Mario's debut in Donkey Kong.
This page explains in detail the interactions between the Donkey Kong series and the Mario series.
Note that after Donkey Kong debuts in various Mario sub-series, his return in later games is not considered a reference to the Donkey Kong series, but rather a reference to previous games, so not all Mario games featuring Donkey Kong will have their section. All of a character's appearances in a sub-series will be listed in his or her debut in that sub-series.
Mario Bros.[]
July 14, 1983
Donkey Kong
Mario
Mario Bros. is the first Mario game, and stars Mario, originally the main character from Donkey Kong, making the Mario series a spin-off of the Donkey Kong series.
Note that Mario was originally known as "Jumpman", but he was already renamed in console versions of Donkey Kong and in its sequel Donkey Kong Jr.
Additionally the character of Mario's brother, Luigi, may be based on a character identical to Mario appearing in Donkey Kong Jr.'s opening scene.
Donkey Kong/Donkey Kong Jr./Mario Bros.[]
1983
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong/Donkey Kong Jr./Mario Bros. is an arcade cabinet featuring three games in one: the first two Donkey kong games, and the first Mario game.
Super Mario Kart[]
Artwork of Donkey Kong Jr. from Super Mario Kart.
August 27, 1992
Donkey Kong
Mario
Super Mario Kart features Donkey Kong Jr. as a selectable racer in the heavy category with Bowser. Additionally the game features the banana peel item, that also returns in each sequel, but that's actually an original item. Donkey Kong Jr. will sometimes throw bananas when used by the CPU.
While he doesn't return as a selectable racer in any Mario Kart game, he makes a cameo appearance in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.
Super Mario All-Stars[]
July 14, 1993
Donkey Kong
Mario
In Super Mario All-Stars's version of Super Mario Bros. 3, the king of the fourth world (Big Island), is turned into Donkey Kong Jr.
Game Boy Donkey Kong[]
Mario taking a Super Mushroom from Pauline in Game Boy Donkey Kong's ending
June 14, 1994
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong for the Game Boy takes gameplay elements from Super Mario USA, and features Super Mushrooms from Super Mario Bros. and the Poison Mushroom from Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels. Additionally, in the game's ending Mario finds himself in the Mushroom Kingdom from the Mario series, as the background shows elements from Super Mario Bros.
Mario's Tennis[]
Cover of the game, with Donkey Kong Jr. in the middle.
July 21, 1995
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong Jr. is one of the selectable characters in Mario's Tennis. This appearance follows his debut in Super Mario Kart. He's also unlockable in Mario Tennis 64.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest[]
Cranky Kong's video game hero challenge results with Diddy first, Mario second and Yoshi third.
November 20, 1995
Donkey Kong
Mario
Mario makes an appearance in Donkey Kong Country, and specifically he takes by default the first place in Cranky Kong's video game hero challenge with 39 coins. If the player gets all 40 DK coins in the game, then Diddy will take the first place and Mario will be the second.
Super Mario RPG[]
March 9, 1996
Donkey Kong
Mario
Artwork for Mario's hammer in Super Mario RPG.
Mario's first weapon in Super Mario RPG is the hammer, referencing his weapon from Donkey Kong. A hammer weapon returns in every later Mario RPG, both in the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi series.
In Super Mario RPG there are two types of Donkey Kong-like enemies, named Guerillas (Donkey Young in Japanese) and Chained Kong (Barrel Kong in Japanese), that are certainly a reference to the Donkey Kong series. Both are identical and attack by throwing barrels, but the Chained Kong is stronger.
This is considered an out-universe link because they are considered merely characters based on Donkey Kong, but it may arguably be considered an actual In-universe link if they're to be considered actual Kongs from the Donkey Kong world.
Super Mario 64[]
June 23, 1996
Donkey Kong
Mario
For the first time in the Mario series, Mario is capable of using the triple jump. However, this move was originally from Game Boy Donkey Kong, where Mario performed it in the same exact way.
Mario Kart 64[]
December 14, 1996
Donkey Kong
Mario
In Mario Kart 64 Donkey Kong Jr. is replaced by the Donkey Kong from Donkey Kong Country, making his first playable appearance in the Mario series and who would later return in each game in the Mario Kart series. He's once again in the Heavy category.
This time the game also features a jungle-themed track called "D.K.'s Jungle Parkway" that serves as Donkey Kong's home track. It's characterized by a bridge over a river and a long jump. It also returns in Mario Kart Wii as a retro track.
Game & Watch Gallery 2[]
September 27, 1997
Donkey Kong
Mario
In "Modern" Donkey Kong the player controls Mario and faces Donkey Kong, just like in the original game, but this time Pauline is replaced by Princess Peach. The game features three different stages: within a factory, on a mountain, and over the clouds. After Donkey Kong is defeated (by removing the platform below him), the player will move to the next stage. Each stage features other elements from the Mario series including Warp Pipes, Donut Blocks and a moving platform replacing the crane in Stages 1 and 2. The background is also very different if the game is played on a Game Boy Color (or Game Boy Advance) rather than on a regular Game Boy or a Super Game Boy. Each time a barrel reaches the end of the trail, it breaks and a Koopa Troopa comes out of it. Mario can defeat Koopa Troopas by stomping them, like in the Mario series, and they'll retreat in their shell and spin away, but the spinning shell won't damage other enemies. Also in Hard Mode, and after gaining enough points in Easy Mode, Koopa Paratroopas occasionally fly on the second floor, serving as obstacles. Paratroopas can be stomped too, and they turn into Koopa Troopas, like in the Mario series, but unlike the Mario series they can't be stomped while they're flying. At 200, 300 and 500 points a 1-Up Heart appears, removing a Miss if its picked by Mario. Oddly, when Donkey Kong is selected in the select screen, Mario and Donkey Kong Jr. appear, but Donkey Kong Jr. is not in the game itself, where his father is.
Mario Party[]
December 18, 1998
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong is one of the six selectable characters in the game, in his second playable appearance in the Mario series following the one in Mario Kart 64. He returns in every following home console Mario Party game, as well as Mario Party DS, but starting from Mario Party 5 he hosts his own space on the board instead of being a playable character.
The game also features his own jungle-themed board called DK's Jungle Adventure. In it the players have to find the mysterious treasure that is locked away in the jungle's ancient ruins. Donkey Kong boards later return in Mario Party 8, DS and 9.
Mario Golf 64[]
Artwork of Donkey Kong from Mario Golf 64.
June 11, 1999
Donkey Kong
Mario
Following his appearances in Mario Kart 64 and Mario Party, Donkey Kong makes his first selectable appearance in a sports game in Mario Golf on the Nintendo 64. He later makes an unplayable appearance in Mario Golf GB and then returns as a selectable character in all later games in the series.
Game & Watch Gallery 3[]
August 04, 1999
Donkey Kong
Mario
Artwork of Donkey Kong Junior stomping a Goomba and getting the key.
In "Modern" Donkey Kong Jr. the player controls the titular character and must save Donkey Kong from Mario, just like in the original game, but this version features three different stages, changing after each time the player frees Donkey Kong. The first stage takes place in the jungle and has a layout similar to the original Game & Watch game, but has the Snapjaws replaced with Goombas coming out of a Warp Pipe and the Nitpickers replaced with Bullet Bills. Unlike the original ones, these enemies can be stomped just like in Mario games. The second stage takes place over a pit with many vines hangin down, similarly to Stage 1 of the arcade Donkey Kong Jr. and the Panorama Screen Donkey Kong Jr. Game & Watch, and also features Nipper Plants coming out of a Warp Pipe and climbing down the vines, just like Snapjaws in the arcade game, along with Bullet Bills. Like in their original appearances, Nipper Plants move by jumping around, but cannot be stomped. The third stage takes place over the clouds and features Goombas, Bullet Bills and Nipper Plants as enemies. Each stage instead of featuring a swinging key that must be catched at the right time, it features a still key that once picked makes a "bridge" appear that must be crossed at the right time. This bridge is a rotating platform in Stage 1, a Gull from Wario Land II in Stage 2 and two Clouds in Stage 3. Goombas are replaced with Spinies in Very Hard Mode and after all three levels are beaten four times in Easy Mode, and two times in Hard Mode. Like in the Mario series, Spinies can't be stomped. Finally, like in most games, a 1-Up Heart appears at 200, 500 and 700 points, removing a miss if it's picked.
Mario Tennis 64[]
July 21, 2000
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong Jr. returns from the previous game, but this time he's an unlockable character, unlocked after winning the Star Cup Doubles Tournament. His place in the starting roster is taken by the Donkey Kong Country Donkey Kong, that returns after his appearances in Mario Kart 64, the Mario Party series and Mario Golf 64, and becomes a regular character also in this series, returning in every later installment.
Notably one of Donkey Kong Jr.'s alternate outfits is a pink recoloring, possibly based on the second player's character from Donkey Kong Jr. Math, that also was a pink recoloring of Donkey Kong Jr.
The game also features courts with images of the characters on the ground, including a Donkey Kong Court, however it's likely just intended as a court dedicated to the tennis player in the game, it doesn't specifically reference the Donkey Kong series. It's unlocked by winning the Mushroom Cup with Donkey Kong.
Mario Tennis GB[]
December 1, 2000
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong returns from the Nintendo 64 game as a playable character, and there also is a Donkey Kong-themed court. It's simply called Jungle Court, but it features a remixed medley of music tracks from the Donkey Kong series.
Additionally there's a minigame called Donkey Kong Banana Bunch in which the player controls Donkey Kong and must hit banana panels that appear on the wall, using the tennis ball. These panels are based on the collectable bananas from the Donkey Kong Country series, appearing both as single bananas and as bunches, however bunches are only worth three bananas rather than ten, like in the original game.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit[]
July 21, 2001
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong returns, and while there are no Donkey Kong specific tracks, there are two jungle-themed tracks, Riverside Park and Lakeside Park, that were possibly included in their place, also considering that Riverside Park features two bridges and a jump over a river, kinda like D.K.'s Jungle Parkway. The main characteristic of Lakeside Park are instead the volcanos in the background that will occasionally erupt sending lava around the course.
Game & Watch Gallery Advance[]
October 25, 2002
DonkeyKong
Mario
Donkey Kong Jr.[]
The "Modern" version of Donkey Kong Jr. is the same that was in Game & Watch Gallery 3, only with improved graphics and some changes in the second stage's playfield, but all references to the Mario series are still there. The only difference is Spinies no longer appearing at a certain point in Easy and Hard mode, but replacing Goombas only in Very Hard mode.
Donkey Kong 3[]
The "Modern" version of Donkey Kong 3 takes place in a haunted house, where Mario and Donkey Kong fight shooting bubbles to push over to the oppent the enemies that fly in the middle of the stage. These are a Fireball, that moves up and down faster, and a Boo, that moves up and down slowly, but also moves toward the nearest character while he's not looking at it, just like in Mario games. Obviously the Boo doesn't move when it's in the middle of the stage. Unusually this game doesn't feature any miss recover or special item. In single player mode the player controls Mario while Donkey Kong is controlled by the computer, while in two players mode, player 1 controls Mario and player 2 controls Donkey Kong, however there is no difference in the basic game.
Donkey Kong[]
The "Modern" version of Donkey Kong is the same that was featured in Game & Watch Gallery 2 only with improved graphics. The most noticeable difference is the third stage being redesigned to represent an airship rather than a generic environment over the clouds. Also Koopa Troopas and Paratroopas have here red shells instead of green ones.
Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour[]
July 28, 2003
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong returns from Mario Golf 64, but this time there also is Diddy Kong, marking his debut in the Mario series. He also returns in Mario Golf: World Tour and is mentioned once in Mario Golf: Advance Tour.
The game also features a course called "Congo Canopy", which takes place on some big tree branches in a forest and features some barrels with the "DK" logo on them, so it can be assumed to take place somewhere in Donkey Kong Island.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!![]
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
November 07, 2003
Donkey Kong
Mario
Since this game features a new style of play with two racers per kart, Donkey Kong returns, but this time there also is Diddy Kong as his standard companion, returning from his previous appearance in Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour. He's classified as a lightweight character while Donkey is still heavyweight. Their special item is the Giant Banana. With later games returning to the single racer style, Diddy Kong, as most of the secondary characters from this game, doesn't return in later Mario Kart games except for Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart Tour. He also makes a small cameo in Mario Kart Arcade GP and its sequel.
This game also includes different selectable karts for the first time, and there is one for each character. Donkey Kong's kart is called DK Jumbo, has Donkey Kong's "DK" logo on the front and is made out of a barrel. Diddy's kart is called Barrel Train and it's a steam engine made out of a barrel, featuring Diddy's star on the front and on the sides. The Barrel Train also returns in Mario Kart 7 as a customizable kart body, but it no longer features Diddy's logo along with some minor differences.
The game also features a Donkey Kong themed track called DK Mountain, which is once again a jungle stage and is characterized by a giant barrel that shoots the racers on top of a mountain to then race back down. It returns in Mario Kart Wii as a retro track.
Finally, Donkey Kong Jr. makes a background appearance in the crowd in Waluigi Stadium.
Mario Party 5[]
November 10, 2003
Donkey Kong
Mario
The Banana Punch minigame.
Mario Party 5 is the first game in the Mario Party series not to feature Donkey Kong as a playable character, but he instead has his own DK Space, that will return in every later main Mario Party game until Mario Party 9. Its function differs from game to game, but it always involves Donkey Kong helping the players in some way, and in its first three appearances (Mario Party 5, 6 and 7) it involves Donkey Kong-themed minigames. In this game the minigames all involve collecting bananas, and after the time runs out, Donkey Kong awards the player with more coins the more bananas they got. The minigames are:
- Banana Punch: Players have to punch barrels to break them and find bananas inside. Donkey Kong himself occasionally appears swinging on a vine above the field.
- Da Vine Climb: Players have to climb on vines to collect bananas while avoiding spiders. The background features a treehouse, where Donkey Kong can occasionally be seen.
- Mass-A-Peel: players must collect bananas that are scattered around the field while avoiding banana peels, that would make them slip. Donkey Kong can sometimes be seen around the field, occasionally eating a banana.
Later games keep the same formula of jungle, barrels and banana-based games, without necessarly referencing the Donkey Kong series.
Additionally the game features a Super Duel Mode, where players can build their own vehicles, and it includes Donkey Kong themed parts. These are:
Donkey Konga[]
December 12, 2003
Donkey Konga - Super Mario Bros. Theme
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Konga features a remix of the main theme from Super Mario Bros. as one of the playable songs. It's the same song in all three versions (Japanese, American and European), but it's listed as "Super Mario theme" in the Japanese release, "Mario Bros. theme" in the North American release, and "Super Mario Bros. theme" in the European release.
Additionally the European version of the game also features the "Rainbow Cruise" track, based on the Slide theme from Super Mario 64 and the Underwater theme from Super Mario Bros., but that's actually a track from Super Smash Bros. Melee.
See here for other songs featured in the game.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong[]
Cover of the game.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Music - Title
Title screen music, a mix of the Super Mario Bros. theme and the Donkey Kong theme.
May 24, 2004
Donkey Kong
Mario
The Game Boy Advance game Mario vs. Donkey Kong is considered the first direct crossover between the two series, however it's actually a sequel to Game Boy Donkey Kong, featuring the same gameplay, with only minor differences, and improved graphics, in fact the game was originally going to be titled Donkey Kong Plus.
The game also features some returning enemies from the Game Boy title as well as some enemies from the Mario series. These are in detail:
From Game Boy Donkey Kong:
- Bat.
- Cannon.
- Falling Spike.
- Fireball.
- Trash Can.
- Nitpicker.
- Sir Shovalot.
- Snapjaw.
- Spark
Additionally the Monchee enemy is based on the monkeys from Game Boy Donkey Kong.
From the Mario series:
- Shy Guy (Black and Blue varieties).
- Bob-Omb.
- Boo.
- Boo Guy (originally from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island).
- Candle (originally from Super Mario Bros. 3).
- Thwomp.
- Thwimp.
- Venus Fire Trap.
There also are Mini-Ninji, based on Ninji from Super Mario USA, and Mini-Shy Guys.
Mario Power Tennis[]
October 28, 2004
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong is once again a selectable player, but this time there also is Diddy Kong, returning from his appearances in Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. He later returns in Mario Tennis Open.
In this game each character has an offensive power shot and a defensive power shot, and Donkey Kong's offensive shot is the Barrel Cannon Blast, where he puts himself into a barrel cannon from the Donkey Kong series to then shoot the ball back at the opponent. His defensive power shot is the Boomerang Banana Return, where he uses a banana like a boomerang, but this doesn't reference the Donkey Kong series in any way. Diddy's offensive power shot is the Acrobatic Banana, where he hits the ball assuming a banana pose, while his defensive power shot is the Barrel Jet, where he flies around the court using a barrel jetpack, a reference to his Rocketbarrel Pack from Donkey Kong 64.
The game also features a Donkey Kong themed court called DK Jungle Court. The standard version of the court is on a wooden platform with a mine kart system around the court which also looks over a waterfall. In the gimmick version of the course, there are Klaptraps on the net, coming out of barrels on the sides. The player can send the Klaptraps at the opponent by hitting them with the ball. Kritters can also be seen watching the game around the court.
Donkey Konga 3[]
Donkey Konga 3- Super Mario Bros Theme
Super Mario Bros. main theme.
March 17, 2005
Donkey Kong
Mario
The Japanese-exclusive Donkey Konga 3 features five tracks from the Mario series as unlockable 8-bit songs, and in detail: Super Mario Bros. theme, Super Mario Bros. 3 theme, Dr. Mario theme, Super Mario Bros. Underwater theme and Mario Bros. theme.
See here for other songs featured in the game.
Donkey Konga 2 (European version)[]
June 03, 2005
Donkey Kong
Mario
The European release of Donkey Konga 2 features a remix of the main theme from Super Mario Bros. 3 as one of the playable songs.
See here for other songs featured in the game.
Mario Superstar Baseball[]
July 21, 2005
Donkey Kong
Mario
Following the latest Mario Golf game and the latest Mario Tennis game, Mario Superstar Baseball features both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as playable characters, being selectable team captains from the start, but for the first time in the Mario series there also is Dixie Kong from the Donkey Kong Country series as an unlockable team player. She's unlocked after completing challenge mode with Donkey Kong.
The game features a chemistry system to determine what characters are more efficient in the same team, and the three Kongs obviously all have good chemistry together. For unknown reasons Donkey Kong also has good chemistry with Petey Piranha, while Diddy has good chemistry with Goomba. None of the three Kongs have bad chemistry with any of the characters.
There also is a Donkey Kong themed stadium called DK Jungle. Its background features a statue of Donkey Kong playing bongos and some Barrel Cannons.
All three characters as well as the stadium also return in this game's sequel.
Mario Kart Arcade GP[]
October 2005
Donkey Kong
Mario
DK Cup's logo
Donkey Kong is once again selectable, but this time he also has his own cup, called DK Cup, consisting of two original Donkey Kong-themed tracks: Donkey Kong Jungle and Banana Ruins. The first is a small track featuring Piranha Plants from the Mario series, while the second takes place in an ancient temple in the jungle. At the end of both tracks Diddy Kong makes a small cameo cheering (note that the finish line is actually the same, with the tracks taking different roads).
The game also features six new items exclusive for each character, two of which are secret. Donkey Kong's basic items are:
- Barrel: his recurring weapon from the Donkey Kong series.
- 10T Hammer: Based on the hammer from Donkey Kong, that was actually used by Mario.
- Giant Banana: His special item from Double Dash!!
- Conga: the DK Bongos peripheral.
Both tracks, including the cameo, and all items return in Mario Kart Arcade GP2.
Mario Party 7[]
November 7, 2005
Donkey Kong
Mario
The Jump, Man minigame.
Starting from this game, DK space has Donkey Kong's "DK" logo on it, rather than his face.
One of Donkey Kong's game is called "Jump, man" and is based on the Donkey Kong arcade game since in it the characters have to reach the top of a treehouse while avoiding rolling barrels, before Donkey Kong does. Toadsworth also aknowledges it by saying that the minigame "looks familiar". The minigame's name is also a pun on Mario's original name "Jumpman".
Mario Kart DS[]
November 14, 2005
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong once again returns and there also is a new track named after him, called DK Pass, however it's a snow-themed track with no apparent connection to the Donkey Kong series. It also returns in Mario Kart 7 as a retro track.
The game also features two exclusive karts for each character and Donkey Kong's are the Wildlife, a green safari jeep, and the Rambi Rider, shaped after Rambi the Rhinoceros, the rideable Animal Buddy from Donkey Kong Country and some of its sequels.
Super Mario Strikers[]
November 18, 2005
Donkey Kong
Mario
Now a staple in Mario sports games, the first soccer game in the series, Super Mario Strikers features Donkey Kong as one of the selectable team captains. More noticeable is instead the presence of the Kritters from Donkey Kong Country and its sequels, being the goalies for every team. The robotic team in the game, called "Super Team" features a robotic version of a Kritter called Robo-Kritter, that might be based on the Krobot enemy from Donkey Kong 64.
The game also features a Donkey Kong-themed field called Konga Coliseum.
Mario Basketball 3on3[]
July 27, 2006
Donkey Kong
Mario
Mario Basketball 3on3, known as Mario Hoops 3-on-3 in North America, features all three Kongs from previous Mario games and while Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are selectable from the start, Dixie Kong like her previous appearance in Mario Superstar Baseball, is unlockable. She's unlocked by earning a Bronze trophy in the Flower Cup. Donkey Kong is classified in the Powerful category, while Diddy and Dixie are classified in the Speedy category.
Additionally, Donkey Kong's special ability, called Konga Dunk, has him slamming his hands to the ground, just like his move from Donkey Kong Country. Diddy's special ability is called Jet Shot and has him using a Barrel Jet to hover in the air, possibly referencing his ability from Donkey Kong 64, but the jet's design is actually the same as in Mario Power Tennis, so it's possible that this game actually intended to reference that game instead. Dixie's special ability is the Cannon Shot and has her using a Barrel Cannon to shoot the ball into the hoop.
The game also features a Donkey Kong-themed stage called "DK Cruiser", which takes place on a raft and has barrels sometimes rolling around serving as obstacles for the players.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis[]
September 25, 2006
Donkey Kong
Mario
Cover of the game.
The second Mario vs. Donkey Kong game features a big change over the previous in the fact that the player now controls the Mini-Mario toys rather than Mario himself, implying a different style of play. The levels themes and structure are largely the same.
Donkey Kong is of course the villain, but this time he has kidnapped Pauline, just like in the original Donkey Kong, and she retains her updated design from Game Boy Donkey Kong. The game also adds new mini toys in the form of Mini Toad, Mini Peach and Mini Donkey Kong, that can be played once unlocked.
There also is the Fire Flower power-up from the Mario series, that can turn Mini Marios into Fire Mini Marios, as well as the other counterparts, being the first glimpse on a Fire Toad, Fire Peach and Fire Donkey Kong (actual Fire Toads would later appear in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, while Fire Peach would appear in Super Mario 3D World). Other minor elements from the Mario series include collectable coins, '?' Blocks and Warp Pipes.
The game also features some new original enemies, most notably a set of Mini Kongs that look very much like Mini Donkey Kong, except they wear a tie with the letter C, given the initial of their names: Capture Kong, Circus Kong, Cool Kong and Crash Kong. The Blooper enemy from the Mario series also makes an appearance, as well as the Mini Snifit, based on the Snifit from the Mario series.
Mario Kart Arcade GP 2[]
Donkey Kong's exclusive kart.
2007
Donkey Kong
Mario
All references from the previous arcade game are still there, but this time each character also has an exclusive kart. Donkey Kong's is a car made out of barrels, with his "DK" logo on the front.
This kart also returns in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX as Donkey Kong's personal kart, but this time it's usable by any racer. It is given the name "Country Winner" in this game.
Mario Strikers Charged[]
Artwork of Diddy Kong from Mario Strikers Charged.
May 25, 2007
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong returns from the previous game as one of the selectable captains, but this time there also is Diddy Kong.
The Konga Coliseum also returns.
Mario Party 8[]
DK's Treetop Temple.
May 29, 2007
Donkey Kong
Mario
For the first time after the original Mario Party, this game features a Donkey Kong-themed board, called "DK's Treetop Temple". It features a big statue of Donkey Kong in the middle and many barrel cannons to move players around. Featuring many ladders, its layout may also be based on the original Donkey Kong.
Donkey Kong-themed boards return in both sequels to this game, being DK's Stone Statue in Mario Party DS and DK's Jungle Ruins in Mario Party 9.
Super Mario Galaxy[]
UNRELEASED LINK
The unused models, and their associated textures in Super Mario Galaxy.
( November 01, 2007)
Donkey Kong
Mario
In the code of Super Mario Galaxy, some unused models and textures have been found. These include a model and relative textures for the Helper Monkey, also known as Party Monkey, from Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, meaning that these monkeys were originally intended to make an appearance in the game.
Mario & Sonic at Beijing Olympics[]
November 06, 2007
Donkey Kong
Mario
Mario's biography for this game reads "This persistent little plumber developed his skills chasing down a big ape."
This is clearly a reference to the events from the original Donkey Kong.
Mario Party DS[]
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in the game's introduction.
November 9, 2007
Donkey Kong
Mario
Mario Party DS is the first game in the series since Mario Party 5 not to feature Donkey Kong's space, however the character returns to host his own board called DK's Stone Statue, that's basically a new version of DK's Treetop Temple from Mario Party 8, and this time there also is Diddy Kong at his side. Diddy also returns in the following game in the series.
Mario Kart Wii[]
April 10, 2008
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong returns as always as a standard racer, but Diddy Kong also returns from Double Dash!! as an unlockable racer, unlocked after winning 50cc Lightning Cup or 450 races, but there also is Funky Kong from Donkey Kong Country and its sequels in his debut in the Mario series. He's unlocked after unlocking 4 Expert Staff Ghost Data in Time Trials, winning 25 WFC Ghost Races, or 2,250 races.
As for the tracks, DK's Jungle Parkway from Mario Kart 64 and DK Mountain from Double Dash!! return as retro stages, but there also is a new track called DK Summit, which is very similar to DK Mountain, but has a snowy theme like DK Pass from Mario Kart DS. It returns in Mario Kart Tour as a classic track, as well as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as a part of the Booster Course Pass.
While the game features many different karts, this time there are no Donkey Kong themed karts.
Mario Super Sluggers[]
June 19, 2008
Donkey Kong
Mario
Mario Super Sluggers team setup screen, featuring Donkey Kong (1st row, 3rd column from the right), Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Funky Kong (2nd row, respectively 6th, 7th and 8th column from the left), Tiny Kong (3rd row, 4th column from the right), Kritter and King K. Rool (4th row, respectively 3rd and 2nd column from the right).
In this sequel to Mario Superstar Baseball, all characters from the previous game return, including Donkey, Diddy and Dixie Kong, however there also are four new Donkey Kong characters selectable as team players: Funky Kong, who previously appeared in Mario Kart Wii, Kritter, who previously appeared in Super Mario Strikers and its sequel, Tiny Kong, originally from Donkey Kong 64, at her debut in the Mario series, and King K. Rool, the main villain from the Donkey Kong Country series (as well as Donkey Kong 64), also at his debut in the Mario series. The game also features Baby Donkey Kong, but he is actually a character from the Yoshi series. The inclusion of the record total of seven Donkey Kong characters might be due to the new game in the Donkey Kong series, Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, that was released at the same time. Note that the Kritter can actually be in one of four colors: green, blue, red and brown, based on the differently colored Kremlins from the Donkey Kong Country series and red Kritters from Donkey Kong 64.
The game once again features the Chemistry system, and once again all five Kongs have good chemestry with each other, but additionally the three team players Kongs also have good chemistry with Baby Donkey Kong. All five fittingly have bad chemistry with Kritter and King K. Rool, but additionally Tiny Kong also has bad chemistry with Birdo for unknown reasons. On the other hand Kritter and King K. Rool, apart from having bad chemistry with all Kongs, including Baby Donkey Kong, they have good chemestry with each other, and King K. Rool also has good chemistry with King Boo, likely because they're both evil kings. Like all other characters the Donkey Kong ones have good chemestry with Miis of the same color as them, with oddly the only exceptions of Diddy Kong and Funky Kong. Mii colors with good chemistry are brown for Donkey Kong, pink for Dixie Kong, cyan for Tiny Kong, green for King K. Rool and either green, blue, red or brown for Kritter.
This game adds Team names depending on the captain, and Donkey Kong's team is called "DK Wilds", while Diddy Kong's is "Diddy Monkeys".
The DK Jungle stadium also returns from the previous game.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again![]
Game's logo.
June 8, 2009
Donkey Kong
Mario
The third entry in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, retains the same gameplay and basic elements from the previous game. It does feature some new Mini versions of Mario enemies:
- Mini Spear Guy
- Mini Pokey
Mario & Sonic at the Vancouver Olympics[]
Donkey Kong's artwork for the game.
October 13, 2009
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong is a selectable character in Mario & Sonic at the Vancouver Olympics, as well as its sequels, but having already appeared in almost every sport game in the Mario series, he's considered to represent the Mario series, rather than his own (see here for informations about this appearance).
New Super Mario Bros. Wii[]
November 12, 2009
Donkey Kong
Mario
In this game Mario is able to pick up and throw barrels, an ability he originally had in Game Boy Donkey Kong and its sequels.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem![]
Cover of the game.
November 14, 2010
Donkey Kong
Mario
Mini Pauline.
The fourth game in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series retains the same gameplay and storyline elements of the previous games.
The only notable addition is the introduction of the new unlockable Mini toy: Mini Pauline.
Mario Sports Mix[]
November 25, 2010
Donkey Kong
Mario
In this sort of sequel to Mario Basketball 3on3, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are once again selectable, but there no longer is Dixie Kong. There also is a new court, called DK Dock, wich is similar to DK Cruiser in terms of aesthetics, since it also takes place on a raft. This court can be used for playing Dodgeball, Volleyball and Basketball, therefore Hockey is the only sport that can't be played in this court. This court's main feature is its constantly shifting boards, shrinking or enlarging a team's playfield accordingly.
Mario Kart 7[]
Overview of DK Jungle, featuring Donkey Kong's treehouse and some Tiki Goons.
December 01, 2011
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong is once again one of the selectable racers, while the Barrel Train returns a customizable kart body. The game features a new track called DK Jungle, and this time it's specifically based on Donkey Kong Country Returns, taking place in the jungle and featuring some enemies from the game, such as Tiki Goons, and places such as the Golden House and Donkey Kong's treehouse. It also returns in Mario Kart 8 as a retro track.
Mario Party 9[]
March 2, 2012
Donkey Kong
Mario
DK's Jungle Ruins.
Donkey and Diddy Kong return from Mario Party DS to host their own board, called DK's Jungle Ruins, that's the game's last board, purchasable from the Museum for 500 Party Points and cannot be played in Solo Mode. Its theme seems to be based on Donkey Kong Country Returns.
The two Kongs also have their own minigames for the first time after Mario Party 7, but this time they're classified as Boss Minigames, despite still playing like bonus games. They both involve collecting as many bananas as possible and are:
- Diddy's Banana Blast: Diddy Kong's mid-boss minigame, it features Barrel Cannons set in a circle with players launching themselves trough them to collect the bananas in the middle of the stage. Diddy can be seen cheering in the background.
- DK's Banana Bonus: Donkey Kong's boss minigame, it features many Barrel Cannons on the ground and players must use them to launch themselves in the air and get the bananas that fly into the stage from both sides of the screen. Donkey Kong can be seen cheering in the background, and he also occasionally tosses in a golden Barrel Cannon that will move across the top of the screen. If a player manages to reach this cannon, then he or she will be shot into a higher area with banana bunches worth three bananas and one banana bunch worth ten, much like the banana bunches from the Donkey Kong Country series.
Mario Tennis Open[]
DK Jungle in Mario Tennis Open.
May 20, 2012
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong return as playable characters and there also is a new version of the DK Jungle court, featuring a pile of bananas in the background, likely referencing Donkey Kong's Banana Hoard from Donkey Kong Country and its sequels.
Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move[]
May 9, 2013
Donkey Kong
Mario
The fifth installment in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, it differs from the previous games, as the title suggests, in that Donkey Kong is no more the villain. The gameplay also has many differences and there now are Bullet Bills from the Mario series as enemies.
NES Remix[]
December 18, 2013
Donkey Kong
Mario
Stages 14 and 17 of the Remix I challenges, and Stage 4 of the Bonus challenges are mirrored versions of the stages from Donkey Kong, but instead of featuring Mario as the player's character and Pauline as the damsel in distress, the player controls Luigi, and Mario is the person that must be saved. The Stage is 25m in Remix I 14 while it's 75m in Remix 17 and Bonus 4.
Luigi is represented here as a palette swap of Mario, like in most 2D Mario games, and his color scheme is the same as in Super Mario Bros., but for the first time his basic look is based on Mario's sprites from Donkey Kong.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze[]
Cool Bits - Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze's Idle Animation Secrets - 3DS, Partners, & More!
Video showing the idle animation and explaining it in detail.
February 13, 2014
Donkey Kong
Mario
During his idle animation, Donkey Kong is sometimes seen playing a Nintendo 3DS and sounds from various games can be heard, including Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7.
Other games heard include Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D.
Mario Golf: World Tour[]
May 1, 2014
Donkey Kong
Mario
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong return as selectable characters, and there also is a course called DK Jungle, based on Donkey Kong Country Returns.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars[]
March 5, 2015
Donkey Kong
Mario
The sixth game in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, it features the same basic gameplay and plot as the first four games.
The most notable addition is the new mini toy, Mini Luigi.
Mario Party 10[]
March 12, 2015
Donkey Kong
Mario
The Donkey Kong Board.
Donkey Kong returns as a playable character and there also is a Donkey Kong Board, only available in amiibo Party mode by using the Donkey Kong amiibo. It features many elements from the Donkey Kong Country series such as a Barrel Cannon, bananas, a Mine Cart on rails, and Donkey Kong's House. There also is a recreation of Donkey Kong's sprite from the original Donkey Kong on top of a jungle temple, similarly to its background appearance in Doneky Kong Country Returns.
Additionally Donkey Kong's description on the game's official website references a verse from Donkey Kong 64's "DK Rap", when it reads "He's finally back to kick some tail".
Super Mario Maker[]
September 10, 2015
Donkey Kong
Mario
Three of the unlockable costumes that Mario can wear in the game by using a Mystery Mushroom are based on characters from the Donkey Kong series, specifically:
- Donkey Kong Jr.: based on his sprite from Donkey Kong Jr., when worn it replaces the sound effects with sounds from that game.
- Donkey Kong: based on his modern appearance, but redesigned in 8-bit style, when worn it replaces the sound effects with sounds from the original Donkey Kong arcade.
- Diddy Kong: an 8-bit version of his recurring design, when worn it replaces the sound effects with sounds from Donkey Kong Country.
The Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong costumes can alternatively be unlocked by using the respective amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. series.
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge[]
January 28, 2016
Donkey Kong
Mario
The seventh game in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, it doesn't feature Donkey Kong in the title, but it's still officially considered part of the series, since it still stars Mario and Donkey Kong as well as the same gameplay elements.
The various playable Mini Toys are now activated by using the respective amiibo. Only Mario-related characters, both from the Super Mario series of amiibo as well as the Super Smash Bros. series, are used to activate original character toys (the only excluded character is Wario), while using any other amiibo will activate the Mini Spek toy. The only Mini Toy not returning from previous games is Mini Pauline (the returning Mini Toys are therefore Mini Mario, Mini Donkey Kong, Mini Toad, Mini Peach, Mini Luigi), while the new Mini Toys are:
Additionally each Mini Toy now has its own characterized level, specifically:
- Boost Pad Bonanza (Mini Mario): based on New Super Mario Bros. Wii, with background music from Super Mario Bros. 2.
- Barrel Blast Jungle (Mini Donkey Kong): based on Donkey Kong Country Returns, with background music from Donkey Kong Country.
- Balloon Float Castle (Mini Peach): based on Peach's Castle from the Mario series, the background music is Peach's Castle theme from Super Mario 64.
- Mushroom Hills (Mini Toad): a mushroom-themed level.
- Moonlight Mansion (Mini Luigi): based on Luigi's Mansion.
- Fire Ride Fortress (Mini Bowser): based on Bowser's Castle from the Mario series, the background music is the Bowser theme from Super Mario 64.
- Air Tumble Rumble (Mini Bowser Jr.): based on the airship levels from New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
- Mine Cart Cove (Mini Diddy Kong): based on minecart levels in the Donkey Kong Country series.
- Gravity Galaxy (Mini Rosalina): based on Super Mario Galaxy.
- Egg Launch Land (Mini Yoshi): level themed after the Yoshi series, it's specifically based on Yoshi's Woolly World, with background music from Yoshi's Island.
Paper Mario: The Origami King[]
July 17, 2020
Donkey Kong
Mario
Mario wearing the Jungle King Mask.
A paper-mache mask of Donkey Kong, called "Jungle King Mask" in-game, can be found in the staff room of Shogun Studios alongside a Goomba mask and a Samus mask.
Only the Goomba mask is actually useful in the game, being used both to sneak past enemies and to cheer Olivia up when she's crying.
When picking the Jungle King Mask up its description reads "A familiar-looking ape mask. A banana might round out the look."
Using it causes Mario to beat his chest imitating the ape while jungle-style music (bongos and cuíca) play. Olivia and Bobby describe the sounds he's making with the words "Donk" and "Klong".
The Super Mario Bros. Movie[]
License[]
All rights for both series are held by the same company (Nintendo).