>>717296242 (OP)I know youโre trying to act โSEXOOOOโ about this, but I have actual ideas about why.
Firstly, the game is going to be able DK platforming and jumping around while his partner is holding onto his back for dear life. Itโs easier to have a small kid effortlessly take space up on his back than him having to hold onto a fully grown lady.
Secondly, I think theyโre trying to โredeemโ DK for the sins of Cranky kidnapping Pauline. Itโs a bit harder to say โOh no this mascot isnโt a kidnapper; itโs his familyโ when DK is still seen kidnapping Pauline in the Mario VS Donkey Kong series, even if he has his motives (Wanting to impress her with gifts, testing toy safety, or even throwing a surprise party for Mario). Having DK save a young Pauline can have the big wigs easily say โOh donโt worry this character isnโt a kidnapper; heโs a redeemed hero now!โ
And finally, they wanted to show her starting to get her moves we see her adult self do, so had her kid self do the moves to show her learning and getting more confident.