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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Games & Tech

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong is a Nintendo video game franchise and media series created by Shigeru Miyamoto.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Donkey Kong is a Nintendo video game franchise and media series created by Shigeru Miyamoto, starting with the 1981 arcade game. It centres on the large gorilla Donkey Kong (DK) and the Kong family.

What it is

Donkey Kong is a flagship Nintendo property that began as an arcade game in 1981. The franchise includes platform games like the Donkey Kong Country series, spin-offs in racing, puzzle, and rhythm genres, and crossover appearances in the Mario franchise. Donkey Kong is typically depicted as a powerful gorilla and leader of the Kong family.

Key details

The franchise spans multiple game series: the original arcade trilogy, Donkey Kong Country (developed by Rare and Retro Studios), and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. It has expanded into animation, printed media, theme parks, and merchandise. Nintendo of Canada distributes these products, making Donkey Kong widely known to Canadian players.

Why it matters

Donkey Kong is one of Nintendo's earliest and most enduring characters, appearing in both his own series and the Mario franchise. His success helped establish Nintendo's presence in the video game industry and continues to influence crossover media and theme park attractions.

In short

  • Donkey Kong debuted in 1981 as an arcade game by Shigeru Miyamoto.
  • The franchise includes platformers, spin-offs, and crossover appearances with Mario.
  • It has expanded into animation, print, theme parks, and merchandise.
  • Nintendo of Canada distributes Donkey Kong products to Canadian players.
Canadian angle

Nintendo of Canada distributes Nintendo products in Canada, so Donkey Kong is widely known to Canadian players through Nintendo game releases, merchandise, and crossover appearances.

Quick questions

What is Donkey Kong?
Donkey Kong is a Nintendo video game franchise and media franchise built around the character Donkey Kong.
Who created Donkey Kong?
The franchise was created by Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo.
Is Donkey Kong part of the Mario franchise?
Donkey Kong appears in the Mario franchise as well as in his own series, with recurring crossover roles across Nintendo games.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong
    Supports: Franchise overview, creator, media expansion, and series structure.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(character)
    Supports: Character description, Nintendo flagship status, and appearance in Mario franchise.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(1981_video_game)
    Supports: 1981 arcade debut, original game details, and Mario's first appearance.
  4. MarioWiki — https://www.mariowiki.com/History_of_Donkey_Kong
    Supports: Historical development and appearances across games and media.