Donkey Kong’s Evolution: From Arcades to Mario Kart!

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Despite not having a fresh addition to his franchise for some time, Donkey Kong remains one of the most prominent characters within the Super Mario universe. As an individual intellectual property (IP) with significant clout, Donkey Kong continues to serve as a symbolic figure for Nintendo. However, the anticipation surrounding his role in the upcoming Mario Kart has sparked renewed interest in examining the legacy of his design.

Following the barrage of leaks concerning the Switch 2, it was hardly a shock to find that its unveiled features didn’t catch many off guard. Instead, what truly caught the attention of fans was the unveiling of new gameplay for the upcoming Mario Kart title. The teaser trailer showcased a 24-player multiplayer mode and hinted at a revamped Donkey Kong design, which seems to draw inspiration from his appearance in the Super Mario Bros. Movie. As Donkey Kong’s post-DKC design has been the standard for over three decades, this new look marks a significant departure for the character, one that could have far-reaching implications for DK’s future—more than some might initially realize.

The History Of Donkey Kong’s Design Through Arcades, Mario Games, Donkey Kong Country, And Beyond

A Tale Of Two Donkey Kongs

When discussing Donkey Kong’s appearance, it’s crucial to note that there are actually two different versions of Donkey Kong in the Mario series. The initial Donkey Kong, who appeared throughout the original arcade trilogy from 1981 to 1983, is a distinct character compared to the one introduced in “Donkey Kong Country” in 1994. During these early years, this first Donkey Kong was portrayed as a large, hairy ape without any clothes. Remarkably, his sprite had a round head, although artwork from arcade machines during that time showed him with his hair gathered into a peak.

In the popular “Donkey Kong” video games, the character that would later be known as Cranky Kong made his debut in the 1994 release of “Donkey Kong Country”. It’s often misunderstood that the Donkey Kong from “DKC” is the same as the ape who initially caused chaos in arcade games back in 1981. However, this isn’t the case – Cranky earned his title from his grandfather. Unlike his robust arcade persona, Cranky now appears as an elderly ape with a hunch, carrying a cane, wearing a sleeveless overshirt, and sporting a white beard.

For the past 30 years, Donkey Kong from “Donkey Kong Country” has been known for his title character. His appearance hasn’t changed much over time. He resembles Cranky, another gorilla, but he’s not quite as broad and muscular as his grandpa was in the 80s. The top of his head is covered with hair that droops forward, unlike the original design where it pointed backward. Distinctively, he sports a red tie with ‘DK’ written in yellow letters. Unlike the older version, who typically walked on two legs, Donkey Kong usually walks on all fours.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Switch 2’s Mario Kart, And The Future

In the movie version of Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong (DK) diverges from his game counterpart slightly. For instance, he’s significantly bigger with enhanced muscularity and bulk. Additionally, there’s a noticeable gap around his eyes under his forehead, and his eyes have a more oval shape. This transformation is significant but not drastic; it makes DK resemble Cranky in his prime to a greater extent.

In the teaser for Mario Kart on the Switch 2, Donkey Kong’s redesign was a striking departure from previous versions of the game. Notably, this new iteration bears a strong resemblance to his movie version. Since the present Donkey Kong differs significantly from his arcade roots, this design change marks a significant shift in his 30-year gaming legacy. Though the new look has sparked debate, there’s no arguing that it puts a spotlight on the character like never before.

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2025-02-12 23:54