Nintendo Revamps Icon in Latest Donkey Kong Update

Sep 28,25

Nintendo has unveiled a refreshed design for Diddy Kong, following similar updates earlier this year to longtime companion Donkey Kong.

Earlier in 2025, eagle-eyed fans spotted noticeable tweaks to Donkey Kong's appearance in both official artwork and Mario Kart World promotional footage.

The gaming giant has now revealed stylistic updates to Diddy Kong's character through revamped website artwork and promotional materials displayed at Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas.

Play

As Nintendo Life first reported, the redesign presents a more cartoonish version of Diddy Kong featuring rounder eyes and a wider, more mischievous grin.

Trade show attendees can view the updated designs firsthand at Licensing Expo 2025, visible in photographs shared by convention visitor Cptn_Alex.

Image credit: Nintendo.
Image credit: Nintendo.

While Nintendo hasn't officially addressed the character redesigns, industry observers note the similarities to their appearances in the blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The visual updates extend to Princess Peach as well. Nintendo adjusted her likeness on Princess Peach: Showtime! packaging to better resemble her cinematic counterpart.

Of course this post is popping off lmao. Here's a better look at the new render :)

via Nintendo booth @ Licensing Expo pic.twitter.com/QzxJOWs9gF

— CptnAlex (@Cptn_Alex) May 20, 2025

The primate pals will appear together in the upcoming Switch 2 title Donkey Kong Bananza. While Diddy Kong hasn't been officially confirmed, the redesign and inclusion of other Kong family members suggest his participation.

With the Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel reportedly titled Super Mario World currently in development, fans anticipate seeing more of Nintendo's redesigned primate characters on the big screen.

Copyright © 2024 godbu.com All rights reserved.