Though it’s been some time since he graced us with a brand new adventure, Donkey Kong remains a towering figure in the Super Mario universe. This character is iconic in the Nintendo world in his own right, and his upcoming role in the next Mario Kart has sparked fresh interest in his design evolution.
Following a slew of leaks about the Switch 2, the console’s new features didn’t come as much of a surprise upon its announcement. What really caught fans’ attention, however, was the unveiling of new Mario Kart gameplay. Among the highlights were a teaser showcasing 24-player multiplayer and a redesigned Donkey Kong, evidently inspired by his appearance in the Super Mario Bros. Movie. Since the early ’90s, the Donkey Kong Country look has been his standard for nearly three decades, so this update is a significant change for DK’s future—perhaps more significant than many initially realize.
### The History of Donkey Kong’s Design through the Ages
#### A Tale of Two Donkey Kongs
When delving into the history of Donkey Kong’s design, it’s crucial to recognize that there are actually two Donkey Kongs in the Mario saga. The original Donkey Kong, featured in the arcade classics, is distinct from the character debuted in 1994’s Donkey Kong Country. The first Donkey Kong, who captured the arcade world from 1981 to 1983, was simply a large brown ape. His arcade sprite had a round head, while artwork often showed his hair styled into a point.
The ape from these early games was later transformed into Cranky Kong for the 1994 Donkey Kong Country. It’s a common mistake to think that the Donkey Kong from DKC is the same ape who stirred up trouble in the arcades back in 1981. In reality, the DKC Donkey Kong inherited the title from Cranky, who is his grandfather. Cranky is now a slimmer, older ape, sporting a hunch, a cane, a vest, and a distinctive white beard.
As for the Donkey Kong from Donkey Kong Country, he has held onto the namesake for three decades, and his appearance has stayed consistent throughout that time. He mirrors Cranky with his brown fur but is a bit less imposing in stature than his grandfather was in the ’80s. His hair forms a spike that drapes forward, unlike the original’s backward point. Perhaps the most recognizable feature of this Donkey Kong is his red tie, bearing the yellow initials ‘DK.’ Unlike his predecessor, he often gets around on all fours.
#### The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Switch 2’s Mario Kart, and What Lies Ahead
In the Super Mario Bros. Movie, character designs took a bit of creative liberty, and Donkey Kong was no exception. The movie presents DK as a larger figure, with a heftier build. His facial features include more open space around the eyes, which appear more oval. This subtle alteration gives him a likeness to Cranky in his heyday.
When the new Donkey Kong design was showcased for the Switch 2’s Mario Kart, fans quickly noted the changes from previous iterations in the Mario Kart series. In this glimpse, DK mirrors his onscreen counterpart from the film. Considering the newer DK is a fresh character compared to his arcade predecessor, this marks the character’s first meaningful redesign in three decades of video game appearances. While opinions on the new look are divided, it’s undoubtedly a significant moment for Donkey Kong as a spotlight character.
That’s a wrap on how DK’s evolution continues to captivate and evolve, holding a special place in gaming lore.
