>>717296242 (OP)
I know youβre trying to act βSEXOOOOβ 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. Itβs 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 theyβre trying to βredeemβ DK for the sins of Cranky kidnapping Pauline. Itβs a bit harder to say βOh no this mascot isnβt a kidnapper; itβs his familyβ 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 βOh donβt worry this character isnβt a kidnapper; heβs a redeemed hero now!β
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.