Nintendo has unveiled an updated design for Diddy Kong, following the recent redesign of his larger companion, Donkey Kong. Earlier this year, fans noticed significant alterations to Donkey Kong's appearance in official artwork and early footage of Mario Kart World.
Now, Nintendo has shared new artwork of Diddy Kong on their website and at Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. As reported by Nintendo Life, the new images depict Diddy Kong with a more cartoonish style, featuring rounder eyes and a playful, friendly smile.
Attendees at the Licensing Expo 2025, a venue for brands to showcase their franchises and secure merchandising and partnership deals, have the opportunity to see the refreshed designs of both Diddy and Donkey Kong. Photos shared by attendee Cptn_Alex on social media provide a glimpse of these updated characters.
Image credit: Nintendo.
Image credit: Nintendo.
Nintendo has not officially commented on the redesigns of Diddy Kong and the earlier changes to Donkey Kong. However, these updates are believed to align with the characters' appearances in the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Even Princess Peach has undergone a slight redesign, with her appearance on the box of her Switch game, Princess Peach: Showtime!, resembling her look in the movie, as noted by IGN's 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 is set to star in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game, Donkey Kong Bananza. While Diddy Kong's involvement has not been confirmed, the presence of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong, coupled with the recent redesign, suggests a strong possibility of his inclusion.
Furthermore, the upcoming sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, tentatively titled Super Mario World, is expected to feature more of Nintendo's iconic apes, including the newly redesigned Diddy Kong.
