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Donkey Kong

Nintendo

Donkey Kong started in 1981 as the arcade game that introduced both DK and Mario, then became famous all over again in the 1990s as the Donkey Kong Country series — fast, gorgeous 2D platformers about jumping, rolling and barrel-blasting through jungle levels. Unlike most long-running series, these games don't share a connected story, so there's no 'timeline' to follow — you can start with whichever good one is easiest to get your hands on. This guide points you at the best entry points first and saves the historical curiosities for later.

SINCE 1981 · 17 GAMES

▶ WHERE DO I START?
  1. 1980s

    Donkey Kong

    1981 · Arcade

    The 1981 arcade original that introduced both Donkey Kong and Mario (then called Jumpman), who has to climb to rescue a captured girlfriend.

    For fansMainlineArcade Era

    4 releases & editions

  2. Donkey Kong Jr.

    1982 · Arcade

    The 1982 arcade sequel that flips the script: you play DK's son trying to rescue his father from Mario, the villain this time.

    For fansMainlineArcade Era

    3 releases & editions

  3. 1990s

    Donkey Kong (Game Boy)

    1994 · Game Boy

    Often called 'Donkey Kong '94': starts as a remake of the arcade game, then explodes into 100+ inventive puzzle-platforming levels.

    For fansMainline

    2 releases & editions

  4. Donkey Kong Country

    1994 · SNES

    The SNES classic that reinvented Donkey Kong as a fast, beautiful jungle platformer and made the series a household name.

    MainlineDonkey Kong Country (2D)

    6 releases & editions

  7. Diddy Kong Racing

    1997 · Nintendo 64

    A 1997 N64 racing game starring Diddy Kong, famous for its adventure-style single-player and for debuting Banjo and Conker.

    LaterSpin-off

    2 releases & editions

  8. Donkey Kong 64

    1999 · Nintendo 64

    Donkey Kong's first 3D outing: a sprawling collect-everything adventure across five playable Kongs, very much of its late-90s era.

    For fansMainline3D Platformers

    2 releases & editions

  9. 2000s

    Donkey Konga

    2003 · GameCube

    A 2003 GameCube rhythm game played with DK Bongo controllers, tapping along to pop and Nintendo tunes.

    LaterSpin-off

    3 releases & editions

  10. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat

    2004 · GameCube

    A 2004 GameCube platformer from the future Super Mario Galaxy team, originally played by clapping and drumming on bongos.

    For fansSpin-off

    2 releases & editions

  11. Mario vs. Donkey Kong

    2004 · Game Boy Advance

    A 2004 Game Boy Advance puzzle-platformer where Mario chases DK to recover stolen wind-up Mini-Mario toys.

    LaterSpin-off

    2 releases & editions

  12. 2010s

    Donkey Kong Country Returns

    2010 · Wii

    The 2010 revival that brought Country-style 2D platforming roaring back after 14 years, developed by Retro Studios.

    MainlineDonkey Kong Country (2D)

    2 releases & editions

  14. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

    2014 · Wii U, Switch

    Retro Studios' 2014 masterpiece (re-released on Switch in 2018): the most beautiful and inventive 2D Donkey Kong, with brilliant level design.

    Start hereMainlineDonkey Kong Country (2D)

    2 releases & editions

  15. 2020s

  16. Donkey Kong Bananza

    2025 · Switch 2

    The 2025 Switch 2 game and Donkey Kong's first full 3D adventure since 1999: smash through fully destructible worlds with earth-shattering punches.

    Mainline3D Platformers