauline played a major role in Super Mario Odyssey as the mayor of New Donk City, a location filled with references to Donkey Kong’s arcade origins. If Bananza explores Pauline’s past or her relationship with Donkey Kong, it could serve as a narrative bridge between the two franchises.
IGN has reported that Donkey Kong Bananza could have connections to Super Mario Odyssey, based on leaks and speculation. A supposedly leaked image showing Pauline riding on Donkey Kong hints at a deeper narrative link between the two games.
Game Rant has further reinforced this idea by noting that Bananza borrows several mechanics and design elements from Odyssey, including:
- Odd Rock, which acts similarly to Odyssey’s Cappy.
- Golden Bananas, resembling Odyssey’s Power Moons.
- VoidCo villains, who share thematic elements with Odyssey’s Broodals.
- Open-world exploration, using Sublayers that function similarly to Odyssey’s Kingdoms.
Developed by the Mario Odyssey team?
Another major hint comes from the development team behind Donkey Kong Bananza. While Nintendo has yet to confirm the studio, many believe it is being developed by Nintendo EPD Tokyo, the same team responsible for Super Mario Odyssey.
If true, this would suggest that Bananza shares gameplay DNA with Odyssey, possibly testing mechanics that could appear in a future Mario game. IGN also noted that while Bananza isn’t a direct sequel, its art style, world-building, and references to New Donk City make it feel like part of the same universe.
Could Bananza be a prequel?
Some fans theorize that Donkey Kong Bananza might actually be a prequel to Super Mario Odyssey. The game’s art style, character designs, and world-building bear striking similarities to Odyssey, leading to speculation that it could explore events that set up Mario’s globe-trotting adventure.
However, there are contradictions to this theory. The Donkey Kong in Bananza is the modern version, not Cranky Kong, who was the original arcade Donkey Kong. This suggests that Bananza is set in the present rather than the past, but it could still expand on Odyssey’s lore in unexpected ways.
What this means for Super Mario Odyssey 2
If Donkey Kong Bananza is indeed connected to Super Mario Odyssey, it could signal that Nintendo is testing new ideas before committing to a full sequel. The game’s open-ended exploration, companion mechanics, and world design might serve as a blueprint for what’s next in Mario’s journey.
IGN highlighted that fans are hopeful for a new 3D Mario game, especially with the Switch 2’s launch lineup lacking a traditional Mario platformer. Game Rant further emphasized that Bananza’s Odyssey-inspired mechanics could mean that Nintendo is refining concepts that will later appear in Mario’s next big adventure.
With Bananza launching on July 17, 2025, fans won’t have to wait long to see if these theories hold up. Whether it’s a direct prequel, a spiritual successor, or simply a game that shares Odyssey’s DNA, Donkey Kong Bananza could be the missing piece in Mario’s next grand adventure.
While Donkey Kong Bananza is officially a Donkey Kong game, its connections to Super Mario Odyssey are impossible to ignore. Whether through Pauline’s mysterious role, Nintendo EPD Tokyo’s involvement, or its Odyssey-inspired mechanics, this game could be laying the foundation for Mario’s next grand adventure.
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