Every Single Kong in the Donkey Kong Universe

It’s clear from Donkey Kong’s games that Nintendo, Rare, and other developers involved in the series constantly come up with fresh ideas for quirky new companions, relatives, and adversaries for the iconic ape. The abundance of “Kong” characters suggests that “Kong” might be a role or title rather than a family name.

With the acclaimed “Donkey Kong Bananza” released now, it’s an excellent opportunity to catalog all the various Kong characters who have graced Nintendo consoles throughout the years. Here’s a rundown of some notable Kong characters and their connections (which may be complex or revised) with the rest of the cast.

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong, one of Nintendo’s earliest famous characters, has changed quite a bit over time. However, the game “Donkey Kong Bananza” brings back memories of DK as a lovable, one-dimensional tough guy who just can’t resist bananas. You could call him gaming’s original ‘himbo’.

Donkey Kong Jr.

In an alternate universe, Mario is the antagonist in a video game. This might seem unbelievable, but it’s true! The game Donkey Kong Jr. stars the titular character as he scales vines to rescue his dad from the villainous plumber with a mustache. Since then, Donkey Kong Jr. has not had a significant role until Mario Tennis for Nintendo 64. Depending on your perspective, either Donkey Kong Jr. grew up into the present-day Donkey Kong or things have become increasingly complex and vague from this point onwards.

Cranky Kong

In the world of Donkey Kong Country, there’s a grumpy character who could be either Donkey Kong’s dad or granddad. Some speculate he might even be the original Donkey Kong from the 1981 arcade game. But Nintendo doesn’t seem too concerned about his origins, so we shouldn’t worry either. What matters is that he’s a blast to play as, especially with his cane that bounces like Scrooge McDuck’s money bin in Tropical Freeze!

Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong

Diddy Kong stands out on his own, often leading his own successful kart racing game. He’s not just Donkey Kong’s friend, but also possibly his nephew, depending on various sources. In the “Super Smash Bros.” games, he’s quite formidable. We eagerly await who among the famous (yet perhaps imprudent) will be chosen to portray him in the rumored Donkey Kong film.

In a universe where connections aren’t always obvious, there’s no debate that Dixie Kong is Diddy Kong’s significant other. While she may not have been featured as prominently as him across various games, she certainly leaves an impact wherever she appears. Her helicopter-like ponytail ability in Tropical Freeze arguably makes her the most exceptional sidekick in that particular game.

Funky Kong

Hey there! Ever wondered who’s the grooviest primate hanging out in the jungle? Well, let me tell you, I ain’t met no one cooler than Funky Kong. With his iconic banana and shades, he’s a legend, even getting a spoof on Saturday Night Live by Kenan Thompson! And don’t get me started on that legendary Funky Mode in Tropical Freeze – it’s the cherry on top of an already awesome platformer. With Funky’s surfboard being a total game-changer, it makes the tough levels feel like a piece of cake. So yeah, Funky Kong is definitely the king of the jungle when it comes to style and swagger!

Kiddy Kong

If you’re looking for a video game that feels like playing with a baby, I’d recommend giving Donkey Kong Country 3 a try. In this game, Dixie Kong is taking care of her little cousin, Kiddy Kong, who steps in as the second character. Some might find this one of the less memorable games in the DKC series. After all, we haven’t heard much about Kiddy Kong since then, and it seems unlikely that many players miss him.

Chunky Kong, Tiny Kong, and Lanky Kong

If you’ve given a good ear to the catchy DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64, you’re already acquainted with the eccentric DK Crew from that 3D game. Tiny Kong is Dixie’s little sister and the only one who appears older, shown as a teenager in more recent portrayals. Chunky Kong is both Tiny and Dixie’s cousin and Kiddy Kong’s elder brother, while Lanky Kong seems to just hang around.

Candy Kong

bananas.

Swanky Kong

Switch places, Funky Kong: it’s actually Swanky Kong who embodies the most fashionable monkey out there. He graces bonus games in the second and third Donkey Kong Country series, bringing a touch of elegance to those fun side quests. His charisma is something that’s noticeably absent in more contemporary Donkey Kong games.

Bluster Kong

In a different phrasing: The counterpart to the laid-back character Kong is Bluster Kong from the animated TV series, a relentless capitalist who constantly causes trouble for DK. To make matters worse, this oddball often flirts with Kandy Kong, even though she’s in a relationship with DK in the show’s storyline. Your flashy hairstyle and mustache aren’t helping your case, Bluster.

Wrinkly Kong

In this rephrased version: This character, Wrinkly Kong, who was previously married to Cranky Kong and appeared lively in the second and third DKC games, is deceased in Donkey Kong 64. It’s puzzling as to why Rare opted to kill her off but still utilized her character, now portrayed as a ghost. Her spectral form participating in rocket racing in Barrel Blast adds an amusing twist to the series.

Dread Kong, Karate Kong, Ninja Kong, and Sumo Kong

In the game Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, these Kongs, often malevolent in nature, assert control over various jungle territories. The only solution for our hero DK seems to be a continuous barrage of well-timed punches. Each of them carries a unique name and appearance that reflects their distinct fighting styles, with the exception of Dread Kong, who simply goes by his hairstyle – dreadlocks. To be honest, it’s becoming challenging to think up new characters for these Kongs in the game.

Rabbid Kong

Is this included, then? It seems that the unexpected hit for Nintendo Switch, “Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle,” introduces a massive character resembling Donkey Kong as an adversary. Interestingly, he appears in a DLC story where he confronts the actual king of the jungle. Surprisingly, despite his enormous size and hostile behavior, Rabbid Kong retains a certain charm.

Poppy Kong, Grumpy Kong, and Void Kong

The newest installments in the Donkey Kong universe introduce the Void Company, featuring Void Kong, Poppy Kong, and Grumpy Kong who are running a mysterious mining operation with a dark tone. Their designs stand out significantly from the Donkey Kong era of Rare, but what really catches the eye is the tiny hat perched atop Grumpy Kong’s head. Only time will reveal if these three characters leave a lasting impression on the fan community.

2025-07-26 16:10