Nintendo Unveils Updated Diddy Kong Design Following Donkey Kong Revamp

Nintendo has revealed a refreshed design for Diddy Kong, following the earlier overhaul of the iconic Donkey Kong character.

Earlier this year, fans spotted noticeable updates to Donkey Kong's appearance in official artwork and early Mario Kart World footage.

Nintendo has now shared a new look for Diddy Kong through artwork on its website and brand displays at Licensing Expo 2025, currently underway in Las Vegas.

As reported by Nintendo Life, the images reveal a more cartoonish Diddy Kong, featuring rounder eyes and a playful, welcoming smile.

Visitors to Licensing Expo 2025, a trade event for brands to promote franchises and secure merchandising deals, can view the updated Diddy Kong and Donkey Kong designs, as shared in photos by attendee Cptn_Alex on social media.

Nintendo has not officially addressed the redesigns of Diddy Kong or Donkey Kong, though many attribute the changes to their appearances in the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Princess Peach also received a subtle redesign, with her updated look on the box art for Princess Peach: Showtime! on Nintendo Switch aligning closely with her cinematic depiction, as previously noted by IGN sister site Eurogamer.

Of course this post is popping off lmao. Here’s a better look at the new render :)

via Nintendo booth @ Licensing Expo pic.twitter.com/QzxJOWs9gF

— CptnAlex (@Cptn_Alex) May 20, 2025

Donkey Kong will star in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game Donkey Kong Bananza. While Diddy Kong’s involvement is unconfirmed, the inclusion of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong and Nintendo’s efforts to refine Diddy’s design suggest his participation is likely.

With the upcoming sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, tentatively titled Super Mario World, Donkey Kong’s prominent role in the first film and Diddy Kong’s cameo make it probable that both characters will appear with their updated designs.