It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a completely fresh installment in the Donkey Kong franchise, yet this iconic character remains a major player in the Super Mario world. Donkey Kong stands as a celebrated figure in Nintendo’s lineup, and his upcoming presence in the next Mario Kart has sparked renewed interest in his evolution over the years.
In the wake of numerous leaks surrounding the Switch 2, the official unveiling of the console’s features didn’t exactly shock many fans. However, what truly captivated their attention was the preview of new Mario Kart gameplay. This teaser not only introduced a 24-player multiplayer mode but also showcased a revamped Donkey Kong design, seemingly inspired by his look in the Super Mario Bros. Movie. For over three decades, Donkey Kong’s post-DKC appearance has been the standard, making this redesign a significant moment for DK—more impactful than one might initially think.
### The Evolution of Donkey Kong’s Look: From Arcade Days to Donkey Kong Country and Beyond
#### The Story of Two Different Donkey Kongs
When delving into Donkey Kong’s design, it’s crucial to recognize that the franchise actually features two distinct Donkey Kongs. The character who starred in the original arcade trilogy differs from the one introduced in 1994’s Donkey Kong Country. The first Donkey Kong, active from 1981 to 1983, was portrayed as a large brown ape without any clothing. Intriguingly, while his game sprite had a perfectly round head, artwork on arcade machines often depicted his hair coming to a distinct point.
The ape from these initial games later became known as Cranky Kong in 1994’s Donkey Kong Country. It’s a common error to confuse the DKC Donkey Kong with the original arcade giant, but in reality, the 1994 version took on the title from his grandfather, Cranky. Over time, Cranky has evolved into a thinner, elderly ape adorned with a cane, sleeveless overshirt, and a white beard, quite different from his arcade persona.
The Donkey Kong from the Country series has held the spotlight for the past 30 years, maintaining a consistent design. This character is still a brown-haired gorilla, much like Cranky, though he appears less stocky than his predecessor. The fur on his head forms a point that hangs over his face, contrasting with the original’s backward-pointing head tuft. A distinctive feature is his red tie, emblazoned with ‘DK’ in yellow. Unlike his ancestral counterpart, he generally moves on all-fours, rather than upright.
#### The Impact of the Super Mario Bros. Movie and Switch 2’s Mario Kart on Donkey Kong’s Future
The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced some notable tweaks to the characters’ designs, including Donkey Kong. In the film, DK is portrayed as larger and more muscular. His eyes are slightly more oval-shaped with more space around them under his forehead. This alteration is subtle yet makes DK appear more reminiscent of Cranky during his prime.
With the announcement of the Switch 2’s Mario Kart, fans quickly noticed Donkey Kong’s updated look, closely mirroring his movie appearance. Considering that the current DK represents a different character lineage than his arcade ancestor, this marks the most significant design evolution for him in three decades. While opinions on the new look are mixed, it’s undeniable that this change places a significant spotlight on the character.
Overall, Donkey Kong remains a beloved and evolving character within Nintendo’s storied universe, and these recent shifts only add to the enduring legacy of the make-believe world he inhabits.
