Donkey Kong: Difference between revisions

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{{about|the character Donkey Kong|other uses of the name "Donkey Kong"|[[Donkey Kong (disambiguation)]]|other uses of the moniker "DK"|[[DK (disambiguation)]]}}
{{Articleabout|the character Donkey Kong, as of ''Donkey Kong Country''|other uses of the name "Donkey Kong"|[[Donkey Kong (disambiguation)|here]]}}
{{character infobox
{{redirectshere|DK|other uses of the name DK|[[DK (disambiguation)|here]]}}
|image=[[File:MPS Donkey Kong Artwork.png|300px]]<br>Artwork of Donkey Kong for ''[[Mario Party Superstars]]''
{{character-infobox
|image=[[File:Donkey_Kong_Artwork_(alt)_-_Donkey_Kong_Country_Tropical_Freeze.png|300px]]<br>'''Donkey Kong''', as he appears in ''[[Donkey Kong Country:  Tropical Freeze]]''.
|full_name=Donkey Kong
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong (video game)|Donkey Kong]]'' ([[List of Mario games by date#1981|1981]])
|species=[[Kong]]
|species=[[Kong]]
|latest_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'' ([[List of Mario games by date#2014|2014]])
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' ([[Cranky Kong|as the original Donkey Kong]]) ([[List of games by date#1981|1981]])<br>''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' (as the current Donkey Kong) ([[List of games by date#1994|1994]])
|latest_portrayal=[[Takashi Nagasako]] ([[List of Mario games by date#2004|2004]]-present)
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' ([[Nintendo Switch]]) ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|latest_portrayal=[[Takashi Nagasako]] ([[List of games by date#2004|2004]]–present)
}}
}}
{{quote|My [[banana]]s and my buddy, [[Diddy Kong|Diddy]], they are gone! The [[Kremling]]s will pay! I'll hunt them down through every corner of my island, until I have every last banana from [[Banana Hoard|my hoard]] back!|Donkey Kong|Donkey Kong Country}}
{{quote|My [[banana]]s and my buddy, [[Diddy Kong]], they are gone! The [[Kremling]]s will pay! I'll hunt them down through every corner of my island, until I have every last banana from [[banana hoard|my hoard]] back!|Donkey Kong|Donkey Kong Country}}
<!--Do not add that he is Donkey Kong III after Donkey Kong Jr and Cranky Kong, the title of "Donkey Kong" was given to him by Cranky-->
'''Donkey Kong''', also known simply as '''DK''', '''D.K.''', '''D. Kong''',<ref>[https://themushroomkingdom.net/mk64_j-e.shtml#pselect ''Mario Kart 64'' (From Japanese to English)] The Mushroom Kingdom (Retrieved August 15, 2018)</ref><ref>[https://www.themushroomkingdom.net/ssbm_j2e.shtml#cselect ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' (From Japanese to English)] The Mushroom Kingdom (Retrieved May 29, 2010)</ref> or rarely '''Donkey''', is a major character in the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] and the main protagonist of the [[Donkey Kong (franchise)|''Donkey Kong'' franchise]]. He is a powerful and carefree [[Kong]] that lives in [[Donkey Kong Island]], and he likes to collect [[banana]]s and spend time with his friends, particularly his best friend and sidekick [[Diddy Kong]]. However, he has also been portrayed as an antagonist on multiple occasions, mainly in the [[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series]].


'''Donkey Kong''', also known as '''DK''' or '''D. Kong''', is a powerful hero [[Kong]] from [[Donkey Kong Island]] (however, he has also been a villain on multiple occasions, as seen in the [[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series]]). He is a carefree ape who spends his days collecting [[Banana]]s and spends time with his friends, particularly his buddy [[Diddy Kong]]. However, when trouble arises, Donkey Kong jumps headfirst into the action to help his friends and protect his island. [[Cranky Kong]] was the original Donkey Kong, but he relinquished the name to his replacement sometime before the events of ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''.
The [[Donkey Kong Country (series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' series]] establishes that Donkey Kong is something of a title rather than a singular character, and that at least two separate Kongs have bore it. This includes [[Cranky Kong]] and the current Donkey Kong. After the 1994 [[Game Boy]] ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'', Cranky Kong retired the usage of the name, passing it on to his grandson to use in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' and onward.<ref>「1994年に発売された『ドンキーコング』(ゲームボーイ)を最後に、孫に“ドンキーコング”の名を譲り渡す。」 ("''After the release of 'Donkey Kong' (Game Boy), he turned over the Donkey Kong name to his grandchild.''") - Nintendo Online Magazine</ref> [[Cranky Kong#Identity confusion|This has caused confusion and continuity issues]], with certain games and miscellaneous pieces of media contradicting the identity of Donkey Kong in early titles and his relationship with Cranky Kong.


==Creation and Development==
==Creation==
Donkey Kong's character design was created by [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] for the ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' Arcade game, in which the big ape kidnaps [[Mario]]'s (originally Jumpman's) original girlfriend, [[Pauline]]. Miyamoto says that he chose the name "Donkey" to reflect the character's stubbornness, while "Kong" was considered a generic term for large scary apes in Japan<ref>[http://www.snopes.com/business/misxlate/donkeykong.asp "Donkey Wrong" - An article about the origin of Donkey Kong's name]. Snopes.com. 2011. (Retrieved June 28, 2012)</ref>.
[[File:DK Popeye.jpg|thumb|left|{{wp|Bluto}} throwing [[barrel]]s at {{wp|Popeye}} in early concept art of the arcade game that would develop into ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]''.]]
Donkey Kong's character design was created by [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] for the ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' arcade game, in which Donkey Kong kidnaps [[Mario]]'s original girlfriend, [[Pauline|Lady]]. Miyamoto says that he chose the name "Donkey" to reflect the character's stupidity,<ref name="Wired">Kohler, Chris (October 14, 2016). "[https://www.wired.com/2016/10/miyamoto-donkey-kong-secrets/ Miyamoto Spills Donkey Kong’s Darkest Secrets, 35 Years Later] ''Wired''. Retrieved October 14, 2016</ref> while "Kong" was considered a generic term for large apes in Japan.<ref>[http://www.snopes.com/business/misxlate/donkeykong.asp "Donkey Wrong" - An article about the origin of Donkey Kong's name]. Snopes.com. 2011. (Retrieved June 28, 2012)</ref> Miyamoto was later informed by [[Nintendo]] of America staff that the word "donkey" is not a synonym for "idiot" in English, but he decided to ignore this because he liked the name "Donkey Kong".<ref name="Wired"/> However, this is contradicted by the deposition he gave during {{wp|Universal Studio}}'s lawsuit against Nintendo. He stated that his proposals for Kong's first name were rejected and that he was unaware of who came up with it. Export manager Shinichi Todori's deposition revealed that he came up with the first name after trying to translate「頓馬」(''tonma'') into English. It was either [[Gunpei Yokoi]] or [[Hiroshi Yamauchi]] who gave the final approval for the name.<ref>GamingHistorian (January 22, 2020). [https://twitter.com/GamingHistorian/status/1220101899455692801?s=20 Gunpei Yokoi deposition, 1983]. ''Twitter''. Retrieved November 27, 2021.</ref><ref>Gaming Historian (September 29, 2021). [https://youtu.be/aTyxQfpOEbE?t=749 How the Mario Characters Got Their Names]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved November 28, 2021.</ref> Excluding the title, the Japanese arcade instructions and flyer refer to him simply as「コング」(Kong).


Donkey Kong's exact role in the [[Mario (series)|''Mario'' series]] is somewhat hazy. His original appearance portrayed him as a villainous or confused ape with unequaled strength. In these games, Donkey Kong didn't wear a tie. The 1994 [[Game Boy]] ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'' was the first game to feature the tie (a red tie with the letters "DK" printed in white, later changed to yellow), but otherwise Donkey Kong is the same as he was in the original.
The ''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Action Special]]'' states that Shigeru Miyamoto claims that Donkey Kong's character was inspired by the ''{{wp|Beauty and the Beast}}'' fairy tale, though no further source or statement has been provided.<ref>"This could be considered plausible but Miyamoto blew his credibility by claiming that the character was inspired by the legend of Beauty And The Beast (a story with very few apes in it, when you come to think about it!)". ''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Action Special]] (Steve May), p. 21. ''Fleetway Publications''. Retrieved January 23, 2022</ref> However, it is known that Donkey Kong took over the role of Bluto in a scrapped ''Popeye'' arcade game as the primary antagonist.


However, with the release of ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' later that same year, Donkey Kong was given a new personality and a new home. ''Donkey Kong Country'' also saw the appearance of the elderly [[Cranky Kong]], who was the original Donkey Kong from the older Arcade games. Indeed, this new Donkey Kong was a character built for a new generation.
Donkey Kong's original appearance portrayed him as a villainous or confused ape with unequaled strength. In these games, Donkey Kong did not wear a tie. The 1994 [[Game Boy]] ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'' was the first game to feature the tie (a red tie with the letters "DK" printed in white, later changed to yellow. However, with the release of ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' later that year, Donkey Kong was given a new personality. Donkey Kong's newer design by [[Kevin Bayliss]] was modeled after the {{wp|Battletoads}}, particularly the sunken eyes;<ref>Shesez (November 21, 2019). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwWHzilbQ34&t=479s The Donkey Kong Country 25th Anniversary Interview Documentary] (7m49s). ''YouTube''. Retrieved August 8, 2023.</ref> additionally, when [[Steve Mayles]] had trouble modeling the mouth early on, [[Tim Stamper]] folded a flattened sphere and gave it depth, which was a technique reused for most characters such as [[Enguarde]]. Shigeru Miyamoto also supervised the development of the design process via fax, reminding Rare to include the tie and correcting the number of digits that should be on the hands and feet.<ref>Shesez (November 21, 2019). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwWHzilbQ34&t=587s The Donkey Kong Country 25th Anniversary Interview Documentary] (9m47s). ''YouTube''. Retrieved August 8, 2023.</ref> ''Donkey Kong Country'' also saw the appearance of the elderly Cranky Kong, who is described as the original Donkey Kong from the older arcade games. While the relationship of Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong has been [[Cranky Kong#Identity confusion|inconsistent]], most sources indicate that the current Donkey Kong is the grandson of Cranky Kong.
 
Donkey Kong also seems to be based off King Kong. Both apes terrorise someone, and both are on some kind of tower at some time in the story.


==History==
==History==
===Background===
{{Main|History of Donkey Kong}}
{{main|Baby Donkey Kong}}
Donkey Kong debuted in the titular game, ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' as the antagonist who kidnaps [[Pauline|Lady]] (later renamed Pauline). Becoming a reoccurring character, he appears as a protagonist, antagonist or a supporting character. He made appearances as the antagonist in ''Donkey Kong'' video game adaptations and ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]''. Donkey Kong appears as a protagonist in his [[Donkey Kong (franchise)|titular franchise]] with [[Diddy Kong]] as his ally. In ''Mario spin-offs'', Donkey Kong appears either as a playable character or an ally.
[[File:YIDSbabydk.PNG|thumb|left|120px|Baby Donkey Kong helps the [[Red Yoshi]] climb vines.]]
During Baby Donkey Kong's infancy, he is stolen from his treetop home by [[Kamek]] and his [[Toady]] army during their massive kidnapping spree. However, Baby DK meets the [[Yoshi (species)|Yoshis]] and greatly helps them in their quest to defeat the [[Koopa Troop]]. When riding on a Yoshi's back, Baby Donkey Kong helps the Yoshis perform many special moves, such as climbing vines and charging. Baby DK is one of the seven [[Star Children]].
{{br}}
 
===''Donkey Kong'' Arcade series=== 
====''Donkey Kong''====
[[File:Donkey2.jpg|thumb|The original Donkey Kong with Pauline.]] 
[[File:Dk1.gif|frame|left|]] 
Donkey Kong's first appearance is in the Arcade game of the same name, where he is the main enemy. In the game, Donkey Kong was the pet gorilla of "Jumpman" (later renamed [[Mario]])<ref>[http://themushroomkingdom.net/interview_miyamoto_nom18_feb2000.shtml Shigeru Miyamoto Interview]. The Mushroom Kingdom. (Retrieved July 1, 2012)</ref>, but he escapes and angrily carries [[Mario]]'s girlfriend [[Pauline]] to the top of a high construction site. He is pursued by Mario and attacks him by throwing [[Barrel]]s and creating living [[Fire]]. He is eventually pursued to the top of the construction site, where Mario causes the bars supporting him to crash, sending him to the ground. 
 
Donkey Kong tries to kidnap Pauline yet again in the 1994 [[Game Boy]] remake ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'', and this time he's accompanied by his son, [[Donkey Kong Jr.]] Donkey Kong's tactics in this game remain virtually the same, attacking mainly by throwing a variety of objects at Mario, although there are unique stage hazards whenever he confronts Donkey Kong. In the end, Donkey Kong transformed into a giant using the [[Super Mushroom]]s, but he was defeated.
 
====''Donkey Kong Jr.''==== 
[[File:Donkey kong jr.png|thumb|left|Donkey Kong Jr. trying to save [[Cranky Kong]].]] 
Donkey Kong takes the role of damsel-in-distress during ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' In this game, Mario actually kidnaps Donkey Kong and stands guard next to his cage with a whip, sending various enemies like [[Snapjaw]]s and [[Nitpicker]]s to attack [[Donkey Kong Jr.]] In the end, Donkey Kong Jr. defeats Mario to free Donkey Kong. 
 
====''Donkey Kong 3''==== 
In ''[[Donkey Kong 3]]'', Donkey Kong is a main villain once again, although this time, he does not fight Mario (who had gone on to star in his own series and would not meet with Donkey Kong again until much later). In this game, Donkey Kong goes on a rampage inside a greenhouse, and a local exterminator called [[Stanley the Bugman]] is called in to defeat him (along with various insects that are destroying plants in the greenhouse). Donkey Kong uses a system of ropes to lower himself to the greenhouse floor. When he reaches the floor, the game ends, and Donkey Kong is able to destroy the rest of the greenhouse. After Stanley sprays Donkey Kong with insecticide three times to keep him off of the greenhouse floor, he runs away. In the final stage (though after this the first stage follows again, tougher than before), Donkey Kong is forced back and gets his head stuck in a beehive.
{{br}}
 
===''The Saturday Supercade''===
Donkey Kong, along with Mario and Pauline appears in several episodes of ''[[The Saturday Supercade]]''. Here, Donkey Kong is a circus escapee and is now traveling across the country, Mario and Pauline on his tail. [[Donkey Kong Jr.]] is also featured in a few of The Saturday Supercade's episodes. On the show, Donkey Kong Jr., along with his pal [[Bones]], travels across the globe searching for Donkey Kong.
 
===''Captain N: The Game Master''===
[[File:CaptainN QotA DK 2.png|thumb|left|Donkey Kong as seen in ''Captain N: The Game Master'']]
Donkey Kong makes occasional appearances on ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]''. Here he is more or less a giant, bestial, monster. Oftentimes on the show, Donkey Kong is manipulated by Mother Brain and her minions to do their bidding. Donkey Kong also appears in the ''Captain N'' comics.
 
===''[[Nintendo Adventure Book]]s''===
Donkey Kong appears in the sixth ''Nintendo Adventure Book'', ''[[Doors to Doom]]'', in a recreation of the original game (though Mario and Luigi are trying to reach the top to rescue [[Princess Peach]] instead of [[Pauline]]). Assuming the Mario Bros. successfully reach the top of the tower, Donkey Kong is ultimately sent plummeting out of sight when Peach jabs him in the backside with her crown.
 
===''Mario'' sports games===
[[File:mt64dk.png|thumb|right|Donkey Kong as he appears in ''Mario Tennis''.]]
He is also playable in all of the golf, tennis and other sports titles. He is usually portrayed as a slow but powerful character. He often takes unconventional approaches to certain sports, like swinging a [[Golf Club]] one-handed or using a Boxing Glove for a Baseball Bat. The most interesting of these is the fact that he regularly uses his hands when playing soccer, to the point of holding the ball in one hand as he prepares to punch it with the other.
 
====''NES Open Tournament Golf''====
Donkey Kong appears in various ''Mario'' sub-series. In ''[[NES Open Tournament Golf]]'', a gorilla looking exactly like Donkey Kong, except for the fact that it was wearing white clothes, appears. It is presumed that this gorilla is Donkey Kong. His role is to tell the player how much money they have.
 
====''Mario Tennis'' series====
Donkey Kong appears in ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'' as a playable character. His offensive power shot is the [[Barrel Cannon Blast]], and his defensive power shot is the [[Boomerang Banana Return]]. When Donkey Kong wins the championship, Toad brings him the trophy, and he grabs it with Toad still holding on. He waves it around, shaking up Toad in the process. When he finally stops, Toad faints, and DK scratches his head. Donkey Kong's taunt is showing muscles.
 
===''Donkey Kong Country'' series===
[[File:DonkeyDKC.png|thumb|150px|The modern Donkey Kong is both an agile and strong ape, capable of defending the island.]]
Sometime after the battles between Donkey Kong and Mario played out, the original Donkey Kong took the name Cranky Kong. The new Donkey Kong forges lasting friendships with many of the other Kongs, including his eager friend Diddy Kong, [[Funky Kong]], and his girlfriend [[Candy Kong]]. He eventually begins his reign over the island's jungle. Much of the young ape’s time is spent collecting Bananas to add to his [[Banana Hoard]], and he lives a relatively laid back lifestyle as compared to his relative, Cranky.
 
However, a band of [[Kremling]]s known as the [[Kremling Krew]] forms during this time. Their acts of violence and thievery put them at odds with Donkey Kong constantly, forcing him to guard his Banana Hoard every night.
 
====''Donkey Kong Country''====
On a stormy night, the [[Kremling Krew]] arrives at Donkey Kong Island and steals the Banana Hoard. When Diddy attempts to guard it, the [[Kremling]] soldiers trap him in a barrel. The events enrage Donkey Kong upon his return to the Hoard, and he sets out to reclaim his stash. Rescuing Diddy from his barrel prison along the way, the two of them slowly defeat the enormous Kremling forces during their travels throughout Donkey Kong Island with the aid of Candy Kong, Cranky Kong, and Funky Kong.
 
Eventually, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong find [[King K. Rool]], the leader of the Kremlings. After defeating the slightly deranged king, the Kongs reclaim the Banana Hoard and return home.
 
====''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''====
[[File:DKC2BetterQualityImage65.jpg|thumb|left|Diddy and Dixie rescue Donkey Kong from his dark prison.]]
After his long adventures, Donkey Kong decides to rest on the beach. During the day, the Kremlings kidnap the ape, leaving their footprints, a smashed chair, and a note behind them. Donkey Kong is locked in a cage on [[Crocodile Isle]], the latest Kremling hideout. Using Donkey Kong as a bargaining chip, [[King K. Rool|Kaptain K. Rool]], the new identity of King K. Rool, offers to return him in exchange for the Banana Hoard. However, instead of giving in, Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong defeat the Kremlings and rescue Donkey Kong. Crocodile Isle sinks into the ocean afterward, but Kaptain K. Rool escapes on his ship.
 
====''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!''====
One day, Donkey Kong decides to take his friend Diddy Kong on a fishing trip in the [[Northern Kremisphere]]. While there, they are overpowered and captured by the Kremlings, who claim to now be ruled by an unusual mechanical being named [[KAOS]]. Back home, Dixie Kong grows suspicious when the Kongs do not return. She, along with her cousin [[Kiddy Kong]], who she was babysitting at the time, set out to investigate, eventually discovering that [[King K. Rool|Baron K. Roolenstein]], another identity of King K. Rool, is behind the entire plot. Defeating him, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are released. However, shortly after Cranky Kong criticizes Dixie and Kiddy Kong for their fight, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong approach Cranky Kong ominously with the intention of beating him up in retribution.
 
====''Donkey Kong Country Returns''====
[[File:DKCR-Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong Artwork.png|thumb|Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in ''Donkey Kong Country Returns''.]]
Donkey Kong returns as a playable character in the Wii game, ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' and the [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]] remake ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D]]'', along with his little buddy Diddy Kong. In this game, the two Kongs set off on another quest to reclaim their banana hoard from a group of evil creatures known as the [[Tiki Tak Tribe]]. In this game, a volcano erupts, releasing [[Tiki Tong]] and his tikis, who hypnotize the animals living on Donkey Kong Island. The Kalimba tiki is the most seen, considering the fact that he is seen hypnotizing animals and stealing Donkey Kong's bananas with them. When Donkey Kong finds this out, he is furious, but before he can react, Kalimba tiki enters and tries to hypnotize him, but for some reason, the Kongs can't be hypnotized by the tikis. DK knocks the tiki out of his house, bursts his door down, and starts his adventure. Donkey Kong manages to defeat the Tiki Tak Tribe by sealing Tiki Tong back into the volcano by punching the moon hard enough to briefly destabilize its orbit to push Tiki Tong back in. Consequentially, the volcano ends up erupting bananas that presumably were from the banana hoard and the animals hypnotised by the Tikis were saved.
 
====''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze''====
{{Newsubject-section}}
[[File:Donkey Kong Artwork - Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze.png|thumb|150px|Donkey Kong in ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'']]
Donkey Kong is the main protagonist ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''. He retains his rolling ability from the previous games. In his latest adventure, the Kongs are celebrating Donkey Kong's birthday when suddenly, the [[Snowmads]] from the North Sea summon the Ice Dragon to blow away the Kongs so they could claim the island as their own. Eventually, when the Kongs return to their island, they challenge [[Lord Fredrik]] to a battle inside a volcano, and he is defeated. Donkey Kong later uses the horn to melt away the snow on [[Donkey Kong Island]].
 
===Club Nintendo===
[[File:DKC CN1.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Donkey Kong as he appears in the comic "Donkey Kong Country."]]
He is also the main character in the [[Club Nintendo]] comic "[[Donkey Kong Country (comic)|Donkey Kong Country]]", which tells the story of the game of the same name: with Diddy Kong, he tries (and manages) to fetch the Banana Hoard back from King K. Rool.
 
During the events of the comic "[[Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens]]", published in the same magazine, he lives in a [[Nintendo Skyscraper|skyscraper]] in [[Brooklyn]] with many other [[Nintendo]] characters. Due to a contract signed by [[Wario]], the skyscraper is invaded by several monsters. One of them, [[Chuckie]], invades the Kongs' room while Donkey and Diddy are watching TV. They are terrified by the evil doll but get rescued by Mario, [[Link]], and Kirby. Afterwards, Donkey claims that had he and Diddy defeated the monsters, they would only have taken "half of the time."
 
He once again appears as the main character in "[[Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24]]". The Kongs have to save the world from freezing, since a giant UFO is pulling the [[Earth]] away from the [[sun]]. Together with Diddy, Dixie, Kiddy, and Cranky, Donkey enters a space shuttle and flies into space in order to talk to the aliens. As it turns out, the reason for them pulling away the Earth is that they mistake the planet for a giant [[coconut]]. When the Kongs bring them some [[banana]]s, they agree to return the Earth to its original position. In the comic, Donkey appears as the bravest of the Kongs, as he is the one to start talking to the aliens.
 
===''Donkey Kong Land'' series===
====''Donkey Kong Land''====
Cranky Kong approaches Donkey Kong with a bet. Cranky believes that video games have become easier with the progression of technology. Therefore, he argues, Donkey Kong is not able to defeat K. Rool on an 8-bit system as opposed to the 16-bit [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. Cranky challenges Donkey Kong to defeat K. Rool on the [[Game Boy]].
 
After Donkey Kong agrees, Cranky Kong contacts K. Rool and arranges for the adventure to be repeated. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong defeat the Kremlings again, proving that they are heroes.
 
====''Donkey Kong Land III''====
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong hear of a contest to discover the [[Lost World (Donkey Kong Land III)|Lost World]] of the Northern Kremisphere. Once there, they set out to find the special area. Under their noses, the Kremlings begin anew the KAOS plot. However, Dixie and Kiddy, who also enter the contest, are able to defeat them.
 
===''Donkey Kong Country'' television series===
{{Appeared|Donkey Kong Country}}
Donkey Kong is a main character in the 1998 TV series of ''[[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|Donkey Kong Country]]''. In it, Donkey Kong is an anthropomorphic ape who, due to finding the Crystal Coconut in [[Inka Dinka Doo]]'s temple, is predicted to be the future ruler of [[Donkey Kong Island|Kongo Bongo Island]]. Ever since, it has been made Donkey Kong's duty to guard the Crystal Coconut until the day it officially proclaims him ruler of the island. However, [[King K. Rool]] wants to steal the Crystal Coconut so that he can rule the island, and DK and his pals have to stop him and the [[Kremling Krew]], as well as another villain, [[Kaptain Skurvy]]. On this show, Donkey Kong is depicted as somewhat of a slacker who loves bananas above all else, much like his portrayal in recent games.
 
===''Mario Kart'' series===
====''Mario Kart 64''====
[[File:Mk64dk.gif|thumb|left|125px|Donkey Kong from ''Mario Kart 64''.]]
[[File:DK thinking.png|frame|right|DK's expression after losing a race.]]
Donkey Kong first appears in the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series in the [[Nintendo 64]] game, ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' (replacing [[Donkey Kong Jr.]] from the [[Super Mario Kart|previous installment]]). In this game, he is classified as a heavyweight character, along with [[Bowser]] and [[Wario]]. His personal track is [[D.K.'s Jungle Parkway]].
 
====''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''====
Donkey Kong reappears as a heavyweight character in the [[Game Boy Advance]] game, ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''. Again, Wario and Bowser join him as the heavyweight characters. Donkey Kong does not have his own course in this game.
 
====''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''====
[[File:Donkey Kong and Diddy - Mario Kart Double Dash.png|thumb|left|125px|Donkey Kong, along with Diddy Kong, from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''.]]
Donkey Kong appears in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', along with another [[Kong]], [[Diddy Kong]]. Donkey Kong, again, is classified as a heavyweight character. Besides Bowser and Wario, [[King Boo]] and [[Petey Piranha]] also appear as heavyweight characters. Donkey Kong also gets his own personal track, [[DK Mountain]]. He and Diddy share an item, the [[Banana#Mario Kart: Double Dash!!|Giant Banana]]. Donkey Kong's kart is the [[DK Jumbo]].
 
====''Mario Kart Arcade GP''====
Donkey Kong appears in the arcade game, ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]''. He has four special items. They are the [[Barrel]], the 10T Hammer, the [[Banana#Mario Kart: Double Dash!!|Giant Banana]], and the Conga. Like most of the characters, Donkey Kong has his own cup, which is simply named '''DK Cup'''. In this cup, two of Donkey Kong's personal tracks appear, [[Donkey Kong Jungle (Mario Kart Arcade GP)|Donkey Kong Jungle]] and [[Bananan Ruins]].
 
====''Mario Kart DS''====
[[File:MKDS-Donkey Kong Artwork (alt).png|thumb|right|125px|Donkey Kong, riding on the Rambi Rider, in ''Mario Kart DS''.]]
Donkey Kong appears in the [[Nintendo DS]] game, ''[[Mario Kart DS]]''. Like with his past appearances, Donkey Kong is a heavyweight character, but in this game, he's the lightest heavyweight; the other heavyweight racers include Wario, Bowser, and [[R.O.B.]]. Donkey Kong has three personal karts, the Standard DK, the [[Rambi Rider]], and the [[Wildlife]], and he has one personal track, [[DK Pass]].
 
====''Mario Kart Arcade GP 2''====
Donkey Kong appears in the second ''Mario Kart'' arcade game, ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]''. He is a power racer, along with Wario and Bowser. His personal cup is renamed '''DK Stage''', but the same courses appear in the cup.
 
====''Mario Kart Wii''====
[[File:Donkey Kong Art - Mario Kart Wii.png|thumb|left|140px|Donkey Kong, holding a red shell on his personal [[Flame Flyer]].]]
Donkey Kong also appears in the [[Wii]] game, ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''. He is classified as a large-sized character, along with [[Wario]], [[Waluigi]], [[Bowser]], [[King Boo]], [[Rosalina]], [[Funky Kong]], and [[Dry Bowser]]. He has three courses in this game, with two of them being retro courses; they're [[DK Summit]], DK's Jungle Parkway, and DK Mountain.  Donkey Kong receives a small boost of weight, acceleration, and handling, along with a small mini-turbo boost in this game.
 
====''Mario Kart 7''====
[[File:Donkeykong-spinyshellnmdww.png|thumb|x200px|right|'''Donkey Kong''', preparing to launch a [[Spiny Shell]].]]
Donkey Kong appears as a racer again in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] title, ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', and has his own personal track, [[DK Jungle (Mario Kart 7)|DK Jungle]].  He is classified as a Cruiser-type character in this game, and his speed, weight, and off-road stats are given a slightly above average boost.
 
====''Mario Kart Arcade GP DX''====
Donkey Kong also appears as a racer again in ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]''. He is once again a heavyweight racer and the Donkey Kong Cup becomes the Don-chan Cup.
 
====''Mario Kart 8''====
{{newsubject-section}}
Donkey Kong is confirmed to appear in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''.
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===''Game & Watch'' series===
==General information==
===Physical appearance===
{{multiframe
{{multiframe
|[[File:DK-GWGallery3DKJr.png]] [[File:DK-GWGallery4DK3.png]]
|[[File:DKCFrontDK.png|148px]] [[File:DKMP10.png|148px]]
|Some of Donkey Kong's sprites from the ''Game & Watch Gallery'' series.
|Donkey Kong's appearance from the SNES era (left) and his current appearance (right)
|size=100
|size=320
|align=left
|align=right}}
}}
{{quote|She came to have lunch with DK! Big, tall with lots of muscles DK! Not the half-pint version.|Diddy Kong|Ape Foo Young}}
Donkey Kong has played different roles in select [[Game & Watch]] titles.
Donkey Kong is a [[Kong]] resembling a gorilla who sports a burly physique; in addition to having particularly large pecs, biceps and triceps, he is noted to weigh 800 pounds (363 kg) according to the talking [[Microphone]] that serves as the announcer for the fight against King K. Rool in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', as well as having the traditional large feet of primates with opposable thumbs. Donkey Kong also has brown fur, with the fur on his head being distinctly shaped to the point of looking like a hairstyle. As of ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'', his fur has also consistently sported a realistic texture. The shade of brown his fur is colored, however, has been inconsistent between games, being either a lighter shade or its original darker shade. Donkey Kong wears only a single item of clothing: a red necktie with the "DK" logo printed on it in yellow and tied in a Windsor knot<ref>"[[List of miscellaneous Play Nintendo opinion polls#Donkey Kong makeover poll|Donkey Kong makeover poll]]" on [[Play Nintendo]]</ref> from ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' onwards.


====''Donkey Kong''====
Within the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Donkey Kong's appearance has changed. In ''Super Smash Bros.'', Donkey Kong was somewhat cartoonish in appearance, though his design did not originate from a specific ''Super Mario'' or ''Donkey Kong'' game. In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', Donkey Kong gains a darker color scheme, while his design appears to have more details; Donkey Kong is also shown with teeth, which are colored white. In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', Donkey Kong's fur is lighter in color, but it is further detailed. Donkey Kong's teeth are now yellowish in color. In ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Wii U'', Donkey Kong's fur receives even more detail, akin to ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'', though he has a more vibrant color scheme. In ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', Donkey Kong gains a more subdued color scheme, though not to the same extent as ''Melee'' or ''Brawl''; additionally, his fur is slightly less detailed, though his necktie has simple detailing.
In ''[[Donkey Kong (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong]]'' game, Donkey Kong would attempt to stop Mario from releasing Pauline by throwing barrels at him, and Mario had to use a hook mechanism to loosen the wires supporting Donkey Kong's platform. If four wires are removed, Donkey Kong will fall. This was re-released in ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 2]]'' and ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 4]]'', with [[Princess Peach]] replacing Pauline and other minor gameplay changes in the modern version. A more accurate port is available in ''[[Game & Watch Collection]]''.


====''Donkey Kong Jr.''====
Throughout the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Donkey Kong has had eight alternate costumes to choose from; in ''Super Smash Bros.'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', he has 5 costumes; in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl '', he has 6 costumes; lastly, in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Wii U'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', he has 8 costumes. Donkey Kong's first alternate costume gives him black fur, making him resemble his in-game sprite in ''Donkey Kong '94'' and ''Donkey Kong Land''; his second alternate costume gives him red fur, resembling his appearance in the original ''Donkey Kong''; his third alternate costume gives him blue fur, resembling one of his alternate colors from ''Mario Golf'' and ''Donkey Kong 64''{{'}}s multiplayer mode; his fourth alternate costume gives him green fur, having no inspiration. In ''Melee'', Donkey Kong's black costume receives a blue tie, his red costume receives a navy blue tie, and his blue costume receives a purple tie. In ''Brawl'', Donkey Kong's black costume receives a yellow tie with green insignia and his blue costume receives a lavender tie; his green costume is much darker. Donkey Kong also gains a fifth alternate costume with white fur, later inspiring [[Super Kong]]'s colors. In ''3DS'' / ''Wii U'', Donkey Kong's green costume regains its pre-''Brawl'' color, while his sixth and seventh alternate costumes are introduced: the former gives Donkey Kong a light blue tie and golden brown fur, resembling one of his alternate colors from ''Mario Golf''; the latter gives Donkey Kong a yellow tie and pink fur, resembling [[Donkey Kong Jr.|Junior (II)]]'s color in ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. Math]]''.
An offshoot of the Arcade game of the same name with a similar premise. In ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'', the eponymous ape must obtain four [[key]]s from a tree to unlock his father's cage. This was re-released in ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 3]]'' and ''Game & Watch Gallery 4'', with three screens in the modern version and a variation of [[Mushroom Kingdom]] enemies working for Mario.


====''Donkey Kong II''====
In ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', Donkey Kong has a more realistic look than his previous appearances. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, his design takes inspiration from his depictions prior to ''Donkey Kong Country'' in order to give him a more comical personality and design.<ref>[https://youtu.be/ohJrpHUoZ10?t=293]</ref> His body is also more detailed, similar to his appearance from the ''Super Smash Bros.'' games.
A direct follow-up to the previous adventure, ''[[Donkey Kong II]]'' sees Donkey Kong Jr. in a pseudo-amalgamation of the third and fourth screens of his Arcade game. Donkey Kong Jr. must once again climb upwards, pushing the locks open to free his father. This is unlockable in ''Game & Watch Gallery 3'', without a modern edition.


====''Donkey Kong 3''====
===Speech===
Similar to ''[[Greenhouse]]'' and the Arcade ''[[Donkey Kong 3]]'', the Game & Watch ''[[Donkey Kong 3 (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong 3]]'' has [[Stanley the Bugman]] protecting his plants. Donkey Kong released bees aiming at the bugman, and his job was to spray them back at Donkey Kong. In ''Game & Watch Gallery 4'', the modern version replaced Stanley with Mario, and the game adopted a [[Ghost House]] theme.
In the ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' arcade game, the original Donkey Kong only spoke in growls as he took Lady (or [[Pauline]]) on top of a construction site, as well as when ascending further up the structure upon Mario completing a level (except for [[100m]]). ''[[Saturday Supercade]]'' depicted him with the ability to speak broken English in contrast to [[Donkey Kong Jr.]], his son. While he mainly verbalized realistic ape noises in-game provided by Mark Betteridge, the instruction manuals for the ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong Land]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' showed that the current Donkey Kong has the ability to speak rather intelligently, which was also seen during the ending of ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]''. Donkey Kong later spoke intelligibly in a few ''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' comics as well as ''[[Super Mario-Kun]]''. Donkey Kong first received voice acting in the [[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|1998 computer-animated ''Donkey Kong Country'' television series]], where he was portrayed by [[Richard Yearwood]]. Donkey Kong next received voice acting in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', where he was portrayed by [[Grant Kirkhope]], a composer for [[Rare Ltd.]] and the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise. Here, Donkey Kong had a few lines where he spoke broken English while referring to himself in the third person. Grant Kirkhope would provide a mixture of cartoonish gorilla noises and actual words, including "Yeah!", "Cool", "Hey!", and "OK!". After 2006, [[Takashi Nagasako]] took over as Donkey Kong's voice actor, first heard in ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'', though he mainly provided him with cartoonish gorilla noises, although he is able to say his name, "Let's go!", and "Yeah, hey!" In current games where Donkey Kong is intended to speak in full sentences, there is in-game text to signify what he is saying. In the early ''Mario Party'' games, ''Mario Kart 64'', ''Mario Kart Super Circuit'', ''Mario Tennis'', ''Mario Golf'', as well as the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Donkey Kong is instead given chimpanzee screams and realistic gorilla roars, respectively, instead of a voice actor; Donkey Kong's voice clips from the N64 era use the Chimpanzee Screeches and Vocalizes from The Hollywood Edge Sound Effects Library.<ref>https://www.whosampled.com/sample/515022/Nintendo-Character-Sound-Effects-The-Hollywood-Edge-Sound-Effects-Library-Chimpanzee-Screeches-and-Vocalizes/</ref> In ''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'', Donkey Kong, as all other Kongs, is fully capable of speech and can normally talk to non-Kong characters, where he is portrayed by [[Seth Rogen]].


====''Donkey Kong Circus''====
===Personality===
In ''[[Donkey Kong Circus]]'', Mario watches Donkey Kong juggling [[pineapple]]s while balancing on a barrel. When Donkey Kong makes a mistake, Mario laughs at his performance.
[[File:Angry DK - Super Mario Sticker.gif|thumb|200px|LINE sticker depicting an angered Donkey Kong]]
[[File:SMRL-Line-DK-Banana.gif|thumb|left|200px|LINE sticker depicting Donkey Kong relaxing on a beach chair]]
In the games, despite his carefree lifestyle, Donkey Kong is a brave and friendly hero who highly cares for his friends and [[banana hoard]], and becomes enraged if either are threatened. He is always keen to be helpful and use his strength whenever possible. The [[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series]] portray him as prone to temper tantrums if he doesn't get what he wants, which leads to him and Mario clashing when he steals the Mini Mario Toys and even kidnaps Pauline, though he does show remorse once Mario resolves the matter. Donkey Kong is also shown as more aggressive and willing to fight in ''Donkey Kong Jungle Beat''.


====''Donkey Kong Hockey''====
Donkey Kong is inconsistently depicted as somewhat dim-witted; in ''[[Fortune Street]]'', [[Toad]] remarks that Donkey Kong is the brawn while Diddy Kong is the brains, and he speaks in broken, third-person English for his few lines in ''Donkey Kong 64''; however, in other appearances, particularly during the ''Donkey Kong Country'' series, DK speaks fluent English much like the other [[Kong]]s. In [[The Subspace Emissary]], Donkey Kong is shown to be more cautious, sensing the danger of the Dark Cannon Bowser wielded and electing to get the impulsive Diddy Kong to safety. In [[Solid Snake|Snake]]'s codec conversation on Donkey Kong in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Otacon claims that Donkey Kong seems "pretty smart" for an ape.
In ''[[Donkey Kong Hockey]]'', Mario and Donkey Kong settle the score with a game of ice hockey. Player 1 is Mario, while Player 2 or the CPU is Donkey Kong. It also happens to be their first instance being in a competitive, physically athletic position.


===Game Boy Camera===
In the TV series, Donkey Kong's personality is largely the same, albeit depicting him as lazy instead of carefree. Donkey Kong is shown to have a somewhat stronger moral back bone, as shown in [[I Spy with My Hairy Eye]] with his reluctance to use the [[Crystal Coconut]] to wish for more bananas until Diddy manipulated him into doing it. Donkey Kong also seems easier to startle and more sensitive overall, but maintains an aggressive wariness of King K. Rool, Kaptain Skurvy and their goons.
Donkey Kong makes a cameo as a stamp for photos in the [[Game Boy Camera]] peripheral.


===''Mario Party'' series===
In ''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'', Donkey Kong is portrayed as a fun-loving, sarcastic, arrogant, and relaxed character who enjoys his popularity, but also suffers from self-confidence issues when it comes to how his father Cranky Kong views him as a joke, as well as being heavily embarrassed at the fact he was defeated in battle and then had his life saved by Mario. He also throws a fit of rage when Mario calls him a "smash monkey", showing his frustration about being seen as nothing more than a mindless brute "who smashes things".
Donkey Kong is a playable character in all of the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'']] games up until ''[[Mario Party 5]]''. Here, he leaves the playable character roster but gains his own [[DK Space|space]]. He is basically the opposite of Bowser, since when a character lands on his space, something good happens.


In ''[[Mario Party DS]]'', Donkey Kong is the primary feature of his own board, [[DK's Stone Statue]]. During story mode, Donkey Kong is turned to stone by a [[Dry Bones]] while he and Diddy run to [[Bowser's Castle]] after being invited to a banquet hosted by him. The player has to win the game and beat the Dry Bones to free Donkey Kong. The ape then runs away to the castle. At the end, he is seen with Diddy enjoying the meals Bowser had prepared as traps for the 8 "party characters".
===Powers and abilities===
[[File:Donkey Kong - Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.png|thumb|left|Donkey Kong flexing.]]
Unlike most characters, who have some kind of special power, Donkey Kong relies mainly on his brute strength. He sometimes has the title of "The strongest of the Kongs", in spite of some Kongs like [[Chunky Kong]] and [[Sumo Kong]] being larger than Donkey Kong. In the original ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' he had a seemingly unlimited supply of Barrels, and could throw them easily. This carried on to the ''Donkey Kong Country'' games, where he can pick up and throw Barrels with ease. Also in ''Donkey Kong Country'', he can defeat certain enemies that [[Diddy Kong]] cannot hurt with a single jump. In ''Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat'', his strength is shown yet again, it makes him so strong that when he claps, a sound-wave is produced, which  is his main attack throughout the game. In the ending of ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'', Donkey Kong is shown to be strong enough to knock the moon out of its orbit and into the planet's atmosphere with a single punch (though the fact he was falling towards it at an alarming speed may have helped with it).


Additionally, the ''Mario Party 3'' instruction booklet claims that Donkey Kong's favorite item is the [[Reverse Mushroom]]. His default partner in Duel Mode is Whomp.
Donkey Kong also appears to either immune or highly resistant to hypnosis since the [[Tiki Tak Tribe#Kalimba|Kalimba Tiki]] was unable to hypnotize him when it was easily able to do so to other animals on the island. In ''Donkey Kong 64'', he has a personal weapon, the [[Coconut Shooter]], and has a special ability called [[Strong Kong]] which allows him to become invincible and use up more Crystal Coconuts the longer he maintains the form. Donkey Kong also has some skill with musical instruments, to the point that he can even weaponize music and song in combat. This is demonstrated in ''Donkey Kong 64'', where Donkey Kong is talented in playing bongos and uses it to solve puzzles and attack surrounding enemies; the ability of playing bongos is also shown in the [[Donkey Konga (series)|''Donkey Konga'' games]]. In the ''Mario Strikers'' series, Donkey Kong is shown to wield electric powers, exerting bolts of lightning during his [[Super Strike]] and [[Mega Strike]].  


In ''[[Mario Party 9]]'', Donkey Kong appears as the "boss" of his own board, [[DK's Jungle Ruins]]. His boss minigame is called [[DK's Banana Bonus]]. During the minigame, Donkey Kong tosses Golden [[Barrel Cannon]]s into the area, allowing the players to access banana bunches that are higher up.
Though his size and weight may suggest otherwise, Donkey Kong is deceptively fast and agile; in ''Mario Strikers: Battle League'', he break dances after scoring a goal and performs acrobatics while vine swinging in his victory scene. In ''Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat'' he is shown to be very proficient in hand to hand combat, delivering a vast amount of fast punches and kicks in a few seconds and is quick in countering the attacks he dodges, enabling him to contend with and defeat master martial artists like [[Karate Kong]] and [[Ninja Kong]] or physically stronger opponents like Sumo Kong. DK's speed and agility have also been consistently demonstrated throughout his appearances in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' franchise.


===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
===Identity===
{{SSB Infobox
:''Main articles: [[Cranky Kong#Identity confusion]] and [[Donkey Kong Jr.]]''
|color=green
According to various pieces of official media, starting with ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', the Donkey Kong that appears in the titles prior to ''Donkey Kong Country'', such as ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong 3]]'' and the [[Game Boy]] ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'', goes on to age and become [[Cranky Kong]], passing down his name to the current and modern Donkey Kong, his grandson. Some sources would go on to imply that the Donkey Kong that appeared in games after ''Donkey Kong Country'' is a grown up [[Donkey Kong Jr.]]<ref>Scribes - April 25, 1999. [https://web.archive.org/web/20020805184158/rareware.com/the_site/talk_to_us/scribes/aug25_99/aug25_99.html Rareware Website Archive]. ''Rareware.com''. Retrieved April 13, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Game-Boy-Advance/Donkey-Kong-Country-266551.html ''Donkey Kong Country'' web page.] (April 13, 2017). ''Nintendo.co.uk''. Retrieved April 13, 2017.</ref>; this was later contradicted in a 2017 [[Prima Games]] book that establishes Donkey Kong Jr. as the father of Donkey Kong and son of Cranky Kong.<ref>"<i>''Super Mario Kart'' is the only ''Mario Kart'' game to feature Donkey Kong Jr. Due to the success of ''Donkey Kong Country'', all future ''Mario Kart'' entries featured Donkey Kong, who is actually Donkey Kong Jr.’s son, with Cranky Kong, aka Donkey Kong Sr., canonically being the character featured in the original ''Donkey Kong'' game. Makes sense, right?</i>" - ''Playing With Super Power: Nintendo Super NES Classics eGuide'', ''Super Mario Kart'' 16 Bits Tab.</ref> The relationship between Cranky Kong and Donkey Kong has also been contradicted on occasion, between being his father (as seen mostly in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'')<ref>"''That darn Donkey has all the luck! His girl Candy waits around in her hut, always willing to offer her musical help to that undeserving son of mine and his fancy polygonal friends. Pah!''" - ''Donkey Kong 64'' instruction booklet, page 9 (among various in-game lines)</ref> and being his grandfather.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Ghoulyboy/status/859502066225606656 Gregg Mayles in a May 2017 Twitter post]. Retrieved May 2, 2017.</ref>
|emblem=DK_Emblem.png
|image=BrawlDK.jpg
|games=''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U]]'' (upcoming)
|standard=Giant Punch
|side=Headbutt ''(SSBM)'', ''(SSBB)''
|up=Spinning Kong
|down=Hand Slap
|final=Konga Beat ''(SSBB)''
|entrance=Donkey Kong breaks out of a [[DK Barrel]]. ''(SSB, SSBB)''
}}
Donkey Kong is playable in all three ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' games. Donkey Kong is always one of the strongest characters in the game. When he picks up a character, he also has the power to carry them a short distance, which is something that none of the other characters can do. He can also carry large objects, such as [[barrel]]s and [[crate]]s, without having his speed hindered.


====''Super Smash Bros.''====
===Relationships===
[[File:SSB_Giant_DK.png|thumb|left|150px|Giant Donkey Kong.]]
====Friends====
{{main|SmashWiki:Donkey Kong (SSB)}}
[[File:DKandDiddy DKCR.png|thumb|left|Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'']]
In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', DK is a default character. In one-player mode, the player must fight '''Giant Donkey Kong'''. This is the only fight in which the player is given two partners to help them instead of one. Giant Donkey Kong can withstand about 350% damage before being knocked off the stage.
[[Diddy Kong]] is Donkey Kong's "little buddy" who looks up to him. Diddy Kong has gone on many adventures with his best friend (with DK showing excitement at having another adventure with his friend when selected as his ally character in ''Super Mario Party''), and the two often look out for each other, sharing a brotherly bond. In sports, Diddy Kong is often Donkey Kong's default partner. Diddy has rarely been suggested as [[Diddy Kong#Relationships|a relative of DK's]], though most sources do not claim that they are related.  


====''Super Smash Bros. Melee''====
[[Dixie Kong]] is one of Donkey Kong's closest friends, sometimes hanging out with him and Diddy Kong. She actively helped rescue him when he is kidnapped and joined him in retaking Donkey Kong Island from the Snowmads. Donkey Kong seems to act like a big brother to Dixie, similar to how he is with Diddy. He was very defensive of her when she was antagonized by a [[Dry Bones]] in ''Mario Super Sluggers''. Dixie does show minor exasperation with DK when he is rash and stubborn, but they nonetheless have a close friendship.
{{main|SmashWiki:Donkey Kong (SSBM)}}
DK is also a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. Once again, he is a default character. In the new one-player mode, ''Adventure'', the player must first fight two Tiny Donkey Kongs and then fight Giant Donkey Kong at [[Jungle Japes]]. By picking up a [[Super Mushroom]], Donkey Kong can transform into Giant Donkey Kong for a few moments. A Giant Donkey Kong also appears in the Event Mode, in two particular events: First in Event 2, where the player controls him and must defeat Tiny Donkey Kong, then in Event 25 where the player must defeat him using [[Giant Bowser]]. Donkey Kong can transform into Giant Donkey Kong by using a [[Super Mushroom]] (it only lasts for brief moments) or playing Giant Melee.


====''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''====
[[Funky Kong]] is another one of Donkey Kong's recurring friends. The two share a good friendship, with Funky referring DK by the nickname "Donkey-dude". Though he prefers not adventuring, Funky does support Donkey Kong by giving him either transportation or weaponry, or acting as a shopkeeper.
{{main|SmashWiki:Donkey Kong (SSBB)}}
{{multiple image
|align=left
|direction=horizontal
|image1=Donkeykong carrying brawl.jpg
|width1=160
|caption1=Donkey Kong's unique carrying ability seen in ''Brawl''.
|image2=DonkeyKongOriginal-SSBBrawl.png
|width2=200
|caption2=The original Donkey Kong, as seen on the 75m stage in ''Brawl''.
}}
Donkey Kong reappears as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. His moves are carried over from ''Melee'', and he, like other characters, is given a [[Final Smash]], his being the Konga Beat, most likely inspired by the games ''Donkey Konga'' and ''Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat''. Some even go as far to say Donkey Kong's Final Smash is based on his instrumental attack from ''Donkey Kong 64'', in which he uses a pair of Bongos to create a shock-wave that can defeat any enemy on which it is used, except bosses (mainly because they can't be used in any boss battles). Donkey Kong also gets a new white recolor.


Unlike in the ''Mario series'' titles, Donkey Kong is given a gorilla voice for the ''Super Smash Bros. series''. This is even more noticeable in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''.
====Relatives====
[[File:DK & Cranky.png|thumb|Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong]]
[[Cranky Kong]] is Donkey Kong's crabby and constantly rambling grandfather. He also originally had the name Donkey Kong until he turned it over to his replacement, and has not resumed the title since (with the sole exception being re-releases such as games in the [[Game & Watch#Game & Watch Gallery series|''Game & Watch Gallery'' series]]). He finds a way to help DK and his friends in their adventures, though it usually entails giving out advice or valuable items for a [[Banana Coin|price]]. Although he frequently gets frustrated with DK's slow-witted nature, he does nonetheless look out and care for him. In ''Tropical Freeze'', their relationship is shown in the most friendly; Cranky attends his grandson's birthday party, and their Kong POW shows them doing a fist bump. In the [[Donkey Kong Adventure]], Donkey Kong works with a [[Rabbid Cranky|Rabbid counterpart]] of Cranky.


Also, an 8-bit Donkey Kong appears on the [[75m]] stage (which is based on the 3rd level in the original ''Donkey Kong'').
In the TV series, Cranky acts as a direct mentor to Donkey Kong, but still gets angry with him easily. Regardless, the two care about each other as family as shown in [[Message in a Bottle Show]] where the two hugged each other, although they may be loathe to admit it at times. Despite his low patience, Cranky has high faith in DK and views as the best hope for the well-being of Kongo Bongo and admits when Donkey Kong actually has [[A Thin Line Between Love & Ape|a good idea]].


Even though Donkey Kong is a ''[[Mario (series)|Mario series]]'' character, his emblem is the DK symbol, which represents his [[Donkey Kong (series)|own series]].
====Love interests====
[[Candy Kong]] is one of Donkey Kong's closest friends who others believe he will marry one day, although he is not ready to settle down in Candy Kong's opinion. The Rarewhere website suggests that the two have known each other since childhood.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010420120315/http://www.rare.co.uk/recent/games/dkc/castlist/cast_candy.html DKC Trilogy Cast List]. ''Rarewhere''. Retrieved April 25, 2022.</ref> According to ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', the idea of Candy being DK's girlfriend is only a rumor, which may be due to the fact Donkey Kong seems to spontaneously show romantic interest in [[Pauline]]. In Rare-developed games, DK tends to keep a framed photograph of Candy in [[DK's Tree House|his home]]. To explain Candy Kong's absence in later games, one official review of ''[[Donkey Kong Land 2]]'' states that she broke up with Donkey Kong,<ref>''Nintendo Magazine System'' (UK) #50, page 52. "''You’d have thought that after retrieving his banana stash, Donkey Kong would be able to live out his days in peace and harmony with Candy Kong by his side. Unfortunately, she’s given him the push. And to make matters even worse, he’s been captured by those oh-so-pesky Kremlings!''"</ref> although the ''Donkey Kong 64'' manual suggests otherwise.<ref>''Donkey Kong 64'' instruction booklet, page 9. "''That darn Donkey has all the luck! His girl Candy waits around in her hut, always willing to offer her musical help to that undeserving son of mine and his fancy polygonal friends. Pah!''"</ref>


Donkey Kong appears in several events, usually in giant form.
In the TV series, Donkey Kong and Candy Kong are dating, but their affection tends to be very on-and-off. Donkey Kong is blindly in love with Candy even when she dismisses him, as she often gets angry with him for his foolishness as shown in several episodes. Candy even occasionally expresses romantic interest in Bluster Kong instead.
*First he appears as a secret opponent in Event 9: "The Monster beneath the Earth". If the player does not KO the two Diddy Kongs fast enough, Giant DK must be fought as well.
*He also appears in Event 22: "Monkeys Unite", as Diddy Kong's partner, in which the player uses Diddy to defeat [[Sheik]] and [[Lucario]].  
*He is fought in Event 27: "Three-Beast Carnage" as well, alongside [[Bowser#Size|Giant Bowser]] and Giant Charizard.


=====[[Solid Snake]] Codec Conversation=====
====Rivals====
*'''Snake''': [[Otacon]], there's a gorilla wearing a tie here. He's huge.
[[File:MsvDKMLMart1.png|thumb|Donkey Kong holding Pauline hostage, an issue that brings him and Mario in conflict.]]
*'''Otacon''': That's Donkey Kong. As you can tell, he's got strength to spare. He may be king of the jungle, but he lives in a house just like you or me. And he seems pretty smart--well, for an ape, anyway. The Donkey Kong who fought that epic battle with Mario was this guy's grandfather.
Donkey Kong and [[Mario]] have had a rivalry for some time. The rivalry is witnessed in the ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series. However the rivalry is friendlier in spin-off games, as implied in ''Super Smash Bros.'', and in [[Solid Snake]]'s codec conversation from ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''. Aside from their rivalry, Donkey Kong is good friends with Mario and gets along with him and his friends in some games such as the ''Mario Party'' series. Though the current Donkey Kong is large, he is actually quite a bit younger than Mario. Although Mario did fight Donkey Kong's grandfather in the original Donkey Kong game, [[Cranky Kong]] admits that Mario is a true [[Cranky's Video Game Heroes|video game hero]] and even looks back at his nostalgic antics with a fond respect. Donkey Kong and Mario do not seem to hold grudges against one another in spite of their occasional conflicts. One of the evident facts about this is whenever a player lands on a DK Space in the ''Mario Party'' series, Donkey Kong will reward them with coins and stars. Another sign of Mario and Donkey Kong's friendship is how quickly Mario forgives a remorseful DK in the ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series, even giving him a toy a few times.  
*'''Snake''': That was a long time ago. What about this Donkey Kong? Does he get along with Mario?
*'''Otacon''': Nope, they're still at it. Seems like they're always competing in something--kart racing, sports, you name it.
*'''Snake''': A chip off the old block....


=====Role in the [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl#Story|Subspace Emissary]]=====
Donkey Kong displays good friendships with characters from the ''Sonic'' franchise. He has a friendly rivalry with [[Knuckles|Knuckles the Echidna]] and [[Vector|Vector the Crocodile]]. During the opening of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'', Donkey Kong, as a hockey goalie, thwarts Knuckles' shot. In Adventure Tour, Donkey Kong quickly establishes good rapport with Vector and [[Silver|Silver the Hedgehog]]. In [[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games|London]], Silver and Donkey Kong compete together in Volleyball, while Donkey Kong, Knuckles, and Vector work together clearing out the fog in the wrestling venues, with Vector offering a detective job to DK. In [[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games|Rio]] games, Donkey Kong and Knuckles accuse each other of cheating after being deceived by two Miis dressed as Mario and Sonic. Following their losses in the Boxing Event, they make peace after realizing their misunderstanding. [[Big (character)|Big the Cat]] also invites Donkey Kong to outing. Donkey Kong has special victory animations with Knuckles and Vector in [[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games|Sochi]] and Rio, as well as being shown flexing with Vector in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020]]''.
[[File:SubspaceIntro-DonkeyKong.png|200px|thumb|right|Donkey Kong's snapshot in The Subspace Emissary.]]
The [[Koopa Troop]] and [[Bowser]] steal Donkey Kong's Banana Hoard. As a [[Hammer Bro.]] drives a car which contains all the bananas of Donkey Kong's. Donkey Kong watches it from a cliff. Hammer Bro. and the [[Goomba]]s aboard the car spot Donkey Kong and shoot [[Bullet Bill]]s at him. However, Diddy Kong comes out from a bush, and, with his [[Peanut Popgun]]s, shoots the Bullet Bills. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong then follow the Hammer Bro. to retrieve the Banana Hoard. After following it, they see Bowser with a [[Dark Cannon]], revealing that he is working for the [[Subspace Army]]. When Bowser charges the cannon, Donkey Kong charges his Giant Punch. He then launches Diddy to the sky and out of the way, sacrificing himself. Bowser shoots him with the Dark Cannon, which turns him into a [[trophy]]. Later, [[Diddy Kong]], [[Fox McCloud]], and [[Falco Lombardi]] meet up with a ship carrying '''Donkey Kong''' as a trophy to a mysterious floating island. Falco then helps Diddy by following it with his Arwing and taking the little Kong with him. He then drops him, and Diddy gets on his '''Rocket Barrel''', takes out his Popguns, and shoots the ship. After seeing this, [[Captain Falcon]] and [[Captain Olimar]] decide to help him and jump to the ship. Diddy frees Donkey Kong, and all four fight the Primids and other enemies.


The ship takes them inside a factory producing Subspace Bombs, and they encounter various R.O.B.s that live on the island. They later meet up with [[Pikachu]] and [[Samus Aran]] and see the [[Ancient Minister]] and a plethora of R.O.B.s. After Ganondorf manipulates the R.O.B.s into activating all of the Subspace Bombs, the Ancient Minister is shown to be [[R.O.B.]], the leader of all the lesser R.O.B.s who were forced to work for the Subspace Army. R.O.B. then fights with the others. When trying to escape, Captain Falcon calls for his [[Falcon Flyer]] and tries to leave the cave. [[Meta Ridley]] then appears, forcing the heroes to fight him. After that, they all meet up with the other heroes.
====Enemies====
[[King K. Rool]] and his Kremlings are archenemies of Donkey Kong and the Kong Family. They have stolen DK's hoard often for unknown reasons and kidnapped him and his friends. However, Donkey Kong was willing to help a Kremling named [[K. Lumsy]] when he realized that he did not wish to harm the Kong Family. Even when the king and four colored Kritters join the Kongs to form the [[DK Wilds]], their antagonism still shows. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', King K. Rool's trailer is called "The Rivals" as a reference to the enmity between him and Donkey Kong. In the show, the feud is still the same. Donkey Kong enjoys giving the Kremlings beatings, causing them to have great fear and apprehension of him.  


Donkey Kong and the other heroes enter Subspace and meet [[Tabuu]], who turns everyone into trophies with his Off Waves. However, [[King Dedede]] had anticipated this and created badges that revived certain fighters back into their original forms without having to touch them. With his team, consisting of [[Luigi]] and [[Ness]], Dedede rescues Donkey Kong and most of the others, although some of them are rescued by [[Kirby]]. They also recruit Bowser, [[Ganondorf]], and [[Wario]] after they are informed about Tabuu. At the end of [[the Great Maze]], [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] shows up and helps weaken Tabuu's Off Waves so that Donkey Kong and the others are able to beat him.
The Tiki Tak Tribe and the Snowmads are other adversaries to Donkey Kong, who has personal grudges with the groups for stealing all the bananas on Donkey Kong Island, including the ones in his hoard, and exiling him and his friends while conquering their home, respectively.


====Special Moves====
====Other relationships====
=====Giant Punch=====
[[Pauline]] was kidnapped by both the [[Cranky Kong|original Donkey Kong]] in the Arcade, Game & Watch, and Game Boy games, and the current Donkey Kong in the ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series. The original Donkey Kong's motive was revenge against Mario for not being a good pet owner, while the current Donkey Kong had two real different variations of the kidnapping. In ''March of the Minis'', it was due to his perceived rejection of his feelings in favor of Mario, and took Pauline away to shower her with gifts. In ''Mini-Land Mayhem!'', Donkey Kong just missed having the free [[Mini Pauline]] that was given to the first 100 guests of the theme park, so he takes the real Pauline instead. Although the current Donkey Kong has ultimately proven to have harmless intentions, Pauline showed constant fear of his temper and anger in ''Mini-Land Mayhem!''. Despite this, they remain on friendly terms, and Pauline is generally key to soothing his anger issues. They are even known to work alongside each other, first in ''Minis March Again!'' where the "kidnapping" was made to test the current model of Mini Marios, and later in ''Tipping Stars'', where Donkey Kong "kidnapped" Pauline to simply to lure Mario to a surprise party.
{{main|SmashWiki:Giant Punch}}
{{multiple image
|align=left
|direction=horizontal
|image1=DKbmove.jpg
|caption1=The '''Giant Punch''' in ''Melee''.
|width1=200
|image2=Giant punch.jpg
|caption2=The '''Giant Punch''' in ''Brawl''.
|width2=200
|image3=WiiU SmashBros scrnC07 01 E3.png
|caption3=The '''Giant Punch''' in ''Smash Wii U''.
|width3=200
}}
'''Giant Punch''' is a move used by Donkey Kong in all three ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' games. It is used by just simply pressing {{button|gcn|B}}. Donkey Kong will swing his arms back and forth, getting faster with each swing. The more time the player spends winding up Donkey Kong's arm, the stronger the punch will be. Donkey Kong can walk with his punch loaded (much like [[Samus Aran]] can). However, when {{button|gcn|B}} is pressed again, the move will be released, sending a strong punch to whoever is in front of Donkey Kong. When charged to its maximum, it will sometimes have enough energy to result in an instant KO. Giant Punch can also be used by [[Kirby]] if he copies Donkey Kong's powers.
{{br}}
=====Headbutt=====
{{main|SmashWiki:Headbutt}}
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|image1=Melee-Headbutt.png
|caption1=The '''Headbutt''' in ''Melee''.
|width1=200
|image2=DKbforwardmove.jpg
|caption2=The '''Headbutt''' in ''Brawl''.
|width2=200
}}
'''Headbutt''' is a move used by Donkey Kong in the games ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. It is performed by pressing Side and {{button|gcn|B}}. When executed, Donkey Kong will swing his head forward, dealing minor damage to enemies. This move will also plow a character into the ground. The foe will be unable to move once caught, leaving them open to a barrage. The grounded player can get up by rotating the Control Stick, or doing nothing. A good strategy is to plow the foe into the ground with Headbutt and then using Hand Slap.


This move also has [[Meteor Smash]] properties, but it's usually rather easy to Meteor Cancel it in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.
In the [[Donkey Kong Adventure]] story expansion pack for ''[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]'', after DK, Rabbid Cranky, and Rabbid Peach manage to defeat [[Rabbid Kong]], he turns over a new leaf after seeing the generosity from Rabbid Peach. When Rabbid Peach and Beep-0 leave for the Mushroom Kingdom, the group take multiple selfies together in honor of their newly formed friendship.
{{br}}


=====Spinning Kong=====
Donkey Kong also has had acquaintance with Wario. In ''[[Mario Party]]'', they are shown doing poses and both specialize in strength. In ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'', they are on the same team. Donkey Kong even tries to give Wario a fist bump for the latter's home run, only to unintentionally pound Wario into the ground. Often, Wario has the same demeanor with Donkey Kong as he does with everyone else, but to some degree sees him as a powerful asset on his side.
[[File:Spin 360.jpg|thumb|left|'''Spinning Kong''' in ''Melee'']]
{{main|SmashWiki:Spinning Kong}}
'''Spinning Kong''' is one of Donkey Kong's special moves seen in all three games in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. It is executed by pressing Up plus {{button|gcn|B}}. As the name suggests, Donkey Kong will spin using this attack. He can use this when falling off a ledge, or use it to attack players. As a lot of Donkey Kong's moves take a while to use, and usually hit one player, Spinning Kong can be used as a last minute resort when Donkey Kong is surrounded by foes. This move, along with Link's Spin Attack move, acts different when on the ground.
{{br}}


=====Hand Slap=====
==Profiles and statistics==
{{main|SmashWiki:Hand Slap}}
{{see also|List of Donkey Kong profiles and statistics}}
{{multiple image
{{multiframe
|[[File:MK8 Donkey Kong Emblem.png|100px]][[File:MK8 Donkey Kong Car Horn Emblem.png|100px]]
|Donkey Kong's [[emblem]]s, from ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''.
|size=200
|align=right
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|image1=Melee-HandSlap.png
|caption1=The '''Hand Slap''' in ''Melee''.
|width1=200
|image2=BrawlHandSlap.jpg
|caption2=The '''Hand Slap''' in ''Brawl''.
|width2=200
|image3=3DS SmashBros scrnC07 02 E3.png
|caption3=The '''Hand Slap''' in ''Smash 3DS''.
|width3=200
}}
}}
'''Hand Slap''' is one of Donkey Kong's special moves in all games from the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. It is executed by the buttons Down + {{button|gcn|B}}. Donkey Kong will slap the ground, severely damaging any characters near him. The attack is very useful in the event when Donkey Kong is surrounded by opponents. However, the attack takes a while to use, but once used, all the player must do is hold the control stick down and continuously tap {{button|gcn|B}}. Donkey Kong will keep using the attack over and over, and he will not stop until the player stops tapping {{button|gcn|B}} or is hit by an opponent. Hand Slap is very useful to use in the Multi-Man Melee challenges. However, the move cannot be executed in mid-air.
Donkey Kong's official profiles often characterize him as the "king of the jungle" and discuss how he is both a heroic adventurer and the laid-back leader of the DK Crew. In spinoffs he is typically a heavyweight power character with decent speed. His emblem in the spin-offs are his initials.


While the move has a set knockback in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', it can send high damaged opponents flying further than when at low damage.
==Portrayals==
{{Quote2|When Nintendo asked me for the samples, I couldn't believe it! It was like, what, you wanna use this? Y'know. [...] We thought they were totally shit.|Grant Kirkhope on his performance in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''}}<ref>[https://youtu.be/hsqCnMMjylg?t=2687 The Kongversation - 734: Inteview: Grant Kirkhope]</ref>


The attack originates from ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', in which Donkey Kong is capable of pounding the ground (originally to get items hidden in the ground, which he can do here).
*[[Milton Supman|Soupy Sales]] (1983, the first portrayal of Donkey Kong overall)
*Mark Betteridge (1994–1995)<ref>Shesez (November 22, 2019). [https://youtu.be/TwWHzilbQ34?t=3072 The Donkey Kong Country 25th Anniversary Interview Documentary] (52m12s). ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 17, 2023.</ref>
*[[Chris Sutherland]] (1994, when failing a Bonus Level)
*[[Charles Martinet]] (1994, [[Mario in Real Time]])
*[[Stevie Coyle]] (1994, Mario in Real Time)
*[[Richard Yearwood]] (1997-2000)
*Sterling Jarvis (1997-2000, singing voice)
*[[Grant Kirkhope]] (1999–2001, voice clips recycled from 2003-2010)
*[[Takashi Nagasako]] (2004-present)
*[[Seth Rogen]] (2023 film)
{{br}}
{{br}}


=====Konga Beat=====
==Quotes==
{{main|SmashWiki:Konga Beat}}
===''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''===
{{multiple image
All quotes are from the instruction booklets, with some narration.
|align=left
*"''"OK, little buddy," Donkey had said in his patronizing voice. "As part of your hero training, you've got to stand guard tonight over my bananas... I'll relive{{sic}} you at midnight, so try and stay awake until then!"''"
|direction=horizontal
*"''"Keep it down!!" he growled.''"
|image1=Donkeykong final.jpg
*"''Morning already... I slept through my watch!''"
|caption1='''Konga Beat'''
*"''"What 'cha do that for?!" Donkey Kong asked, knowing full well that Cranky was prone to cuffing him at every whim.''"
|width1=200
*"''"[[Diddy Kong|Diddy]]... gone... My little buddy..." he murmured to himself.''"
|image2=KongaBeatstronger.jpg
*"''"The Kremlings will pay!" he raged. "I'll hunt them down through every corner of my island, until I have every last banana from my hoard back!"''"
|caption2=The attack gets stronger as long as it is played to the beat of the music.
*"''Diddy's obsession with being like me has gone too far! He may be a long way from a true video game hero, but he had the guts, the reflexes, the heart...''"
|width2=200
*"''"What do you know about adventuring, you [[Cranky Kong|flee-bitten old ape]]?" yelled Donkey Kong, edging closer and closer, braving Cranky's cane, until he was totally in his face. "I'm sick and tired of hearing about your boring, single screen adventures! Diddy's in trouble, my banana horde is gone, and I'm going to get them all back!"''"
}}
{{LLQuote|As you might expect from Donkey Kong, his Final Smash is something...upbeat. That’s right, he’s breaking out the DK Bongos!|[[Masahiro Sakurai]]|[http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/donkeykong.html#3rd Smash Bros. DOJO!!]}}


The '''Konga Beat''' is Donkey Kong's [[Final Smash]] in the game ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. When using it, Donkey Kong will put out two [[Bongo]]s and start playing the music from the first level of ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''. The player can make the attack stronger by pressing the buttons in tune with each beat of the song.
===''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle]]''===
*"''<nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Squawks|Squawks the Parrot]]] always carries a high-powered flashlight. He led us through the caves and tunnels once before. Maybe he can help us again.''"
*"''I can tell you where [[Kremling|''you're'']] going. Right into that wall!''"
*"''Time for some masterful monkey maneuvers!''"
*"''Let [[King K. Rool|the coward]] go. He's just a big windbag, like his ship!''"


The bongos Donkey Kong uses in his Final Smash are actually modeled after the actual DK Bongo controllers - a START button and DK logo can be seen in the middle of the two bongos.
===''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''===
*"''Yeah!''"
*"''Cool!''"
*"''Hey!''"
*"''OK!''"
*"''What did Cranky mean about training? Donkey all confused...''"
*"''Yes, Donkey will help K. Lumsy!''"
*"''Ohhh, banana!''"


Donkey Kong is invincible during the move. Unfortunately he is also unable to move, making the move very risky to use on scrolling stages that require the player to keep on moving (ironically, this is a requirement in one of Donkey Kong's very own stages in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', [[Rumble Falls]]).
===[[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' TV Series]]===
{{br}}
*"''Banana-slamma!!''"
*"''Got any Banana Cream Pie?''"
*"''Hey Inka! Ring-a-ding-ding. It's me, DK, the future ruler of [[Donkey Kong Island|Kongo Bongo]]. We got business to discuss.''"
*"''I would have called [[Cranky Kong|him]] something else, but [[Candy Kong|you]] were present.''"
*"''Aye aye, nose nose, throat throat, ablast me hardies, and shiver me tree trunks!''"
*"''Hmmm, to know everything, I must give up everything... HEY! Little buddy, I'm giving you my tie collection!''"
*"''Ohh... feels like I got the stuffing knocked out of me... Oh no! I did get the stuffing knocked out of me! Where's my stuffing?!''"
*"''Arr, you got me confused with someone else. I'm Donkey Kroc the pirate, arr, and I'm looking for Donkey Kong the ''(mimics monkey)'' ape.''"
*"''That's not mine! Look, there's still a piece of banana inside! I never leave a banana bit! Can I have it?''"
*"''I've never known any problem that couldn't be solved with a little nap.''"
*"''Help, Diddy! I've fallen, and I can't get up! Can you pass me a banana, little buddy?''"
*"''It's hard to believe anybody this cute could have everybody so mad at him.''"
*"''It's the company's fault for making you want it so much.''"
*"''Back off or I'll have to slam you.''"
*"''It's more fun bein' in one of these biplanes than on top of some skyscraper!''"
*"''And I say HE'S the one with problems''"
*"''It's the dreaded..daba..blaba..curse of double dabble wa...doo be doo!''"
*"''Then let's give them something to really listen to.''"
*"''I'll shower you in coconut cream pies!''"
*"''There there, little buddy.''"


===''Donkey Kong 64''===
===''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]''===
[[File:KONGS.PNG|thumb|right|Donkey Kong and his allies pose.]]
*"''Ook! Ook! (I was wondering when you'd arrive.)''"
His plots to kidnap Donkey Kong continuously coming short, King K. Rool ditches all traces of pretense and develops a machine, the [[Blast-O-Matic]], capable of completely destroying Donkey Kong Isle. However, due to the incompetence of his underlings, [[K. Rool's Ship]] crashes into rocks offshore and delays the blast. [[Squawks the Parrot]], a friend of Donkey Kong, witnesses these events and reports to Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong discovers that all 201 of his [[Golden Bananas]] are stolen and four of his friends are kidnapped: [[Diddy Kong]], [[Lanky Kong]], [[Tiny Kong]], and [[Chunky Kong]], locked behind cages throughout the island.
*"''Ookity ook! OOOOK! ([[Bowser Jr.]] was here a little while back.)''"
*"''OOK OOK OOK! (He dropped our log bridge and then ran off!)''"
*"''Ook! Hooo ook! (I wanted to chase him down, but not even I can jump across that gap.)''"
*"''Oook? Oooo... (This is pathetic! What am I gonna do now?)''"
*"''Ook ook! (No way I can jump all the way over to that side)''"
*"''Mmm... Ook? (If only there was some way to cross...)''"
*"''OOK! Ook ook! (Banana splits! Could it be...)''"
*"''Ookie ook! (It's a [[Barrel Cannon]]! Ook! ...I mean, hooray!)''"
*"''Oooook! (Looks like [[Funky Kong]] has been busy.)''"
*"''Ook! Ook! (I can use this to get over that gap! See you on the other side!)''"
*"''OOK! OOK OOK! (I'm coming for you, Bowser Jr.!)''"
*"''Ook. (Who do you think you are? You'd best stay away from [[Dixie Kong]]!)''"
*"''Ook? (Are you OK, Dixie Kong?)''"
*"''Ook OOK? (He's going to do WHAT?)''"
*"''Ook. Ook. (He's trying to take it? This will not stand!)''"
*"''Ook ook. (It's no use... I'm clueless.)''"
*"''Harooo! (No! It's my ballpark. I should take care of it myself.)''"
*"''Hoot hoot ook! (Don't take this wrong, but I need to see what you're made of.)''"
*"''Oooookie ooo! (It's settled! I'm leaving it up to you!)''"
*"''Ook ook ook! (If you find barrels or boxes, I'll crush 'em with a [[Hand Slap|hand slap]].)''"
*"''Ooooooooooooook! (Let's send Bowser Jr. packing!)''"
*"''Ook ook! (There's a vine here. I love vines!)''"
*"''Ook! (Sure did! Give us the lowdown on the stone tablet!)''"
*"''Ook! Ook! (Let's go! We have to get the stone tablet back!)''"
*"''Ook. Ook. ([[Tiny Kong]]! You'll pay for this, Bowser Jr.!)''"
*"''Ooka ooka oooo! (Let's move! We have to help!)''"
*"''Ook ook! OOOOOOOK! (Coconut thunder! We've picked up every player in the area!)''"
*"''Ookookook. (Dixie Kong, Tiny Kong, Funky Kong, Baby DK...)''"
*"''Ook ook! (The [[Kritter]]s, [[King K. Rool]], and my best pal, [[Diddy Kong]].)''"
*"''Ook ook! Ooooook! (Nothing! I hate finding nothing.)''"


Donkey Kong discovers a floating isle attached to the main mechanical island. Inside, [[K. Lumsy]], an enormous, disobedient Kremling, is locked up for not destroying the island. When DK promises to get him out of the cage, K. Lumsy jumps for joy, opening up a pathway to [[Jungle Japes]]. Once there, Donkey Kong finds Diddy Kong and frees him. Many other friendly faces are found among the Kremling armies, including Funky Kong, Cranky Kong, [[Snide]], [[Troff]], and [[Scoff]]. In a later area, Candy Kong also joins the fight. One of her gifts to Donkey Kong is a set of [[Bongos]], which affects Donkey Kong's later life.
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
*''"I'm [[DK Rap|D.K.! I'm Donkey Kong!]]"''
*''"Hi, [[Cranky Kong|Dad]]!"''
*''"Dad, wave back!"''
*''"What do [[Cranky Kong|you]] mean? [[Kongs|They]] like it! It's what they came here for! Dancing pecs!"''
*''"I don't need [[List of power-ups|anything special]] to break EVERY BONE in [[Mario|your]] tiny body!"''
*''"It is on... like Donkey Kong!"''
*''"Had enough?"''
*''"HA! [[Mario|You]] got the [[Cat Mario|cat]] [[? Block|box]]! Oh my- [sighs] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Okay. Now [[Mario|you]] die."''
*''"Not… even… close…"''
*''"I hate [[Mario|you]]."''
*''"See ya!"''
*''"Stop talking! I don't want the last thing I hear, before I die, to be [[Mario|your]]..."''
*''"I. AM. MORE. THAN A GUY. WHO SMASHES THINGS!!!"''
*''"Now we're even!"''
*''"Yes I do!"''
*''"Yes! [[Fire Flower|Fire]]!"''
*''"This is fun!"''
*''"Loser!"''
*''"Cool [[Tanooki Suit|raccoon suit]]!"''
*''"No time now. Definitely later!"''
*''"HA! [[Bowser|He]] got the [[Mini Mushroom|Blue Mushroom]]!"''
*''"Aww, bring it in!"''


As Donkey Kong frees his buddies, they in turn help him find his Golden Bananas and the keys to K. Lumsy’s cage. Eventually, the team is able to take on K. Rool in a boxing match. After his defeat, K. Rool flees the island.
==Voice samples==
 
{{media table
===''Donkey Konga'' series===
|file1=Donkey Kong Country DK Yell.oga
====''Donkey Konga''====
|title1=''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''
Donkey Kong discovers a magical set of bongos on a beach. Once Cranky Kong realizes his grandson’s potential for being a professional, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong set out to become famous. On their travels, they revisit many locales and play popular songs through cooperative performances and musical face-offs.
|description1=Donkey Kong yelling
 
|file2=MK64 DK Sound (Ver. 1).oga
====''Donkey Konga 2''====
|title2=''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series
When Dixie Kong joins Donkey and Diddy for a practice session, the trio realizes their potential for musical chemistry. Shortly after, they set out on another tour, which is very similar to Donkey and Diddy Kong's first one. However, they change up their song list to include current popular songs of the time.
|description2=One of Donkey Kong's chimpanzee vocals
 
|file3=DK64 Donkey Kong Yeah.oga
===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series===
|title3=''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''
====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''====
|description3=''"Yeah!"'' (Grant Kirkhope)
[[File:Mvsdk.jpg|thumb|left|Donkey Kong stealing the Mini Mario toys.]]
|file4=Donkey Kong Tarzan Yell.oga
In the opening for ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'', Donkey Kong is channel surfing when sees a commercial for the new [[Mini Mario (toy)|Mini Mario]] toy. Desiring one for himself, Donkey Kong rushes to the local toy store, only to find that they are sold out. However, he notices the [[Mario Toy Company]] building nearby, and he breaks in and steals a sack full of the Mini Marios. Using the toys that fall out of the sack, however, Mario chases after him.
|title4=''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]''
 
|description4=Donkey Kong's {{wp|Tarzan yell}}-like cry (Takashi Nagasako)
After a while of being chased, Donkey Kong checks the sack, only to see that it is entirely empty. Mario, the toys, and three Toads laugh at him, though the enraged Donkey Kong grabs the Toads and climbs up a nearby a building with them. After Donkey Kong is defeated again, he falls off the building, only to land on a truck containing several Mini Marios, which he decides to steal. After Mario defeats Donkey Kong in the final battle against [[Donkey Kong's Robot|his robot]], Mario gives Donkey Kong his own Mini Mario toy.
|file5=TSMBM - Donkey Kong.oga
 
|title5=''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]''
====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis''====
|description5=''"It is on like DONKEY KONG!"'' - Donkey Kong before battling [[Mario]] (Seth Rogen)
[[Image:M vs DK 2 DK Sprite.PNG|frame|Right|'''Donkey Kong''', as he appears in ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis''.]]
}}
 
In the sequel, ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]'', he now works in the Mario Toy Company. Donkey Kong then kidnaps Pauline, the V.I.P. guest, when she chooses Mario's Mini-Mario toy over his [[Mini Donkey Kong|Mini-DK]] toy. It is likely that he is the manufacturer of the Kong toys (besides Mini DK) that appear in the game. In the end, Pauline is safe as DK treated her to gifts and food. She then shows her appreciation by kissing the DK toy he gave her.
 
====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!''====
In ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!]]'', Donkey Kong is waiting in a line to buy a ticket for the opening of the [[Super Mini Mario World Theme Park|Super Mini Mario World theme park]]. However, by the time he reaches the ticket booth, the tickets are sold out. Donkey Kong becomes furious over this, and therefore decides to break in while taking Pauline with him. Mario brings out his Mini Marios and chases Donkey Kong through all the theme park's floors. Later, when Mario rescues Pauline, Donkey Kong turns off the lights and escapes with Pauline through a nearby window. After four more floors are cleared, Mario walks into a room to see Donkey Kong, Pauline, and all the Toads smiling. Pauline reveals that it was all a test for the Mini Marios, who all passed with flying colors, much to Mario's surprise.
 
====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem''====
In ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem]]'', Donkey Kong arrives at the newly-opened Mini-Land to desperately get a [[Mini Pauline]], only to find out that he is the 101st guest to arrive and it sold out after 100. Donkey Kong gets incredibly mad and, in his rage, kidnaps the real Pauline, forcing Mario and his force of Mini Marios to rescue her. In the end, its shown DK is given a Pauline doll by Mario and the trio rides the Ferris wheel together.
 
===''Donkey Kong Jungle Beat''===
[[File:DonkeyKong DKJB.jpg|thumb|left|Donkey Kong uses his [[Sound Wave Attack]] to destroy his opponents. This also appeared in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''.]]
In ''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]'', it is never clear what compelled Donkey Kong to travel to the [[Banana Kingdom]] and its sister lands. Nevertheless, the ape sets out on a mission to take down the possessed [[Dread Kong]] who ruled it. Upon doing so, he sets out to the other nearby kingdoms. Utilizing his great strength, Donkey Kong, with no support other than his own, fights through sixteen such kingdoms, eventually conquering the evil [[Cactus King]]. After the fight, the other kings meet Donkey Kong, now free of [[Sumo Kong]]’s curse. Presumably, Donkey Kong allows them to resume their duties. Donkey Kong may not have had honorable intentions for entering the kingdoms, instead desiring more bananas and to improve his reputation. Donkey Kong's personality in this game is drastically different from his previous incarnations, most noticeably in his aggressiveness.
 
===''DK'' series===
====''DK: King of Swing''====
Donkey Kong has more work to do during ''[[DK: King of Swing]]''. It is time for the annual Jungle Jam, a festival for the Kongs. However, King. K. Rool returns and steals all of the medals needed to have the festival. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong go after him to get the medals back. In the end, they defeat K. Rool, and the festival is celebrated.
 
====''DK: Jungle Climber''====
In ''[[DK: Jungle Climber]]'', Donkey Kong, along with Diddy, Dixie, Cranky, Wrinkly, Funky, and Candy, is resting on the beach when Diddy notices a giant banana. Donkey Kong, Diddy, and Cranky go up to the top and find a [[Banana Spaceship]]. Donkey Kong fights this spaceship and finds [[Xananab]]. They find that K. Rool and the Kremlings have escaped with his five Crystal Bananas, and he needs them back. Donkey Kong and friends agree, and the four travel through the islands, going through wormholes and other lands, such as Glass Labyrinth, Toybox, and Veggie Patch. At the end of each island, Donkey Kong fights one of K. Rool's assistant Kremlings and eventually defeats the third Kremling. K. Rool then flees to the [[King Kruiser IV]]. Donkey Kong chases him and eventually reaches K. Rool's spaceship. There, he defeats the fourth Kremling as K. Rool goes through a wormhole. Donkey Kong follows, and the group lands on Xananab's home planet. There, they fight K. Rool, which is no easy task. Eventually, the DK Crew once again wins, and Donkey Kong, Diddy, and Cranky get to eat as many bananas as they desire.
 
===''Mario Baseball'' series===
[[File:MarioSB DK.jpg|thumb]]
Donkey Kong appears as a fully playable default character in ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'' and ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'' as the team captain of the [[DK Wilds]] with [[Diddy Kong]] as subcaptain and his home stadium is the [[Donkey Kong Jungle (Mario Superstar Baseball)|Donkey Kong Jungle]]. Unlike most batters, Donkey Kong uses a boxing glove to punch the ball. There is a small contact point between the ball and the glove, making it more difficult for Donkey Kong to land a hit, but Donkey Kong has great hitting power. Donkey Kong has also above-average pitching. Donkey Kong has below average running and fielding stats, however. In this game, DK has good chemistry with Diddy Kong, [[Dixie Kong]] and [[Petey Piranha]].
 
Donkey Kong's special ball and bat is called the [[Banana Ball]]. This makes the pitched or hit ball have a banana-like trajectory. Donkey Kong's player abilities include [[Clamber]], which allows him to climb walls and catch high-flying balls that would otherwise be fair or home-runs. He also has [[Laser Beam]], which makes his throws from outfield to home quick, potentially preventing runners from scoring a point.
 
In ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'', Donkey Kong is mostly unchanged. He still uses a boxing glove to bat. His Star Pitch and Star Swing are also altered to [[Barrel Ball]] and [[Barrel Swing]], which involve him throwing a barrel. He has also lost his Laser Ball ability. As for his stats, Donkey Kong has better batting, but with worse fielding and even worse running. His pitching also lost one point, but it remains above-average. In this game, DK has good chemistry with Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, [[Tiny Kong]], [[Funky Kong]] and [[Baby Donkey Kong]], and his chemistry with [[Kritter]] and [[King K. Rool]] is bad, which is odd considering that they are on DK's team. DK has the second highest batting stat in this game, only surpassed by [[Bowser]], King K.Rool and Petey Piranha.
<br clear=all>
 
===''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast''===
[[File:Normal donkeykong.jpg|thumb|left|DK, as he appears in ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''.]]
DK and his friends then decide to go on a new adventure, a race with a plethora of Kremlings and their leader, K. Rool. Donkey Kong and his friends and foes alike compete in the Jungle Grand Prix, in which everyone rides on jet-powered bongos. His rival in this game is a [[Kritter]], and his stats are all average.
{{br}}
 
===''Mario Strikers Series''===
[[File:Relampago.PNG|thumb|A replay of Donkey Kong performing his [[Thunder Wham!]] [[Super Ability]].]]
Donkey Kong appears in both ''[[Super Mario Strikers]]'' and ''[[Mario Strikers Charged]]'' as a default playable character. Donkey Kong plays as the other characters; the only difference is that in [[Super Strike]]s, it is easier to land the white needle on the dark green zone, but more difficult to land it in the surrounding light green zone.
 
In ''[[Mario Strikers Charged]]'', Donkey Kong is a Power character. While his tackling and his shooting are excellent, his movement and his passing are poor. Donkey Kong's deke involves him beating his chest and knocking away any would-be attackers. His [[Super Ability]] is [[Thunder Wham!]] He pounds the ground with his fists, creating a shockwave that sends any nearby player away, including his teammates.
<br clear=all>
 
===''Punch-Out!!''===
[[File:DonkeyKong-PunchOut.jpg|thumb|250px|left|'''Donkey Kong''', as he appeared in the Wii version of ''Punch-Out!!''.]]
In the Wii title, ''[[wikipedia:Punch-Out!! (Wii)|Punch-Out!!]]'', an updated sequel of the classic NES game, Donkey Kong appears as a hidden bonus opponent, found initially in the game mode, Mac's Last Stand. If the player fights Donkey Kong in that game mode, they can fight him at any time in Exhibition mode.
 
===''Mario & Sonic'' series===
Donkey Kong, along with [[Birdo]], [[Goomba]], and a few others, were originally planned to appear as playable characters in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', but were scrapped prior to the end-product for unknown reasons.<ref>[http://forums.x-cult.org/index.php?showtopic=3891 Ripped character IDs for ''Mario & Sonic'']. (Retrieved on July 12, 2008)</ref> However, Donkey Kong did appear in both sequels.
 
====''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games''====
In the [[Wii]] and [[Nintendo DS]] versions of the video game ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'', he is a power playable character.
 
;Adventure Tours
In [[Icepeak]], Mario, Sonic, and Toad find Donkey Kong crying due to one of his bananas fell in a deep ledge which he can't reach. [[Silver the Hedgehog|Silver]] then comes uses his psychic powers to bring the banana back to him. Donkey Kong thanks Silver and challenge him to [[Moguls]]. When Silver finally defeats him, Donkey Kong joins the group.
 
Toad tells him that there's a pole back in Polastraits. There are also obstacles on the pole, such as ice and bombs. When the ape presses the button on the pole, a bridge forms. Later in Icepeak, Donkey Kong who meets [[Vector the Crocodile|Vector]] challenge him a match of Short Track 500m.  After beating Vector, Donkey Kong wants him to join the group which Vector agrees.
 
====''Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games''====
Donkey Kong returns in the third installment ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'', as once again a power type playable character.
 
;Story Mode
Donkey Kong is practicing at the Wrestling Stadium, where [[Espio the Chameleon]] and [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] meet him. [[E-123 Omega]] who slips into him causes his banana to drop. Donkey Kong gets mad and Omega challenges him to a Wrestling-Freestyle Match which DK wins. A battery part comes up of Omega which Eggman put into Omega causing him to go amok. Omega who forgets what happen apologize to DK for causing his banana to fall.
 
===''Mario Sports Mix''===
Donkey Kong appeared in ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'', where he was classified as a Powerful type character. While his technique is average, along with a very high power stat, Donkey Kong's speed is quite slow. His stage court is [[DK Dock]].
 
Donkey Kong's special shot involves slamming the ground (which would briefly stun opponents) and then aiming the ball/puck at the goal, or at an opposing player. In Dodgeball, Donkey Kong can repel dodgeball attacks by spinning his body while having his arms stretched out. However, this defensive maneuver is rendered useless when the dodgeball is equipped with an item.
 
===''Fortune Street''===
Donkey Kong appears as an opponent in single player mode in ''[[Fortune Street]]'', but he is playable in multiplayer. He is a Rank D opponent, which means he spends less investing in his property than most characters spend on their propeties.
 
===Other appearances and references===
[[File:GogglesMole.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[http://banjokazooie.wikia.com/wiki/Goggles Goggles the mole] playing with a Donkey Kong doll.]]
Donkey Kong was going to appear in the now-canceled games ''[[Diddy Kong Pilot]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers]]'', and ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]''.
 
Donkey Kong appears as a property in [[Nintendo Monopoly]]. He takes the place of Marvin Gardens and costs $280.
 
In [http://banjokazooie.wikia.com/wiki/Banjo-Tooie ''Banjo-Tooie''], for the [[Nintendo 64]], [http://banjokazooie.wikia.com/wiki/Goggles Goggles], a minor character, plays with a Donkey Kong doll.
 
[[File:Bink.png|thumb|left]]
A skeleton named [[Bink]] from ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'' strongly resembles Donkey Kong. Bink even throws barrels and eats bananas.
 
[[Donkey Kong (monster truck)|A Monster Truck]] based on Donkey Kong appeared at Monster Jam 2007.
<br clear=all>
 
==General Information==
===Physical Appearance===
[[File:Dk poser.jpg|thumb|left|DK shows off some muscles.]]
Donkey Kong is an ape with muscular pecs, a slim stomach, and large triceps and biceps; all surrounded in chocolate brown fur. The fur on his head gives off the appearance of a human hairstyle. He wears a single item of clothing: a red necktie with the "DK" logo printed on it in yellow. According to the talking microphone that serves the announcer for the fight against K. Rool in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', Donkey Kong weighs 800 pounds (363 kg).
 
===Personality===
Donkey Kong is a typical brave and yet laid-back hero, and highly caring of his friends and [[Banana Hoard]], becoming particularly enraged when his bananas are stolen or threatened in any way or when his friends are harmed. He is sometimes depicted as somewhat dimwitted. In ''[[Fortune Street]]'', [[Toad]] remarks how Donkey Kong is the brawn and Diddy Kong is the brains, implying Donkey Kong's lack of intelligence. Despite that, he speaks fluent English much like the other [[Kong]]s (particularly during the ''Donkey Kong Country'' series), but he spoke in broken, third-person English for his few lines in ''Donkey Kong 64''.
 
In the TV series, DK was shown to be kind, lazy, not bright but not stupid, brave, and adventurous. Out of him and Diddy, DK seemed to have much more common sense when it comes to morally right and wrong, as shown in [[I Spy with My Hairy Eye]] where he was at first against using the [[Crystal Coconut]] to wish for more bananas until Diddy manipulated him into doing it. DK seems to get startled much easier in the TV series and is more sensitive.
 
Despite having a laid-back personality, he can find a way to get in trouble in several games, such as Mario vs Donkey Kong. In the game, he wants to buy a Mini Mario, but after they are sold out, Donkey Kong steals some of them, and Mario had to save them. However most of his appearances in Mario spin-offs, he seems more friendly. In ''Mario Party 5'', he rewards the player with coins and stars, instead of stealing them away like Bowser.
 
===Abilities===
Unlike most characters, who have some kind of special power, Donkey Kong relies mainly on his brute strength to get his way through. In the original ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' he had a seemingly unlimited supply of Barrels, and could throw them easily. This carried on to the ''Donkey Kong Country'' games, where he can pick up and throw Barrels with ease. Also in ''Donkey Kong Country'', he can destroy certain enemies that [[Diddy Kong]] cannot hurt with a single jump. In ''Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat'', his strength is shown yet again, it makes him so strong that when he claps, a sound-wave is produced. This is his main attack throughout the game. In the ending of ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'', DK is shown to be strong enough to knock the [[Mushroom World]]'s [[Moon]] out of its orbit and into the planet's atmosphere with a single punch. He also appears to either immune or highly resistant to hypnosis since the Kalimba Tiki was unable to hypnotize him when it was easily able to do so to other animals on the island. In ''Donkey Kong 64'', he has a personal weapon, the [[Coconut Shooter]], and has a special ability called [[Strong Kong]] which allows him to become invincible and use up more [[Crystal Coconuts]] the longer he maintains the form. Donkey Kong is also talented in playing bongos demonstrated in ''Donkey Kong 64'', where he uses it to solve puzzles and attack surrounding enemies, and Donkey Konga.
 
Though his size and weight may suggest otherwise, DK is deceptively fast and agile.
{{br}}
 
==Relationships with Other Characters==
===Diddy Kong===
[[File:DKandDiddy DKCR.png|thumb|left]]
{{main|Diddy Kong}}
'''Diddy Kong''' is Donkey Kong's "little buddy" who looks up to him. Diddy Kong has gone on countless adventures with his more popular friend, and has even rescued Donkey Kong a couple times. Diddy seems to have a more happy-go-lucky personality than his friend, which is probably due to his youthful age. The relationship between Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong seems to be similar to the relationship of Mario and [[Luigi]], only the two Kongs are not brothers. Although it's never mentioned in the TV series, Diddy is said to be DK's nephew, although he is a monkey and not an ape. Since Diddy's parents are never shown, it can be implied that DK may have found and raised Diddy.
 
===Cranky Kong===
{{main|Cranky Kong}}
'''Cranky Kong''' is Donkey Kong's crabby and constantly rambling relative. He also originally had the name Donkey Kong until he turned it over to his replacement, and has not resumed the title since (with the sole exception being re-releases such as games in the [[Game & Watch#Game & Watch Gallery series|Game & Watch Gallery series]]). He finds a way to help Donkey Kong and his friends in their adventures, though it usually entails giving out advice or valuable items for a [[Banana Coin|price]]. Although he frequently gets fustrated with DK, he does nonetheless look out for him.
In the TV series, Cranky acts as a direct mentor to DK, but can still get angry with him easily. Regardless, the two care about each other as family as shown in [[Message in a Bottle Show]] where the two hugged each other, although they may be loathe to admit it at times.
 
===Donkey Kong Jr.===
{{main|Donkey Kong Jr.}}
'''Donkey Kong Jr.''' is the son of the original Donkey Kong, who became known as Cranky Kong. As the original Donkey Kong is said to be the current Donkey Kong's grandfather, this would make Donkey Kong Jr. his father, although some sources instead claim that Donkey Kong Jr. became the modern Donkey Kong as an adult. Regardless, Donkey Kong Jr. supported his "papa" and saved him from the clutches of [[Mario]] in ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' However, Donkey Kong Jr. and the current Donkey Kong have had virtually no interaction - they have only appeared alongside each other in ''[[Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64)|Mario Tennis]]'' for the [[Nintendo 64]].
 
===Candy Kong===
{{main|Candy Kong}}
'''Candy Kong''' is one of Donkey Kong's closest friends who others believe he will marry one day, although he is not ready to settle down in Candy's opinion. According to ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', the idea of her being his girlfriend is only a rumor. This may be due to the fact Donkey Kong seemed to spontaneously show romantic interest in [[Pauline]] at the time. In Rare-developed games, DK prefers to keep a then-recent framed photograph of her in [[Donkey Kong's Treehouse|his home]].
 
In the TV series, DK and Candy are dating. The two love each other, not because of their looks, but for personality. DK loves Candy for her sweet side, her kindness, her dedication, and banana cream pies while Candy loves DK for his kindness and sweetness. Though Candy can get angry at DK for his foolishness as shown in several episodes, though none the less, the two love one another.
 
===Mario===
[[File:MsvDKMLMart1.png|thumb]]
{{main|Mario}}
The Donkey Kong line and '''Mario''' have had quite the on and off rivalry since the Arcade era. This rivalry has even taken a new course as witnessed in the ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series. However, they can have a friendly rivalry that sometimes takes a new outlook in spin-offs. Despite their on and off rivalry, they share a common enemy against Bowser in the ''Mario Party'' series. Though the current Donkey Kong is large, he is still quite a bit younger than Mario. Although most bitter moments of the rivalry occurred during the time of the original Donkey Kong, [[Cranky Kong]] admits that Mario is a true [[Cranky's Video Game Heroes|video game hero]] and even looks back at his nostalgic antics with a fond respect.
 
===Pauline===
{{main|Pauline}}
'''Pauline''' was kidnapped by both the [[Cranky Kong|original Donkey Kong]] in the Arcade, and Game & Watch games, and the current Donkey Kong in the ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series. The original Donkey Kong's motive was revenge against Mario for not being a good pet owner, while the current Donkey Kong had three different variations of the kidnapping. In ''March of the Minis'', it was due to his perceived rejection of his feelings in favor of Mario, and took Pauline away to shower her with gifts. In ''Minis March Again!'', Donkey Kong appears to have kidnapped Pauline due to theme park tickets being sold out. In ''Mini-Land Mayhem!'', Donkey Kong just missed having the free [[Mini Pauline]] that was given to the first 100 guests of the theme park, so he takes the real Pauline instead. Although the current Donkey Kong has ultimately proven to have harmless intentions, Mario still assumes the worst when his brash temper acts up and causes him to take her away somewhere. Despite this, Pauline and Donkey Kong remain on friendly terms, and Pauline is generally key to soothing his anger issues.


==Official Profiles and Statistics==
==List of appearances by date==
{{main|List of Donkey Kong profiles and statistics}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
|-
!width=40%|Title
!width=25%|Description
!width=15%|Original release date
!width=20%|System/format
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]''
|Boss
|1981
|Arcade, [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong]]''
|Boss
|1982
|[[Game & Watch]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]''
|Non-playable character (by name)
|1982
|Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]''
|Non-playable character (by name)
|1982
|Game & Watch
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong II]]''
|Non-playable character (by name)
|1983
|Game & Watch
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson]]''
|Non-playable character (by name)
|1983
|[[Family Computer]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong 3]]''
|Antagonist
|1983
|Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. Math]]''
|Non-playable character (by name)
|1983
|Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[nwiki:Punch-Out!! (arcade)|Punch-Out!!]]''
|Cameo as member of crowd
|1984
|Arcade
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong 3: Dai Gyakushū]]''
|Antagonist
|1984
|[[NEC PC-88]], NEC PC-6601, Sharp X1
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong 3 (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong 3]]''
|Antagonist
|1984
|Game & Watch
|-
|''[[nwiki:Super Punch-Out!! (arcade)|Super Punch-Out!!]]''
|Cameo as member of crowd
|1984
|Arcade
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Circus]]''
|Playable character
|1984
|Game & Watch
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Hockey]]''
|Playable character
|1984
|Game & Watch
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Classics]]''
|Boss
|1988
|Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[Tetris]]''
|Cameo
|1989
|Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[NES Open Tournament Golf]]''
|Non-playable character (by name)
|1991
|Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]''
|Boss
|1994
|[[Game Boy]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong (Nelsonic Game Watch)|Donkey Kong]]''
|Boss
|1994
|[[Nelsonic Game Watch]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''
|Playable character
|1994
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Land]]''
|Playable character
|1995
|Game Boy
|-
|''[[Mario Clash]]''
|Cameo at 800,000 points
|1995
|[[Virtual Boy]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''
|Non-playable character
|1995
|Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Land 2]]''
|Non-playable character
|1996
|Game Boy
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]''
|Non-playable character
|1996
|Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 64]]''
|Playable character
|1996
|[[Nintendo 64]]
|-
|''[[Mario Party]]''
|Playable character
|1998
|Nintendo 64
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''
|Playable character
|1999
|Nintendo 64
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''
|Playable character
|1999
|Nintendo 64
|-
|''[[Mario Party 2]]''
|Playable character
|1999
|Nintendo 64
|-
|''[[Mario Artist: Paint Studio]]''
|Stamp
|1999
|[[Nintendo 64DD]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Donkey Kong Country]]''
|Playable character
|2000
|[[Game Boy Color]]
|-
|''[[Mario Party 3]]''
|Playable character
|2000
|Nintendo 64
|-
|''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''
|Playable character
|2001
|[[Game Boy Advance]]
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''
|Playable character
|2001
|[[Nintendo GameCube]]
|-
|''[[Mario Party 4]]''
|Playable character
|2002
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country]]''
|Playable character
|2003
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]''
|Playable character
|2003
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''
|Playable character
|2003
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario Party 5]]''
|Non-playable character<br>Unlockable playable character ([[Super Duel Mode]] only)
|2003
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Donkey Konga]]''
|Playable character
|2003
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]''
|Boss
|2004
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country 2]]''
|Non-playable character
|2004
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[Donkey Konga 2]]''
|Playable character
|2004
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario Power Tennis]]''
|Playable character
|2004
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario Party 6]]''
|Non-playable character
|2004
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[DK: King of Swing]]''
|Playable character
|2005
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[Yakuman DS]]''
|Non-playable character
|2005
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]''
|Playable character
|2005
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]''
|Playable character
|2005
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]''
|Playable character
|2005
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]''
|Playable character
|2005
|Arcade
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country 3 (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country 3]]''
|Non-playable character
|2005
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[Mario Party 7]]''
|Non-playable character
|2005
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario Kart DS]]''
|Playable character
|2005
|Nintendo DS
|-
|''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]''
|Playable character
|2006
|Nintendo DS
|-
|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]''
|Boss
|2006
|Nintendo DS
|-
|''[[Super Mario Strikers]]''
|Playable character
|2005
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]''
|Cameo
|2007
|Arcade
|-
|''[[Mario Strikers Charged]]''
|Playable character
|2007
|[[Wii]]
|-
|''[[Mario Party 8]]''
|Non-playable character
|2007
|Wii
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''
|Playable character
|2007
|Wii
|-
|''[[DK: Jungle Climber]]''
|Playable character
|2007
|Nintendo DS
|-
|''[[Mario Party DS]]''
|Non-playable character
|2007
|Nintendo DS
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''
|Playable character
|2008
|Wii
|-
|''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''
|Playable character
|2008
|Wii
|-
|''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]''
|Playable character
|2008
|Wii
|-
|''[[Mario Power Tennis#"New Play Control!" Series|New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis]]''
|Playable character
|2009
|Wii
|-
|''[[Punch-Out!! (Wii)|Punch-Out!!]]''
|Non-playable character
|2009
|Wii
|-
|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!]]''
|Boss
|2009
|Nintendo DSi
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]''
|Playable character
|2010
|Wii
|-
|''[[Mario Sports Mix]]''
|Playable character
|2010
|Wii
|-
|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!]]''
|Boss
|2010
|Nintendo DS
|-
|''[[Fortune Street]]''
|Playable character
|2011
|Wii
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 7]]''
|Playable character
|2011
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|-
|''[[Mario Party 9]]''
|Non-playable character
|2012
|Wii
|-
|''[[Mario Tennis Open]]''
|Playable character
|2012
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D]]''
|Playable character
|2013
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move]]''
|Boss
|2013
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''
|Playable character
|2014
|[[Wii U]]
|-
|''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''
|Playable character
|2014
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 8]]
|Playable character
|2014
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''
|Playable character
|2014
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''
|Playable character
|2014
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars]]''
|Boss
|2015
|Wii U, Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Mario Party 10]]''
|Playable character
|2015
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Super Mario Maker]]''
|Playable character ([[Costume Mario]])
|2015
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]''
|Playable character
|2016
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)|Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]''
|Playable character
|2016
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge]]''
|Playable character
|2016
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Minecraft|Minecraft: Wii U Edition]]''
|Playable skin in the Super Mario Mash-up
|2016
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]''
|Unlockable playable character
|2016
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Mario Sports Superstars]]''
|Playable character
|2017
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''
|Playable character
|2017
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
|-
|''[[Minecraft|Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition]]''
|Playable skin in the Super Mario Mash-up
|2017
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]''
|Playable character (Donkey Kong Adventure DLC)
|2017
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]''
|Cameo (original Donkey Kong)
|2017
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
|-
|''[[Mario Party: The Top 100]]''
|Non-playable character
|2017
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''
|Playable character
|2018
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Minecraft|Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition]]''
|Playable skin in the Super Mario Mash-up
|2018
|[[Nintendo 3DS#New Nintendo 3DS|New Nintendo 3DS]]
|-
|''[[Minecraft]]'' (Bedrock version)
|Playable skin in the Super Mario Mash-up
|2018
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario Tennis Aces]]''
|Playable character
|2018
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Super Mario Party]]''
|Unlockable playable character
|2018
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
|Playable character
|2018
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''
|Unlockable playable character
|2019
|Mobile
|-
|''[[Dr. Mario World]]''
|Unlockable playable character
|2019
|Mobile
|-
|''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020]]''
|Playable character
|2019
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''{{wp|Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics}}''
|Cameo ([[Mario Playing Cards|playing cards]])
|2020
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]''
|Cameo
|2020
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario Golf: Super Rush]]''
|Playable character
|2021
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]''
|Cameo in microgame
|2021
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario Party Superstars]]''
|Playable character
|2021
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario Strikers: Battle League]]''
|Playable character
|2022
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]''
|Boss
|2024
|Nintendo Switch
|}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{morepic|Donkey Kong}}
{{main-gallery|Donkey Kong}}
 
<gallery>
<center><gallery>
Donkey Kong Lifting Barrel.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]''<br>(American flier)
File:Pauline Donkey Kong Sticker.jpg|<center>''Donkey Kong''
DK3 Donkey Kong Artwork.png|''[[Donkey Kong 3]]''
File:DonkeyDKC.png|<center>''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''
DKGameBoy.png|[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|''Donkey Kong''<br>(Game Boy)]]
File:Donkey Kong MParty.png|<center>''[[Mario Party]]''
DonkeyDKC.png|''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''
Image:Ssbdonkeykong.jpg|<center>''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''
DKDKJB2.png|''[[Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]''
File:MKDS-Donkey Kong Artwork.png|<center>''[[Mario Kart DS]]''
DK Konga.jpg|''[[Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku|Donkey Konga 3]]''
File:DKJUNLGEDK.jpg|<center>''[[DK Jungle Climber]]''
Donkey Kong Artwork (alt) - Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze.png|''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''
</gallery></center>
Donkey Kong Artwork - Mario Kart 8.png|''[[Mario Kart 8]]''
 
</gallery>
==Quotes==
===Video Games===
====''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''====
*''"Ok, little buddy, as part of your hero training, you've got to stand guard tonight over my bananas... I'll relieve you at midnight, so try and stay awake until then!"''
*''"My bananas and my buddy, Diddy, they are gone! The Kremlings will pay! I'll hunt them down through every corner of my island, until I have every last banana from my hoard back!"


====''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''====
==Names in other languages==
*''"What did Cranky mean about training? Donkey all confused..."
===Donkey Kong===
*''"Yes, Donkey will help K. Lumsy!"
{{foreign names
 
===TV Shows===
====[[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' TV Series]]====
*''"Banana-slamma!!"
*''"Got any Banana Cream Pie?"
*""Hey Inka! Ring-a-ding-ding. It's me, DK, the future ruler of [[Donkey Kong Island|Kongo Bongo]]. We got business to discuss."
*''"I would have called [[Cranky Kong|him]] something else, but [[Candy Kong|you]] were present."
*''"Aye aye, nose nose, throat throat, ablast me hardies, and shiver me tree trunks!"
*''"Hmmm, to know everything, I must give up everything... HEY! Little buddy, I'm giving you my tie collection!"
*''"Ohh... feels like I got the stuffing knocked out of me... Oh no! I did get the stuffing knocked out of me! Where's my stuffing?!"
*''"Arr, you got me confused with someone else. I'm Donkey Kroc the pirate, arr, and I'm looking for Donkey Kong the ''(mimics monkey)'' ape."''
*''"That's not mine! Look, there's still a piece of banana inside! I never leave a banana bit! Can I have it?"
*''"I've never known any problem that couldn't be solved with a little nap."
*''"Help, Diddy! I've fallen, and I can't get up! Can you pass me a banana, little buddy?"
*''"It's hard to believe anybody this cute could have everybody so mad at him."
*''"It's the company's fault for making you want it so much."
*''"Back off or I'll have to slam you."
*''"It's more fun bein' in one of these biplanes than on top of some skyscraper!"
*''"And I say HE'S the one with problems"
*''"It's the dreaded..daba..blaba..curse of double dabble wa...doo be doo!"
*''"Then let's give them something to really listen to."
 
==Name in Other Languages==
{{Foreignname
|Jap=ドンキーコング
|Jap=ドンキーコング
|JapR=Donkī Kongu
|JapR=Donkī Kongu
|JapM=
|JapM=Donkey Kong
|Spa=Donkey Kong
|Cat=Donkey Kong <small>(''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'')
|SpaM=
|ChiS=森喜刚<br>''Sēnxǐ Gāng''<br>咚奇刚<ref name="CN name">[https://www.nintendo.com.hk/support/information/2022/1223.html 部分角色的中文名稱變更通知], ''Nintendo HK''. Retrieved December 23, 2022.</ref>  <small>(since December 23, 2022)</small><br>''Dōngqí Gāng''
|SpaA=
|ChiSM=Literally "Forest Happy Kong"<br><br>Transliteration of the Japanese name
|SpaAM=
|ChiT=大金剛<ref>https://www.nintendo.tw/ds/ds_software2007.htm</ref><ref>https://www.nintendo.com.hk/wii/wii_software_2.htm</ref><br>''Dàjīn'Gāng''<br>森喜剛<ref>https://www.nintendo.com.hk/ssqj/adventure/index.html</ref><ref>https://www.nintendo.tw/mp9/adventure/index.html</ref> <small>(since ''Mario Party 9'')</small><br>''Sēnxǐ Gāng''<br>咚奇剛<ref name="CN name"/> <small>(since December 23, 2022)</small><br>''Dōngqí Gāng''
|SpaE=
|ChiTM=Transliteration of the Japanese name<br><br>Literally "Forest Happy Kong"<br><br>Transliteration of the Japanese name
|SpaEM=
|Dut=Donkey Kong
|Fra=
|Fin=Donkey Kong
|FraM=
|Fre=Donkey Kong<br>Donkey<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20001210101500/http://www.france2.fr/jeunesse/dktv/kongs.shtml#haut Official website] for [[Donkey Kong Planet]]</ref>
|FraA=
|Ger=Donkey Kong<br>Donkey
|FraAM=
|Gre=Ντόνκυ Κονγκ
|FraE=
|GreR=Donky Kong
|FraEM=
|GreM=Donkey Kong
|Dut=
|Heb=דונקי קונג
|DutM=
|HebR=Donki Kong
|Ger=
|HebM=Donkey Kong
|GerM=
|Hun=Donkey Kong<br><small>({{media link|Kinder Surprise 2020 Hungarian-Romanian package.png|2020 ''Mario Kart'' Kinder<br>Surprise promotion in Romania<br>and Hungary}})</small>
|Ita=
|HunM=-<br><br><br><br>
|ItaM=
|Ita=Donkey Kong
|Por=
|Kor=동키콩
|PorM=
|KorR=Dongki Kong
|KorM=Donkey Kong
|Por=Donkey Kong
|Rom=Donkey Kong<br><small>({{media link|Kinder Surprise 2020 Hungarian-Romanian package.png|2020 ''Mario Kart'' Kinder<br>Surprise promotion in Romania<br>and Hungary}}, ''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'')</small>
|RomM=-<br><br><br><br>
|Rus=Донки Конг
|Rus=Донки Конг
|RusR=Donki Kong
|RusR=Donki Kong
|RusM=
|RusM=Donkey Kong
|Kor=동키 콩
|Spa=Donkey Kong
|KorR=Dongki Kong
|Tha=ดองกี คอง<ref>[https://youtu.be/3Egwz629D8c Thai version] of the official trailer for ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' (November 30, 2022), ''YouTube''. Retrieved December 9, 2022.</ref>
|KorM=
|ThaR=Dong-ki Khong
|Chi=大金剛
|ThaM=Donkey Kong
|ChiR=Dàjīn Gāng
}}
|ChiM=
 
|Rom=
===Donkey Kong (Gladiator)===
|RomM=
{{foreign names
|Jap=ドンキーコング (戦士)
|JapR=Donkī Kongu (Senshi)
|JapM=Donkey Kong (Warrior)
|ChiS=森喜刚 (战士)
|ChiSR=Sēnxǐ Gāng (Zhànshì)
|ChiSM=Donkey Kong (Warrior)
|ChiT=森喜剛 (戰士)
|ChiTR=Sēnxǐ Gāng (Zhànshì)
|ChiTM=Donkey Kong (Warrior)
|Fre=Donkey Kong (gladiateur)
|FreM=Donkey Kong (gladiator)
|Ger=Donkey Kong (Gladiator)
|Ita=Donkey Kong (gladiatore)
|ItaM=Donkey Kong (gladiator)
|Kor=동키콩(전사)
|KorR=Dongki Kong (Jeonsa)
|KorM=Donkey Kong (Warrior)
|Por=Donkey Kong (gladiador)
|PorM=Donkey Kong (gladiator)
|SpaA=Donkey Kong (gladiador)
|SpaAM=Donkey Kong (gladiator)
|SpaE=Donkey Kong (Gladiador)
|SpaEM=Donkey Kong (Gladiator)
}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Donkey Kong's artwork for ''Super Smash Bros.'' is mirrored, resulting in the DK initials on his necktie being flipped.
[[File:Smw2 dk2.png|thumb|A large [[Ukiki|Grinder]] resembling Donkey Kong.]]
*Although usually faster than [[Bowser]], Donkey Kong appeared as the slower character in ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]''.
*A Donkey Kong-like version of [[Ukiki|Grinder]] was originally planned for ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'', but is [[List of Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island pre-release and unused content|unused]].
**In the DS version of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'' and Wii version of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'', Donkey Kong had a higher power stat than Bowser. Usually, Bowser is stronger than Donkey Kong.
*Donkey Kong is one of the four base characters included in the Standard Edition (five in the Collector's Edition) of the [[Monopoly Gamer]] board game.


==References==
==References==
{{NIWA|DKWiki=1
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=1}}
|SmashWiki=1}}
<references/>
<references/>
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{{TSMBM}}}}
[[Category:Kongs]]
[[Category:Kongs]]
[[Category:Villains]]
[[Category:Primates]]
[[Category:Parents]]
[[Category:Parents]]
[[Category:Characters who break the Fourth Wall]]
[[Category:Magicians]]  
[[Category:Hostages]]
[[Category:Magicians]]
[[Category:Thieves & Bandits]]  
[[Category:Pirates]]
[[Category:Pirates]]
[[Category:Captains]]
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[[Category:Police]]
[[Category:Police officers]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Princes]]
[[Category:Playable Characters]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]
[[Category:Unlockables]]  
[[Category:Final bosses]]  
[[Category:Enemies]]  
[[Category:Amiibo with special editions]]
[[Category:Final Bosses]]  
[[Category:DK: Jungle Climber characters]]
[[Category:DK: Jungle Climber]]
[[Category:DK: King of Swing]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong (game)]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong (game)]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Allies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong (Game Boy)]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong 3 enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong 64 characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong allies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Barrel Blast characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country (television series)]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country (television series)]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country Returns]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Jungle Beat]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country Returns characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Land]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Land 2]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Land characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Land 2 characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Jr.]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Jungle Beat characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Konga]]
[[Category:Donkey Konga]]
[[Category:Fortune Street Characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Konga 2]]
[[Category:Itadaki Street DS Characters]]  
[[Category:Dr. Mario World]]
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[[Category:Fortune Street characters]]
[[Category:Heads-Up]]
[[Category:Hurling for Distance]]
[[Category:Itadaki Street DS characters]]
[[Category:LEGO Super Mario characters]]
[[Category:Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games characters]]
[[Category:Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move]]
[[Category:Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move]]
[[Category:Mario Golf 64]]
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[[Category:Mario Party 10 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Superstar Baseball Characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party DS characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis 64]]
[[Category:Mario Party-e characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis GBC]]
[[Category:Mario Party: Star Rush characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis Open]]
[[Category:Mario Party Superstars characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis: Power Tour Characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party: The Top 100 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Power Tennis characters]]
[[Category:Mario Sports Mix characters]]
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[[Category:Mario Strikers Charged characters]]
[[Category:Mario Super Sluggers playable characters]]  
[[Category:Mario Superstar Baseball characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64) characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis Aces characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis (Game Boy Color) characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis Open characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis: Power Tour characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash characters]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!]]
[[Category:Super Mario Strikers Characters]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl Fighters]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars]]
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[[Category:NES Open Tournament Golf characters]]
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[[Category:The Super Mario Bros. Movie characters]]
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[[Category:Yakuman DS]]
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[[de:Donkey Kong]]
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Revision as of 02:55, March 26, 2024

This article is about the character Donkey Kong. For other uses of the name "Donkey Kong", see Donkey Kong (disambiguation). For other uses of the moniker "DK", see DK (disambiguation).
Donkey Kong
Artwork of Donkey Kong in Mario Party Superstars
Artwork of Donkey Kong for Mario Party Superstars
Species Kong
First appearance Donkey Kong (as the original Donkey Kong) (1981)
Donkey Kong Country (as the current Donkey Kong) (1994)
Latest appearance Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch) (2024)
Latest portrayal Takashi Nagasako (2004–present)
“My bananas and my buddy, Diddy Kong, they are gone! The Kremlings will pay! I'll hunt them down through every corner of my island, until I have every last banana from my hoard back!”
Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong, also known simply as DK, D.K., D. Kong,[1][2] or rarely Donkey, is a major character in the Super Mario franchise and the main protagonist of the Donkey Kong franchise. He is a powerful and carefree Kong that lives in Donkey Kong Island, and he likes to collect bananas and spend time with his friends, particularly his best friend and sidekick Diddy Kong. However, he has also been portrayed as an antagonist on multiple occasions, mainly in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series.

The Donkey Kong Country series establishes that Donkey Kong is something of a title rather than a singular character, and that at least two separate Kongs have bore it. This includes Cranky Kong and the current Donkey Kong. After the 1994 Game Boy Donkey Kong, Cranky Kong retired the usage of the name, passing it on to his grandson to use in Donkey Kong Country and onward.[3] This has caused confusion and continuity issues, with certain games and miscellaneous pieces of media contradicting the identity of Donkey Kong in early titles and his relationship with Cranky Kong.

Creation

Concept art for 25m with Popeye characters. The sheet is dated March 21, Showa 56 (1981).
Bluto throwing barrels at Popeye in early concept art of the arcade game that would develop into Donkey Kong.

Donkey Kong's character design was created by Shigeru Miyamoto for the Donkey Kong arcade game, in which Donkey Kong kidnaps Mario's original girlfriend, Lady. Miyamoto says that he chose the name "Donkey" to reflect the character's stupidity,[4] while "Kong" was considered a generic term for large apes in Japan.[5] Miyamoto was later informed by Nintendo of America staff that the word "donkey" is not a synonym for "idiot" in English, but he decided to ignore this because he liked the name "Donkey Kong".[4] However, this is contradicted by the deposition he gave during Universal Studio's lawsuit against Nintendo. He stated that his proposals for Kong's first name were rejected and that he was unaware of who came up with it. Export manager Shinichi Todori's deposition revealed that he came up with the first name after trying to translate「頓馬」(tonma) into English. It was either Gunpei Yokoi or Hiroshi Yamauchi who gave the final approval for the name.[6][7] Excluding the title, the Japanese arcade instructions and flyer refer to him simply as「コング」(Kong).

The Donkey Kong Jungle Action Special states that Shigeru Miyamoto claims that Donkey Kong's character was inspired by the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, though no further source or statement has been provided.[8] However, it is known that Donkey Kong took over the role of Bluto in a scrapped Popeye arcade game as the primary antagonist.

Donkey Kong's original appearance portrayed him as a villainous or confused ape with unequaled strength. In these games, Donkey Kong did not wear a tie. The 1994 Game Boy Donkey Kong was the first game to feature the tie (a red tie with the letters "DK" printed in white, later changed to yellow. However, with the release of Donkey Kong Country later that year, Donkey Kong was given a new personality. Donkey Kong's newer design by Kevin Bayliss was modeled after the Battletoads, particularly the sunken eyes;[9] additionally, when Steve Mayles had trouble modeling the mouth early on, Tim Stamper folded a flattened sphere and gave it depth, which was a technique reused for most characters such as Enguarde. Shigeru Miyamoto also supervised the development of the design process via fax, reminding Rare to include the tie and correcting the number of digits that should be on the hands and feet.[10] Donkey Kong Country also saw the appearance of the elderly Cranky Kong, who is described as the original Donkey Kong from the older arcade games. While the relationship of Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong has been inconsistent, most sources indicate that the current Donkey Kong is the grandson of Cranky Kong.

History

Main article: History of Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong debuted in the titular game, Donkey Kong as the antagonist who kidnaps Lady (later renamed Pauline). Becoming a reoccurring character, he appears as a protagonist, antagonist or a supporting character. He made appearances as the antagonist in Donkey Kong video game adaptations and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong appears as a protagonist in his titular franchise with Diddy Kong as his ally. In Mario spin-offs, Donkey Kong appears either as a playable character or an ally.

General information

Physical appearance

Donkey Kong DKMP10.png
Donkey Kong's appearance from the SNES era (left) and his current appearance (right)
“She came to have lunch with DK! Big, tall with lots of muscles DK! Not the half-pint version.”
Diddy Kong, Ape Foo Young

Donkey Kong is a Kong resembling a gorilla who sports a burly physique; in addition to having particularly large pecs, biceps and triceps, he is noted to weigh 800 pounds (363 kg) according to the talking Microphone that serves as the announcer for the fight against King K. Rool in Donkey Kong 64, as well as having the traditional large feet of primates with opposable thumbs. Donkey Kong also has brown fur, with the fur on his head being distinctly shaped to the point of looking like a hairstyle. As of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, his fur has also consistently sported a realistic texture. The shade of brown his fur is colored, however, has been inconsistent between games, being either a lighter shade or its original darker shade. Donkey Kong wears only a single item of clothing: a red necktie with the "DK" logo printed on it in yellow and tied in a Windsor knot[11] from Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest onwards.

Within the Super Smash Bros. series, Donkey Kong's appearance has changed. In Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong was somewhat cartoonish in appearance, though his design did not originate from a specific Super Mario or Donkey Kong game. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Donkey Kong gains a darker color scheme, while his design appears to have more details; Donkey Kong is also shown with teeth, which are colored white. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Donkey Kong's fur is lighter in color, but it is further detailed. Donkey Kong's teeth are now yellowish in color. In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, Donkey Kong's fur receives even more detail, akin to Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, though he has a more vibrant color scheme. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Donkey Kong gains a more subdued color scheme, though not to the same extent as Melee or Brawl; additionally, his fur is slightly less detailed, though his necktie has simple detailing.

Throughout the Super Smash Bros. series, Donkey Kong has had eight alternate costumes to choose from; in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee, he has 5 costumes; in Super Smash Bros. Brawl , he has 6 costumes; lastly, in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, he has 8 costumes. Donkey Kong's first alternate costume gives him black fur, making him resemble his in-game sprite in Donkey Kong '94 and Donkey Kong Land; his second alternate costume gives him red fur, resembling his appearance in the original Donkey Kong; his third alternate costume gives him blue fur, resembling one of his alternate colors from Mario Golf and Donkey Kong 64's multiplayer mode; his fourth alternate costume gives him green fur, having no inspiration. In Melee, Donkey Kong's black costume receives a blue tie, his red costume receives a navy blue tie, and his blue costume receives a purple tie. In Brawl, Donkey Kong's black costume receives a yellow tie with green insignia and his blue costume receives a lavender tie; his green costume is much darker. Donkey Kong also gains a fifth alternate costume with white fur, later inspiring Super Kong's colors. In 3DS / Wii U, Donkey Kong's green costume regains its pre-Brawl color, while his sixth and seventh alternate costumes are introduced: the former gives Donkey Kong a light blue tie and golden brown fur, resembling one of his alternate colors from Mario Golf; the latter gives Donkey Kong a yellow tie and pink fur, resembling Junior (II)'s color in Donkey Kong Jr. Math.

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Donkey Kong has a more realistic look than his previous appearances. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, his design takes inspiration from his depictions prior to Donkey Kong Country in order to give him a more comical personality and design.[12] His body is also more detailed, similar to his appearance from the Super Smash Bros. games.

Speech

In the Donkey Kong arcade game, the original Donkey Kong only spoke in growls as he took Lady (or Pauline) on top of a construction site, as well as when ascending further up the structure upon Mario completing a level (except for 100m). Saturday Supercade depicted him with the ability to speak broken English in contrast to Donkey Kong Jr., his son. While he mainly verbalized realistic ape noises in-game provided by Mark Betteridge, the instruction manuals for the Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong Land and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest showed that the current Donkey Kong has the ability to speak rather intelligently, which was also seen during the ending of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. Donkey Kong later spoke intelligibly in a few Club Nintendo comics as well as Super Mario-Kun. Donkey Kong first received voice acting in the 1998 computer-animated Donkey Kong Country television series, where he was portrayed by Richard Yearwood. Donkey Kong next received voice acting in Donkey Kong 64, where he was portrayed by Grant Kirkhope, a composer for Rare Ltd. and the Donkey Kong franchise. Here, Donkey Kong had a few lines where he spoke broken English while referring to himself in the third person. Grant Kirkhope would provide a mixture of cartoonish gorilla noises and actual words, including "Yeah!", "Cool", "Hey!", and "OK!". After 2006, Takashi Nagasako took over as Donkey Kong's voice actor, first heard in Mario Power Tennis, though he mainly provided him with cartoonish gorilla noises, although he is able to say his name, "Let's go!", and "Yeah, hey!" In current games where Donkey Kong is intended to speak in full sentences, there is in-game text to signify what he is saying. In the early Mario Party games, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, as well as the Super Smash Bros. series, Donkey Kong is instead given chimpanzee screams and realistic gorilla roars, respectively, instead of a voice actor; Donkey Kong's voice clips from the N64 era use the Chimpanzee Screeches and Vocalizes from The Hollywood Edge Sound Effects Library.[13] In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Donkey Kong, as all other Kongs, is fully capable of speech and can normally talk to non-Kong characters, where he is portrayed by Seth Rogen.

Personality

Donkey Kong is angry.
LINE sticker depicting an angered Donkey Kong
Official LINE sticker from the Super Mario series.
LINE sticker depicting Donkey Kong relaxing on a beach chair

In the games, despite his carefree lifestyle, Donkey Kong is a brave and friendly hero who highly cares for his friends and banana hoard, and becomes enraged if either are threatened. He is always keen to be helpful and use his strength whenever possible. The Mario vs. Donkey Kong series portray him as prone to temper tantrums if he doesn't get what he wants, which leads to him and Mario clashing when he steals the Mini Mario Toys and even kidnaps Pauline, though he does show remorse once Mario resolves the matter. Donkey Kong is also shown as more aggressive and willing to fight in Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.

Donkey Kong is inconsistently depicted as somewhat dim-witted; in Fortune Street, Toad remarks that Donkey Kong is the brawn while Diddy Kong is the brains, and he speaks in broken, third-person English for his few lines in Donkey Kong 64; however, in other appearances, particularly during the Donkey Kong Country series, DK speaks fluent English much like the other Kongs. In The Subspace Emissary, Donkey Kong is shown to be more cautious, sensing the danger of the Dark Cannon Bowser wielded and electing to get the impulsive Diddy Kong to safety. In Snake's codec conversation on Donkey Kong in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Otacon claims that Donkey Kong seems "pretty smart" for an ape.

In the TV series, Donkey Kong's personality is largely the same, albeit depicting him as lazy instead of carefree. Donkey Kong is shown to have a somewhat stronger moral back bone, as shown in I Spy with My Hairy Eye with his reluctance to use the Crystal Coconut to wish for more bananas until Diddy manipulated him into doing it. Donkey Kong also seems easier to startle and more sensitive overall, but maintains an aggressive wariness of King K. Rool, Kaptain Skurvy and their goons.

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Donkey Kong is portrayed as a fun-loving, sarcastic, arrogant, and relaxed character who enjoys his popularity, but also suffers from self-confidence issues when it comes to how his father Cranky Kong views him as a joke, as well as being heavily embarrassed at the fact he was defeated in battle and then had his life saved by Mario. He also throws a fit of rage when Mario calls him a "smash monkey", showing his frustration about being seen as nothing more than a mindless brute "who smashes things".

Powers and abilities

Donkey Kong from Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Donkey Kong flexing.

Unlike most characters, who have some kind of special power, Donkey Kong relies mainly on his brute strength. He sometimes has the title of "The strongest of the Kongs", in spite of some Kongs like Chunky Kong and Sumo Kong being larger than Donkey Kong. In the original Donkey Kong he had a seemingly unlimited supply of Barrels, and could throw them easily. This carried on to the Donkey Kong Country games, where he can pick up and throw Barrels with ease. Also in Donkey Kong Country, he can defeat certain enemies that Diddy Kong cannot hurt with a single jump. In Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, his strength is shown yet again, it makes him so strong that when he claps, a sound-wave is produced, which is his main attack throughout the game. In the ending of Donkey Kong Country Returns, Donkey Kong is shown to be strong enough to knock the moon out of its orbit and into the planet's atmosphere with a single punch (though the fact he was falling towards it at an alarming speed may have helped with it).

Donkey Kong also appears to either immune or highly resistant to hypnosis since the Kalimba Tiki was unable to hypnotize him when it was easily able to do so to other animals on the island. In Donkey Kong 64, he has a personal weapon, the Coconut Shooter, and has a special ability called Strong Kong which allows him to become invincible and use up more Crystal Coconuts the longer he maintains the form. Donkey Kong also has some skill with musical instruments, to the point that he can even weaponize music and song in combat. This is demonstrated in Donkey Kong 64, where Donkey Kong is talented in playing bongos and uses it to solve puzzles and attack surrounding enemies; the ability of playing bongos is also shown in the Donkey Konga games. In the Mario Strikers series, Donkey Kong is shown to wield electric powers, exerting bolts of lightning during his Super Strike and Mega Strike.

Though his size and weight may suggest otherwise, Donkey Kong is deceptively fast and agile; in Mario Strikers: Battle League, he break dances after scoring a goal and performs acrobatics while vine swinging in his victory scene. In Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat he is shown to be very proficient in hand to hand combat, delivering a vast amount of fast punches and kicks in a few seconds and is quick in countering the attacks he dodges, enabling him to contend with and defeat master martial artists like Karate Kong and Ninja Kong or physically stronger opponents like Sumo Kong. DK's speed and agility have also been consistently demonstrated throughout his appearances in the Super Smash Bros. franchise.

Identity

Main articles: Cranky Kong#Identity confusion and Donkey Kong Jr.

According to various pieces of official media, starting with Donkey Kong Country, the Donkey Kong that appears in the titles prior to Donkey Kong Country, such as Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Donkey Kong 3 and the Game Boy Donkey Kong, goes on to age and become Cranky Kong, passing down his name to the current and modern Donkey Kong, his grandson. Some sources would go on to imply that the Donkey Kong that appeared in games after Donkey Kong Country is a grown up Donkey Kong Jr.[14][15]; this was later contradicted in a 2017 Prima Games book that establishes Donkey Kong Jr. as the father of Donkey Kong and son of Cranky Kong.[16] The relationship between Cranky Kong and Donkey Kong has also been contradicted on occasion, between being his father (as seen mostly in Donkey Kong 64)[17] and being his grandfather.[18]

Relationships

Friends

Artwork of both Donkey Kong with Diddy Kong for Donkey Kong Country Returns
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in Donkey Kong Country Returns

Diddy Kong is Donkey Kong's "little buddy" who looks up to him. Diddy Kong has gone on many adventures with his best friend (with DK showing excitement at having another adventure with his friend when selected as his ally character in Super Mario Party), and the two often look out for each other, sharing a brotherly bond. In sports, Diddy Kong is often Donkey Kong's default partner. Diddy has rarely been suggested as a relative of DK's, though most sources do not claim that they are related.

Dixie Kong is one of Donkey Kong's closest friends, sometimes hanging out with him and Diddy Kong. She actively helped rescue him when he is kidnapped and joined him in retaking Donkey Kong Island from the Snowmads. Donkey Kong seems to act like a big brother to Dixie, similar to how he is with Diddy. He was very defensive of her when she was antagonized by a Dry Bones in Mario Super Sluggers. Dixie does show minor exasperation with DK when he is rash and stubborn, but they nonetheless have a close friendship.

Funky Kong is another one of Donkey Kong's recurring friends. The two share a good friendship, with Funky referring DK by the nickname "Donkey-dude". Though he prefers not adventuring, Funky does support Donkey Kong by giving him either transportation or weaponry, or acting as a shopkeeper.

Relatives

Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong

Cranky Kong is Donkey Kong's crabby and constantly rambling grandfather. He also originally had the name Donkey Kong until he turned it over to his replacement, and has not resumed the title since (with the sole exception being re-releases such as games in the Game & Watch Gallery series). He finds a way to help DK and his friends in their adventures, though it usually entails giving out advice or valuable items for a price. Although he frequently gets frustrated with DK's slow-witted nature, he does nonetheless look out and care for him. In Tropical Freeze, their relationship is shown in the most friendly; Cranky attends his grandson's birthday party, and their Kong POW shows them doing a fist bump. In the Donkey Kong Adventure, Donkey Kong works with a Rabbid counterpart of Cranky.

In the TV series, Cranky acts as a direct mentor to Donkey Kong, but still gets angry with him easily. Regardless, the two care about each other as family as shown in Message in a Bottle Show where the two hugged each other, although they may be loathe to admit it at times. Despite his low patience, Cranky has high faith in DK and views as the best hope for the well-being of Kongo Bongo and admits when Donkey Kong actually has a good idea.

Love interests

Candy Kong is one of Donkey Kong's closest friends who others believe he will marry one day, although he is not ready to settle down in Candy Kong's opinion. The Rarewhere website suggests that the two have known each other since childhood.[19] According to Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the idea of Candy being DK's girlfriend is only a rumor, which may be due to the fact Donkey Kong seems to spontaneously show romantic interest in Pauline. In Rare-developed games, DK tends to keep a framed photograph of Candy in his home. To explain Candy Kong's absence in later games, one official review of Donkey Kong Land 2 states that she broke up with Donkey Kong,[20] although the Donkey Kong 64 manual suggests otherwise.[21]

In the TV series, Donkey Kong and Candy Kong are dating, but their affection tends to be very on-and-off. Donkey Kong is blindly in love with Candy even when she dismisses him, as she often gets angry with him for his foolishness as shown in several episodes. Candy even occasionally expresses romantic interest in Bluster Kong instead.

Rivals

Donkey Kong holding Pauline hostage, an issue that brings him and Mario in conflict.

Donkey Kong and Mario have had a rivalry for some time. The rivalry is witnessed in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. However the rivalry is friendlier in spin-off games, as implied in Super Smash Bros., and in Solid Snake's codec conversation from Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Aside from their rivalry, Donkey Kong is good friends with Mario and gets along with him and his friends in some games such as the Mario Party series. Though the current Donkey Kong is large, he is actually quite a bit younger than Mario. Although Mario did fight Donkey Kong's grandfather in the original Donkey Kong game, Cranky Kong admits that Mario is a true video game hero and even looks back at his nostalgic antics with a fond respect. Donkey Kong and Mario do not seem to hold grudges against one another in spite of their occasional conflicts. One of the evident facts about this is whenever a player lands on a DK Space in the Mario Party series, Donkey Kong will reward them with coins and stars. Another sign of Mario and Donkey Kong's friendship is how quickly Mario forgives a remorseful DK in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, even giving him a toy a few times.

Donkey Kong displays good friendships with characters from the Sonic franchise. He has a friendly rivalry with Knuckles the Echidna and Vector the Crocodile. During the opening of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, Donkey Kong, as a hockey goalie, thwarts Knuckles' shot. In Adventure Tour, Donkey Kong quickly establishes good rapport with Vector and Silver the Hedgehog. In London, Silver and Donkey Kong compete together in Volleyball, while Donkey Kong, Knuckles, and Vector work together clearing out the fog in the wrestling venues, with Vector offering a detective job to DK. In Rio games, Donkey Kong and Knuckles accuse each other of cheating after being deceived by two Miis dressed as Mario and Sonic. Following their losses in the Boxing Event, they make peace after realizing their misunderstanding. Big the Cat also invites Donkey Kong to outing. Donkey Kong has special victory animations with Knuckles and Vector in Sochi and Rio, as well as being shown flexing with Vector in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Enemies

King K. Rool and his Kremlings are archenemies of Donkey Kong and the Kong Family. They have stolen DK's hoard often for unknown reasons and kidnapped him and his friends. However, Donkey Kong was willing to help a Kremling named K. Lumsy when he realized that he did not wish to harm the Kong Family. Even when the king and four colored Kritters join the Kongs to form the DK Wilds, their antagonism still shows. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, King K. Rool's trailer is called "The Rivals" as a reference to the enmity between him and Donkey Kong. In the show, the feud is still the same. Donkey Kong enjoys giving the Kremlings beatings, causing them to have great fear and apprehension of him.

The Tiki Tak Tribe and the Snowmads are other adversaries to Donkey Kong, who has personal grudges with the groups for stealing all the bananas on Donkey Kong Island, including the ones in his hoard, and exiling him and his friends while conquering their home, respectively.

Other relationships

Pauline was kidnapped by both the original Donkey Kong in the Arcade, Game & Watch, and Game Boy games, and the current Donkey Kong in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. The original Donkey Kong's motive was revenge against Mario for not being a good pet owner, while the current Donkey Kong had two real different variations of the kidnapping. In March of the Minis, it was due to his perceived rejection of his feelings in favor of Mario, and took Pauline away to shower her with gifts. In Mini-Land Mayhem!, Donkey Kong just missed having the free Mini Pauline that was given to the first 100 guests of the theme park, so he takes the real Pauline instead. Although the current Donkey Kong has ultimately proven to have harmless intentions, Pauline showed constant fear of his temper and anger in Mini-Land Mayhem!. Despite this, they remain on friendly terms, and Pauline is generally key to soothing his anger issues. They are even known to work alongside each other, first in Minis March Again! where the "kidnapping" was made to test the current model of Mini Marios, and later in Tipping Stars, where Donkey Kong "kidnapped" Pauline to simply to lure Mario to a surprise party.

In the Donkey Kong Adventure story expansion pack for Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, after DK, Rabbid Cranky, and Rabbid Peach manage to defeat Rabbid Kong, he turns over a new leaf after seeing the generosity from Rabbid Peach. When Rabbid Peach and Beep-0 leave for the Mushroom Kingdom, the group take multiple selfies together in honor of their newly formed friendship.

Donkey Kong also has had acquaintance with Wario. In Mario Party, they are shown doing poses and both specialize in strength. In Mario Superstar Baseball, they are on the same team. Donkey Kong even tries to give Wario a fist bump for the latter's home run, only to unintentionally pound Wario into the ground. Often, Wario has the same demeanor with Donkey Kong as he does with everyone else, but to some degree sees him as a powerful asset on his side.

Profiles and statistics

See also: List of Donkey Kong profiles and statistics
Donkey Kong emblem from Mario Kart 8Donkey Kong's horn emblem from Mario Kart 8
Donkey Kong's emblems, from Mario Kart 8.

Donkey Kong's official profiles often characterize him as the "king of the jungle" and discuss how he is both a heroic adventurer and the laid-back leader of the DK Crew. In spinoffs he is typically a heavyweight power character with decent speed. His emblem in the spin-offs are his initials.

Portrayals

“When Nintendo asked me for the samples, I couldn't believe it! It was like, what, you wanna use this? Y'know. [...] We thought they were totally shit.”
Grant Kirkhope on his performance in Donkey Kong 64[22]

Quotes

Donkey Kong Country

All quotes are from the instruction booklets, with some narration.

  • ""OK, little buddy," Donkey had said in his patronizing voice. "As part of your hero training, you've got to stand guard tonight over my bananas... I'll relive[sic] you at midnight, so try and stay awake until then!""
  • ""Keep it down!!" he growled."
  • "Morning already... I slept through my watch!"
  • ""What 'cha do that for?!" Donkey Kong asked, knowing full well that Cranky was prone to cuffing him at every whim."
  • ""Diddy... gone... My little buddy..." he murmured to himself."
  • ""The Kremlings will pay!" he raged. "I'll hunt them down through every corner of my island, until I have every last banana from my hoard back!""
  • "Diddy's obsession with being like me has gone too far! He may be a long way from a true video game hero, but he had the guts, the reflexes, the heart..."
  • ""What do you know about adventuring, you flee-bitten old ape?" yelled Donkey Kong, edging closer and closer, braving Cranky's cane, until he was totally in his face. "I'm sick and tired of hearing about your boring, single screen adventures! Diddy's in trouble, my banana horde is gone, and I'm going to get them all back!""

Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle

  • "[Squawks the Parrot] always carries a high-powered flashlight. He led us through the caves and tunnels once before. Maybe he can help us again."
  • "I can tell you where you're going. Right into that wall!"
  • "Time for some masterful monkey maneuvers!"
  • "Let the coward go. He's just a big windbag, like his ship!"

Donkey Kong 64

  • "Yeah!"
  • "Cool!"
  • "Hey!"
  • "OK!"
  • "What did Cranky mean about training? Donkey all confused..."
  • "Yes, Donkey will help K. Lumsy!"
  • "Ohhh, banana!"

Donkey Kong Country TV Series

  • "Banana-slamma!!"
  • "Got any Banana Cream Pie?"
  • "Hey Inka! Ring-a-ding-ding. It's me, DK, the future ruler of Kongo Bongo. We got business to discuss."
  • "I would have called him something else, but you were present."
  • "Aye aye, nose nose, throat throat, ablast me hardies, and shiver me tree trunks!"
  • "Hmmm, to know everything, I must give up everything... HEY! Little buddy, I'm giving you my tie collection!"
  • "Ohh... feels like I got the stuffing knocked out of me... Oh no! I did get the stuffing knocked out of me! Where's my stuffing?!"
  • "Arr, you got me confused with someone else. I'm Donkey Kroc the pirate, arr, and I'm looking for Donkey Kong the (mimics monkey) ape."
  • "That's not mine! Look, there's still a piece of banana inside! I never leave a banana bit! Can I have it?"
  • "I've never known any problem that couldn't be solved with a little nap."
  • "Help, Diddy! I've fallen, and I can't get up! Can you pass me a banana, little buddy?"
  • "It's hard to believe anybody this cute could have everybody so mad at him."
  • "It's the company's fault for making you want it so much."
  • "Back off or I'll have to slam you."
  • "It's more fun bein' in one of these biplanes than on top of some skyscraper!"
  • "And I say HE'S the one with problems"
  • "It's the dreaded..daba..blaba..curse of double dabble wa...doo be doo!"
  • "Then let's give them something to really listen to."
  • "I'll shower you in coconut cream pies!"
  • "There there, little buddy."

Mario Super Sluggers

  • "Ook! Ook! (I was wondering when you'd arrive.)"
  • "Ookity ook! OOOOK! (Bowser Jr. was here a little while back.)"
  • "OOK OOK OOK! (He dropped our log bridge and then ran off!)"
  • "Ook! Hooo ook! (I wanted to chase him down, but not even I can jump across that gap.)"
  • "Oook? Oooo... (This is pathetic! What am I gonna do now?)"
  • "Ook ook! (No way I can jump all the way over to that side)"
  • "Mmm... Ook? (If only there was some way to cross...)"
  • "OOK! Ook ook! (Banana splits! Could it be...)"
  • "Ookie ook! (It's a Barrel Cannon! Ook! ...I mean, hooray!)"
  • "Oooook! (Looks like Funky Kong has been busy.)"
  • "Ook! Ook! (I can use this to get over that gap! See you on the other side!)"
  • "OOK! OOK OOK! (I'm coming for you, Bowser Jr.!)"
  • "Ook. (Who do you think you are? You'd best stay away from Dixie Kong!)"
  • "Ook? (Are you OK, Dixie Kong?)"
  • "Ook OOK? (He's going to do WHAT?)"
  • "Ook. Ook. (He's trying to take it? This will not stand!)"
  • "Ook ook. (It's no use... I'm clueless.)"
  • "Harooo! (No! It's my ballpark. I should take care of it myself.)"
  • "Hoot hoot ook! (Don't take this wrong, but I need to see what you're made of.)"
  • "Oooookie ooo! (It's settled! I'm leaving it up to you!)"
  • "Ook ook ook! (If you find barrels or boxes, I'll crush 'em with a hand slap.)"
  • "Ooooooooooooook! (Let's send Bowser Jr. packing!)"
  • "Ook ook! (There's a vine here. I love vines!)"
  • "Ook! (Sure did! Give us the lowdown on the stone tablet!)"
  • "Ook! Ook! (Let's go! We have to get the stone tablet back!)"
  • "Ook. Ook. (Tiny Kong! You'll pay for this, Bowser Jr.!)"
  • "Ooka ooka oooo! (Let's move! We have to help!)"
  • "Ook ook! OOOOOOOK! (Coconut thunder! We've picked up every player in the area!)"
  • "Ookookook. (Dixie Kong, Tiny Kong, Funky Kong, Baby DK...)"
  • "Ook ook! (The Kritters, King K. Rool, and my best pal, Diddy Kong.)"
  • "Ook ook! Ooooook! (Nothing! I hate finding nothing.)"

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

  • "I'm D.K.! I'm Donkey Kong!"
  • "Hi, Dad!"
  • "Dad, wave back!"
  • "What do you mean? They like it! It's what they came here for! Dancing pecs!"
  • "I don't need anything special to break EVERY BONE in your tiny body!"
  • "It is on... like Donkey Kong!"
  • "Had enough?"
  • "HA! You got the cat box! Oh my- [sighs] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Okay. Now you die."
  • "Not… even… close…"
  • "I hate you."
  • "See ya!"
  • "Stop talking! I don't want the last thing I hear, before I die, to be your..."
  • "I. AM. MORE. THAN A GUY. WHO SMASHES THINGS!!!"
  • "Now we're even!"
  • "Yes I do!"
  • "Yes! Fire!"
  • "This is fun!"
  • "Loser!"
  • "Cool raccoon suit!"
  • "No time now. Definitely later!"
  • "HA! He got the Blue Mushroom!"
  • "Aww, bring it in!"

Voice samples

Audio.svg Donkey Kong Country - Donkey Kong yelling
File infoMedia:Donkey Kong Country DK Yell.oga
Audio.svg Mario Kart 64 and the Mario Party series - One of Donkey Kong's chimpanzee vocals
File infoMedia:MK64 DK Sound (Ver. 1).oga
Audio.svg Donkey Kong 64 - "Yeah!" (Grant Kirkhope)
File infoMedia:DK64 Donkey Kong Yeah.oga
Audio.svg Donkey Kong Jungle Beat - Donkey Kong's Tarzan yell-like cry (Takashi Nagasako)
File infoMedia:Donkey Kong Tarzan Yell.oga
Audio.svg The Super Mario Bros. Movie - "It is on like DONKEY KONG!" - Donkey Kong before battling Mario (Seth Rogen)
File infoMedia:TSMBM - Donkey Kong.oga
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

List of appearances by date

Title Description Original release date System/format
Donkey Kong Boss 1981 Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Boss 1982 Game & Watch
Donkey Kong Jr. Non-playable character (by name) 1982 Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Jr. Non-playable character (by name) 1982 Game & Watch
Donkey Kong II Non-playable character (by name) 1983 Game & Watch
Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson Non-playable character (by name) 1983 Family Computer
Donkey Kong 3 Antagonist 1983 Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Jr. Math Non-playable character (by name) 1983 Nintendo Entertainment System
Punch-Out!! Cameo as member of crowd 1984 Arcade
Donkey Kong 3: Dai Gyakushū Antagonist 1984 NEC PC-88, NEC PC-6601, Sharp X1
Donkey Kong 3 Antagonist 1984 Game & Watch
Super Punch-Out!! Cameo as member of crowd 1984 Arcade
Donkey Kong Circus Playable character 1984 Game & Watch
Donkey Kong Hockey Playable character 1984 Game & Watch
Donkey Kong Classics Boss 1988 Nintendo Entertainment System
Tetris Cameo 1989 Nintendo Entertainment System
NES Open Tournament Golf Non-playable character (by name) 1991 Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Boss 1994 Game Boy
Donkey Kong Boss 1994 Nelsonic Game Watch
Donkey Kong Country Playable character 1994 Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Land Playable character 1995 Game Boy
Mario Clash Cameo at 800,000 points 1995 Virtual Boy
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Non-playable character 1995 Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Land 2 Non-playable character 1996 Game Boy
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Non-playable character 1996 Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Mario Kart 64 Playable character 1996 Nintendo 64
Mario Party Playable character 1998 Nintendo 64
Super Smash Bros. Playable character 1999 Nintendo 64
Donkey Kong 64 Playable character 1999 Nintendo 64
Mario Party 2 Playable character 1999 Nintendo 64
Mario Artist: Paint Studio Stamp 1999 Nintendo 64DD
Donkey Kong Country Playable character 2000 Game Boy Color
Mario Party 3 Playable character 2000 Nintendo 64
Mario Kart: Super Circuit Playable character 2001 Game Boy Advance
Super Smash Bros. Melee Playable character 2001 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Party 4 Playable character 2002 Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Kong Country Playable character 2003 Game Boy Advance
Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour Playable character 2003 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Playable character 2003 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Party 5 Non-playable character
Unlockable playable character (Super Duel Mode only)
2003 Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Konga Playable character 2003 Nintendo GameCube
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Boss 2004 Game Boy Advance
Donkey Kong Country 2 Non-playable character 2004 Game Boy Advance
Donkey Konga 2 Playable character 2004 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Power Tennis Playable character 2004 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Party 6 Non-playable character 2004 Nintendo GameCube
DK: King of Swing Playable character 2005 Game Boy Advance
Yakuman DS Non-playable character 2005 Nintendo DS
Donkey Konga 3 JP Playable character 2005 Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat Playable character 2005 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Superstar Baseball Playable character 2005 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Kart Arcade GP Playable character 2005 Arcade
Donkey Kong Country 3 Non-playable character 2005 Game Boy Advance
Mario Party 7 Non-playable character 2005 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Kart DS Playable character 2005 Nintendo DS
Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Playable character 2006 Nintendo DS
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Boss 2006 Nintendo DS
Super Mario Strikers Playable character 2005 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 Cameo 2007 Arcade
Mario Strikers Charged Playable character 2007 Wii
Mario Party 8 Non-playable character 2007 Wii
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Playable character 2007 Wii
DK: Jungle Climber Playable character 2007 Nintendo DS
Mario Party DS Non-playable character 2007 Nintendo DS
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Playable character 2008 Wii
Mario Kart Wii Playable character 2008 Wii
Mario Super Sluggers Playable character 2008 Wii
New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis Playable character 2009 Wii
Punch-Out!! Non-playable character 2009 Wii
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! Boss 2009 Nintendo DSi
Donkey Kong Country Returns Playable character 2010 Wii
Mario Sports Mix Playable character 2010 Wii
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! Boss 2010 Nintendo DS
Fortune Street Playable character 2011 Wii
Mario Kart 7 Playable character 2011 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Party 9 Non-playable character 2012 Wii
Mario Tennis Open Playable character 2012 Nintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D Playable character 2013 Nintendo 3DS
Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move Boss 2013 Nintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Playable character 2014 Wii U
Mario Golf: World Tour Playable character 2014 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Kart 8 Playable character 2014 Wii U
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Playable character 2014 Nintendo 3DS
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Playable character 2014 Wii U
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars Boss 2015 Wii U, Nintendo 3DS
Mario Party 10 Playable character 2015 Wii U
Super Mario Maker Playable character (Costume Mario) 2015 Wii U
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Playable character 2016 Nintendo 3DS
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Playable character 2016 Wii U
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge Playable character 2016 Wii U
Minecraft: Wii U Edition Playable skin in the Super Mario Mash-up 2016 Wii U
Mario Party: Star Rush Unlockable playable character 2016 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Sports Superstars Playable character 2017 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Playable character 2017 Nintendo Switch
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition Playable skin in the Super Mario Mash-up 2017 Nintendo Switch
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Playable character (Donkey Kong Adventure DLC) 2017 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Odyssey Cameo (original Donkey Kong) 2017 Nintendo Switch
Mario Party: The Top 100 Non-playable character 2017 Nintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Playable character 2018 Nintendo Switch
Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition Playable skin in the Super Mario Mash-up 2018 New Nintendo 3DS
Minecraft (Bedrock version) Playable skin in the Super Mario Mash-up 2018 Nintendo Switch
Mario Tennis Aces Playable character 2018 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Party Unlockable playable character 2018 Nintendo Switch
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Playable character 2018 Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart Tour Unlockable playable character 2019 Mobile
Dr. Mario World Unlockable playable character 2019 Mobile
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Playable character 2019 Nintendo Switch
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics Cameo (playing cards) 2020 Nintendo Switch
Paper Mario: The Origami King Cameo 2020 Nintendo Switch
Mario Golf: Super Rush Playable character 2021 Nintendo Switch
WarioWare: Get It Together! Cameo in microgame 2021 Nintendo Switch
Mario Party Superstars Playable character 2021 Nintendo Switch
Mario Strikers: Battle League Playable character 2022 Nintendo Switch
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Boss 2024 Nintendo Switch

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Donkey Kong.

Names in other languages

Donkey Kong

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ドンキーコング
Donkī Kongu
Donkey Kong

Catalan Donkey Kong (The Super Mario Bros. Movie)
-
Chinese (simplified) 森喜刚
Sēnxǐ Gāng
咚奇刚[24] (since December 23, 2022)
Dōngqí Gāng

Literally "Forest Happy Kong"

Transliteration of the Japanese name

Chinese (traditional) 大金剛[25][26]
Dàjīn'Gāng
森喜剛[27][28] (since Mario Party 9)
Sēnxǐ Gāng
咚奇剛[24] (since December 23, 2022)
Dōngqí Gāng

Transliteration of the Japanese name

Literally "Forest Happy Kong"

Transliteration of the Japanese name

Dutch Donkey Kong
-
Finnish Donkey Kong
-
French Donkey Kong
Donkey[29]
-
German Donkey Kong
Donkey
-
Greek Ντόνκυ Κονγκ
Donky Kong
Donkey Kong

Hebrew דונקי קונג
Donki Kong
Donkey Kong

Hungarian Donkey Kong
(2020 Mario Kart Kinder
Surprise promotion in Romania
and Hungary
Media:Kinder Surprise 2020 Hungarian-Romanian package.png)

-




Italian Donkey Kong
-
Korean 동키콩
Dongki Kong
Donkey Kong

Portuguese Donkey Kong
-
Romanian Donkey Kong
(2020 Mario Kart Kinder
Surprise promotion in Romania
and Hungary
Media:Kinder Surprise 2020 Hungarian-Romanian package.png, The Super Mario Bros. Movie)

-




Russian Донки Конг
Donki Kong
Donkey Kong

Spanish Donkey Kong
-
Thai ดองกี คอง[30]
Dong-ki Khong
Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong (Gladiator)

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ドンキーコング (戦士)
Donkī Kongu (Senshi)
Donkey Kong (Warrior)

Chinese (simplified) 森喜刚 (战士)
Sēnxǐ Gāng (Zhànshì)
Donkey Kong (Warrior)

Chinese (traditional) 森喜剛 (戰士)
Sēnxǐ Gāng (Zhànshì)
Donkey Kong (Warrior)

French Donkey Kong (gladiateur)
Donkey Kong (gladiator)
German Donkey Kong (Gladiator)
-
Italian Donkey Kong (gladiatore)
Donkey Kong (gladiator)
Korean 동키콩(전사)
Dongki Kong (Jeonsa)
Donkey Kong (Warrior)

Portuguese Donkey Kong (gladiador)
Donkey Kong (gladiator)
Spanish (NOA) Donkey Kong (gladiador)
Donkey Kong (gladiator)
Spanish (NOE) Donkey Kong (Gladiador)
Donkey Kong (Gladiator)

Trivia

Unused sprite of a Donkey Kong-like Grinder in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.
A large Grinder resembling Donkey Kong.

References

  1. ^ Mario Kart 64 (From Japanese to English) The Mushroom Kingdom (Retrieved August 15, 2018)
  2. ^ Super Smash Bros. Melee (From Japanese to English) The Mushroom Kingdom (Retrieved May 29, 2010)
  3. ^ 「1994年に発売された『ドンキーコング』(ゲームボーイ)を最後に、孫に“ドンキーコング”の名を譲り渡す。」 ("After the release of 'Donkey Kong' (Game Boy), he turned over the Donkey Kong name to his grandchild.") - Nintendo Online Magazine
  4. ^ a b Kohler, Chris (October 14, 2016). "Miyamoto Spills Donkey Kong’s Darkest Secrets, 35 Years Later Wired. Retrieved October 14, 2016
  5. ^ "Donkey Wrong" - An article about the origin of Donkey Kong's name. Snopes.com. 2011. (Retrieved June 28, 2012)
  6. ^ GamingHistorian (January 22, 2020). Gunpei Yokoi deposition, 1983. Twitter. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  7. ^ Gaming Historian (September 29, 2021). How the Mario Characters Got Their Names. YouTube. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  8. ^ "This could be considered plausible but Miyamoto blew his credibility by claiming that the character was inspired by the legend of Beauty And The Beast (a story with very few apes in it, when you come to think about it!)". Donkey Kong Jungle Action Special (Steve May), p. 21. Fleetway Publications. Retrieved January 23, 2022
  9. ^ Shesez (November 21, 2019). The Donkey Kong Country 25th Anniversary Interview Documentary (7m49s). YouTube. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  10. ^ Shesez (November 21, 2019). The Donkey Kong Country 25th Anniversary Interview Documentary (9m47s). YouTube. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  11. ^ "Donkey Kong makeover poll" on Play Nintendo
  12. ^ [1]
  13. ^ https://www.whosampled.com/sample/515022/Nintendo-Character-Sound-Effects-The-Hollywood-Edge-Sound-Effects-Library-Chimpanzee-Screeches-and-Vocalizes/
  14. ^ Scribes - April 25, 1999. Rareware Website Archive. Rareware.com. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  15. ^ Donkey Kong Country web page. (April 13, 2017). Nintendo.co.uk. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  16. ^ "Super Mario Kart is the only Mario Kart game to feature Donkey Kong Jr. Due to the success of Donkey Kong Country, all future Mario Kart entries featured Donkey Kong, who is actually Donkey Kong Jr.’s son, with Cranky Kong, aka Donkey Kong Sr., canonically being the character featured in the original Donkey Kong game. Makes sense, right?" - Playing With Super Power: Nintendo Super NES Classics eGuide, Super Mario Kart 16 Bits Tab.
  17. ^ "That darn Donkey has all the luck! His girl Candy waits around in her hut, always willing to offer her musical help to that undeserving son of mine and his fancy polygonal friends. Pah!" - Donkey Kong 64 instruction booklet, page 9 (among various in-game lines)
  18. ^ Gregg Mayles in a May 2017 Twitter post. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  19. ^ DKC Trilogy Cast List. Rarewhere. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  20. ^ Nintendo Magazine System (UK) #50, page 52. "You’d have thought that after retrieving his banana stash, Donkey Kong would be able to live out his days in peace and harmony with Candy Kong by his side. Unfortunately, she’s given him the push. And to make matters even worse, he’s been captured by those oh-so-pesky Kremlings!"
  21. ^ Donkey Kong 64 instruction booklet, page 9. "That darn Donkey has all the luck! His girl Candy waits around in her hut, always willing to offer her musical help to that undeserving son of mine and his fancy polygonal friends. Pah!"
  22. ^ The Kongversation - 734: Inteview: Grant Kirkhope
  23. ^ Shesez (November 22, 2019). The Donkey Kong Country 25th Anniversary Interview Documentary (52m12s). YouTube. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  24. ^ a b 部分角色的中文名稱變更通知, Nintendo HK. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  25. ^ https://www.nintendo.tw/ds/ds_software2007.htm
  26. ^ https://www.nintendo.com.hk/wii/wii_software_2.htm
  27. ^ https://www.nintendo.com.hk/ssqj/adventure/index.html
  28. ^ https://www.nintendo.tw/mp9/adventure/index.html
  29. ^ Official website for Donkey Kong Planet
  30. ^ Thai version of the official trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie (November 30, 2022), YouTube. Retrieved December 9, 2022.