The 6 Best Donkey Kong Video Games: The Adventures of Nintendo's Most Beloved Gorilla
Six video game gems that chronicle the evolution of Donkey Kong over time.
A gaming legend, protagonist and symbol of the medium's evolution. With the arrival of Donkey Kong Bananza on Nintendo Switch 2, the iconic Nintendo gorilla finally returns to the spotlight. To celebrate the return of one of the most beloved characters in video game history, we have selected the best Donkey Kong games: titles that have left their mark for innovation, style, and pure fun. A journey through historic arcades, unforgettable platforms, and gems to rediscover.
Who is Donkey Kong?
Donkey Kong is one of the most iconic characters in video game history. First appearing in 1981 in the eponymous arcade game, Donkey Kong was initially the antagonist: a large gorilla who kidnapped a girl (Pauline) and threw barrels to hinder Jumpman, the hero who would later become Mario.
Over the years, however, Donkey Kong was transformed from villain to hero. Starting with Donkey Kong Country (1994 for Super Nintendo), he became the protagonist of a successful platformer series, this time as a muscular, lazy, banana-loving hero, committed to defending his island from enemies. In this new incarnation, he is joined by other members of the Kong family, such as Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong, Dixie Kong, and many others.
The Best Donkey Kong Video Games
Here is our selection!
1. Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza marks the grand return of Nintendo's most famous gorilla, with a 3D adventure capable of combining tradition and innovation. Released on Nintendo Switch 2 in July 2025, the title takes players into a vast underground world, where, alongside a young Pauline, they must recover the precious Banandium Gems.
What distinguishes Bananza from other platformers is the ability to destroy almost every element of the scenery, creating alternative paths and discovering hidden secrets. The system of animal transformations and the sandbox structure make it a fresh and dynamic experience, considered by many to be the console's true killer app. Here you can find the review!
»» Click here to purchase Donkey Kong Bananza
2. Donkey Kong Country (SNES, 1994)
A technological and stylistic leap for Nintendo, Donkey Kong Country is the title that redefined the image of Donkey Kong and the side-scrolling platformer. With its pre-rendered 3D graphics backgrounds and David Wise's atmospheric soundtrack, the game was an aesthetic and sonic revolution for its time.
In the story, Donkey Kong and young Diddy must recover the banana hoard stolen by King K. Rool's Kremlings, leading to a tropical adventure full of secrets, obstacles, and charisma. The title sold millions of copies and relaunched the character into the hearts of a new generation.
3. Donkey Kong (Arcade, 1981)
The originator of it all: Donkey Kong is one of the most important video games in history. With its release in 1981 (it was later converted for numerous computers and consoles), Nintendo launched an innovative arcade game, introducing characters that would mark pop culture for decades: the gorilla Donkey Kong, the damsel Pauline, and Jumpman, who would later become Mario. The simple and brilliant gameplay, climbing scaffolding while avoiding barrels and enemies, immediately captivated players.
Not only was it a commercial success, but it also represented one of the first examples of storytelling in gaming. Even today, it is an icon of the Golden Age of arcades.
4. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U/Switch, 2014/2018)
With Tropical Freeze, Retro Studios demonstrated how a classic platformer can be modern, challenging, and spectacular all at once. The game sees Donkey Kong and his family confronting the Viking invaders known as the "Snowmads," who have frozen the island.
The addition of Dixie and Cranky Kong as playable characters introduces new gameplay mechanics, enriching the variety of levels. Visually stunning and with a triumphant return of composer David Wise, Tropical Freeze was critically acclaimed for its refined design and satisfying difficulty, establishing itself as one of the best 2D platformers of the modern era.
5. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (SNES, 1995)
Considered by many to be the creative peak of the original trilogy, Diddy's Kong Quest is an ambitious and atmospheric platformer. With Donkey Kong kidnapped, the task of saving the hero falls to Diddy and Dixie Kong, protagonists of a journey that is darker and more varied than the first chapter.
The environments are breathtaking (including ghostly swamps, pirate ships, and industrial parks) and the gameplay evolves with animal allies and increasingly intricate levels. The soundtrack, among the most beloved in video game history, amplifies the emotional impact. A true cult for platformer and retrogaming enthusiasts.
6. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (GameCube, 2004)
Jungle Beat, perhaps the most experimental title in the series, breaks the rules of the genre by proposing gameplay based entirely on the use of DK Bongos, a musical controller developed for Donkey Konga. The player controls Donkey Kong with drums (yes, drums) and by clapping hands to make him jump, attack, or interact with the environment.
A bold and original idea that managed to enhance the physicality of the experience. Despite its "niche" character, Jungle Beat was praised for its freshness and fluidity, representing one of Nintendo's most creative expressions in the GameCube era.
Donkey Kong, two small curiosities
The Donkey Kong of the 80s (arcade) and the modern one are not the same character: the current one is the grandson of the original, whom we now know as Cranky Kong.
The name "Donkey Kong" originated from a translation error: "Donkey" was mistakenly chosen instead of "stubborn," combining with "Kong," a Japanese term inspired by King Kong.
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