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Sub-Series
Classic Donkey Kong
Action series started in 1981
A part of the Donkey Kong franchise mostly characterised by design elements that debuted in the original arcade game: simplistic action gameplay, girders and construction-aesthetic levels and a vintage version of Donkey Kong that uses Shigeru Miyamoto's original design.
Donkey Kong Country
Action series started in 1994
The most influential part of the Donkey Kong franchise. This series was developed by Rare until the mid-2000s when they were acquired by Microsoft. From there, Retro Studios have helmed the series. This part of the series debuted Donkey Kong's modern design, designed by Kevin Bayliss, and heavily features jungle creatures and aesthetics.
Donkey Konga
Rhythm action series started in 2003
A series of rhythm action games focused a special controller called the DK Bongos. Hit the left bongo, right bongo, both bongos or simply clap to hit notes in time with the song's rhythm. These games included an odd mix of classic Nintendo songs, anime songs, radio classics and public domain songs.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Puzzle action series started in 2004
A series spawned from the creative blueprint of "Donkey Kong" for the Game Boy, this series features Mario's venture into the toy business while Donkey Kong continuously steals new toys or kidnaps Pauline. The gameplay requires careful coordination as you guide Mini Mario toys through various puzzle platforming stages to the goal.
DK
Action series started in 2005
Interestingly this is a series that serves as a spiritual successor to the "Clu Clu Land" games. Control Donkey Kong with just two buttons to control his arms and use pegs to swing and launch yourself around levels to progress.
Miscellaneous Games
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Release date:
JP: 16 Dec 2004 - ドンキーコングジャングルビート
EU: 04 Feb 2005
US: 14 Mar 2005
System: Nintendo GameCube
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Genre: Action
A side-scrolling action game controlled by the DK Bongo controller. Play the left or right bongo to move left or right, and clap to jump. At the end of each stage, you duel against one of the evil Kongs in a boxing match, where punchs are thrown by playing the bongos and clapping is used to dodge.
Diddy Kong Racing DS
Release date:
US: 05 Feb 2007
EU: 20 Apr 2007
System: Nintendo DS
Developer: Rare
Genre: Racing
Players compete in races with three different types of vehicle: cars, hovercrafts and planes. Due to Microsoft's purchase of Rare, some characters from the original game like Banjo and Conker have been replaced by existing "Donkey Kong" characters like Dixie Kong and previously unplayable NPCs like Taj.
Donkey Kong: Jet Race
Release date:
JP: 28 Jun 2007 - ドンキーコング たるジェットレース
(Donkey Kong: Taru Jet Race
US: 08 Oct 2007 - Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast
EU: 25 Jan 2008
System: Wii
Developer: Paon
Genre: Racing
Donkey Kong and his friends use flying rocket-powered bongos to race through 16 tracks taken from 7 worlds with vastly different themes. This game supports up to 4 players in its multiplayer.
New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Release date:
JP: 11 Dec 2008 - Wiiであそぶ ドンキーコングジャングルビート
(Wii de Asobu: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat)
US: 04 May 2009
EU: 01 Jun 2009
System: Wii
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Genre: Action
A port of the original game, control Donkey Kong and explore over 30 stages. This game is no longer played with the DK Bongo controller and is now played using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Release date:
WW: 17 Jul 2025
System: Wii
Developer: Nintendo EPD Tokyo, 1-Up Studio and tri-Crescendo
Genre: Action
The first new 3D platformer game in the Donkey Kong series since "Donkey Kong 64", this game has Donkey Kong and a child version of Pauline as the protagonists, with the pair of them exploring a vast world hidden underground.
