It’s been a bit since Donkey Kong got a whole new game of his own, but he’s still a powerhouse in the Super Mario universe. He stands as a star in the lineup of Nintendo’s leading characters. Yet, his upcoming role in the next Mario Kart installment has prompted a fresh look at his evolving design.
The flood of leaks surrounding the Switch 2 left few surprises about the console’s features when it was finally unveiled. What truly grabbed fans’ attention was the sneak peek at the new Mario Kart action. The teaser not only promises a wild 24-player multiplayer mode but also unveils a new look for Donkey Kong, seemingly inspired by his style in the Super Mario Bros. Movie. This redesign is significant because Donkey Kong’s post-Donkey Kong Country (DKC) appearance has been the benchmark for over three decades. This shift could be more substantial than it seems at first glance.
### The History Of Donkey Kong’s Design Through The Years
#### A Tale Of Two Donkey Kongs
The discussion around Donkey Kong’s design highlights two distinct Kongs in the Mario franchise. The initial Donkey Kong featured in the original arcade trilogy is not the same character as the one launched in 1994’s Donkey Kong Country. The arcade Donkey Kong, who was active between 1981 and 1983, appeared as a simple large ape with no clothing and a round head in his game sprite, although the arcade machine art showed his head hair styled to a point.
This early Donkey Kong evolved into Cranky Kong by the time Donkey Kong Country was released in 1994. Many mistakenly identify the new Donkey Kong from DKC as the original arcade ape. However, the DKC Donkey Kong took over from Cranky, his grandfather. Cranky now appears much leaner, with a distinct elderly appearance featuring a hunchback, a walking cane, a sleeveless shirt, and a white beard.
The Donkey Kong from Donkey Kong Country has held his place for around 30 years, flaunting a consistent design. While resembling Cranky with brown fur, he’s somewhat slimmer and less robust than his ancestor from the 80s. His hair creates a unique point that drapes over his face, contrasting the original’s backward-pointing tuft. A red tie with the classic ‘DK’ letters in yellow has become his trademark, and he primarily travels on all fours, unlike his predecessor, who walked upright.
#### The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Switch 2’s Mario Kart, And What’s Next
In the Super Mario Bros. Movie, character designs drift slightly from their gaming origins, with Donkey Kong being no exception. In the film, DK is presented as larger and more muscular, with additional space below his brow line and more oval-shaped eyes. Although this might seem like a subtle change, it adds a touch reminiscent of Cranky Kong in his heyday.
Fans quickly spotted the transformation in Donkey Kong’s design when Switch 2’s Mario Kart teaser was released. DK now matches his movie counterpart closely, marking a significant redesign for the modern Donkey Kong, distinguishing him markedly from his arcade ancestor. This update is stirring conversation and highlights a pivotal moment for the beloved character.
Donkey Kong’s journey, from his roots in arcade gaming to his cinematic evolution, illustrates how this iconic character continues to shape and be shaped by the times. Whether you’re sitting behind the wheel in Mario Kart or watching on the big screen, Donkey Kong’s legacy proves as dynamic and enduring as ever.
