14 Best Donkey Kong Games of All Time (2026 Update)

Donkey Kong

games have stood the test of time. They blend platforming mastery and jungle-fueled fun across decades of gaming history.

This list celebrates highlights of the

Donkey Kong

series, including games that defined generations and pushed Nintendo hardware to its limits.

I’ve chosen each entry based on its fan reception and lasting appeal. My choices are ranked to showcase how the series has evolved without losing its signature mix of challenge and personality.

New players and older fans alike can find a solid

Donkey Kong

game they haven’t tried before. Compare your favourites and find new adventures to revisit here.

Our Top Picks for The Best Donkey Kong Games

The

Donkey Kong

series has produced some true gaming legends, but a few stand tall above the rest. Here are my top 3 picks that define the franchise.

Donkey Kong Bananza

(2025)

– The newest title, with reimagined gameplay that suits modern audiences. Fluid movement and destructible environments pair make this an entirely different game.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest (1995)

– Often praised as the best SNES platformer ever made, this sequel refined the

Donkey Kong Country

series with better controls and more memorable stages.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

(2018)

– A visually stunning and mechanically perfect modern classic. Challenging bosses and precise platforming make it one of the best

Donkey Kong

games on the Switch.

Each of these titles captures the best of what the

Donkey Kong

series has to offer, but that’s just the start. Keep reading to find the games you may have missed from DK ‘s 40-year legacy.

Best Donkey Kong Games to Jump Into Now

Jump, roll, and swing your way through the ultimate lineup of DK classics and remasters. These 15

Donkey Kong

titles prove why he’s still one of the most iconic characters in Nintendo ‘s lineup. How many of the best

Donkey Kong

games have you played?

Donkey Kong Bananza

Best Modern Donkey Kong Game for New Players

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Third-Person Action/Adventure
Nintendo Switch 2
Creator/s
Nintendo
Average playtime
31.5 Hours
Best for
Well-developed platforming from years of experimentation
What I liked
The destructible environments
The new

Donkey Kong

game,
Donkey Kong Bananza,

shakes up the franchise with a vibrant new adventure. This fantastic game introduces Pauline, Donkey Kong’s companion, who can be played in co-op mode. Her abilities keep the action fresh and engaging.

The platforming is familiar and responsive, but the destructible environments push players to experiment with the way they play the game. It’s a bold entry that modernizes

Donkey Kong

without losing any of the charm. If you haven’t played a DK game before, this is a great place to start.

Why we chose it

Donkey Kong Bananza

proves that the series still has room to evolve while staying true to what fans love most.

My Verdict:

Play

Donkey Kong Bananza

for its lively new characters and inventive spin on classic DK gameplay.

What do players say?

Zavier4728 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ After 100%ing DK Bananza I can safely say that not only is this one of the most fun and polished platforming games I’ve played but also one of Nintendo’s best games ever.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest [Best Fan Favorite Donkey Kong Game]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Side-Scrolling Platformer
Game Body Advance, Super Nintendo
Creator/s
Rare, Nintendo
Average playtime
6.5 Hours
Best for
Tag-team abilities and creative solutions
What I liked

The soundtrack!

Diddy’s Kong Quest takes everything the first DK Country game did right and cranks it up. Its sharper platforming and deeper level design make it a fan favorite, with many saying it’s the best

Donkey Kong Country

game of all time.

Diddy and Dixie’s tag-team abilities let players approach challenges creatively, and the soundtrack is one of the best on the SNES. The difficulty spikes only add to the sense of accomplishment.

Why we chose it

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

is widely considered to be the best

Donkey Kong

game of the 16-bit era for a reason.

My Verdict:

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

is the perfect mix of challenge, atmosphere, and character-driven fun.

What do players say?

tenchibr ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ DKC2 made every level feel fresh and it’s filled with personality. The soundtrack is the best, and Dixie complements Diddy in a way that DK didn’t.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Best Donkey Kong Country Game on Switch

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Platformer Nintendo Switch, Wii U Creator/s Retro Studios, Monster Games, Nintendo Average playtime 14.5 Hours Best for Remastered platforming with buddies What I liked Funky Kong as a playable character The remastered DKC Tropical Freeze brings the Wii U classic to Switch with enough flair and improvements to make it one of the best Nintendo Switch games for DK fans. Tighter controls and the addition of Funky Kong as a new playable character elevated this game to new levels. Meanwhile, dynamic design and rhythmic action make this a joy to play, even when the difficulty can be frustrating.

It’s a nostalgic hit that looks stunning and performs so incredibly smoothly on the Switch. If you loved the original, you’ll have to check this one out.

Why we chose it The Switch version of

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

perfects an already brilliant platformer that makes it more accessible than ever.

My Verdict:

Pick up

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

if you want a visually stunning platformer that rewards skill and persistence.

What do players say?

sakahn ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ There are many other great 2d platformers, but none touches the same heights.

Donkey Kong [Best Way to Experience Donkey Kong Arcade]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Side Scrolling Puzzle Platformer
Game Boy
Creator/s
Nintendo EAD, Nintendo
Average playtime
6 Hours
Best for
Expanded arcade game action
What I liked
Over 100 levels, but all are different
Donkey Kong’s
Game Boy
release brought one of the
best platformer games
in the Arcade to a handheld you could play just about anywhere. It seems simple, but this game became
a surprisingly deep platformer with over 100 inspired levels

that mix puzzles and precision.

This game redefined the arcade formula. Even on such a small screen, the Game Boy port is one of the best ways to experience the original arcade game.

Why we chose it It transformed the

Donkey Kong

arcade roots into a full-blown adventure that still holds up.

My Verdict:

Play

Donkey Kong

on the original Game Boy to experience one of the smartest handheld reinventions of a classic ever made.

What do players say?

cdrex22 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ It’s such a cool concept to take a great arcade game and just expand, expand, expand.

Donkey Kong Country [Best Classic SNES Title You Can Still Play]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Side-Scrolling Platformer
Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Super Nintendo
Creator/s
Rare, Nintendo
Average playtime
4.5 Hours
Best for
Snappy level design on an older console
What I liked
Tag-team mechanics

Donkey Kong Country

was first released in 1994, but you can relive it with your
Nintendo Switch
. This revolutionary platformer is available on the
Nintendo Switch Online’s SNES library
, and it’s definitely one of the
best
Switch SNES
games

in that catalog.

This game’s tag-team features and catchy soundtrack make it a series standout, and the pre-rendered 3D visuals were mindblowing at the time. This game felt fresh then, and the environments are still impressive today.

Why we chose it

Donkey Kong Country

changed the genre forever and remains a cornerstone of the best

Donkey Kong

games list.

My Verdict:

Donkey Kong Country

is a great game to start with if you want to see where

Donkey Kong

‘s modern identity truly began.

What do players say?

AgentSkidMarks ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ I think it has the overall best presentation and the most consistent gameplay, among other things.

Donkey Kong Country Returns [Best Donkey Kong Game Available on 3DS]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Side Scrolling Platformer
Nintendo 3DS, Wii
Creator/s
Retro Studios, Monster Games, Nintendo
Average playtime
14.5 Hours
Best for
Difficulty that feels rewarding
What I liked
Diddy Kong’s Co-op mode
Retro Studios
revived

Donkey Kong

‘s side-scrolling roots in style with

Donkey Kong Country Returns

. This game
blends nostalgic level design with modern polish
, which makes it charming to play. This is the original release, but the
DS
version was so popular that it also received an HD remaster on the
Nintendo Switch

The co-op mode with Diddy Kong makes it replayable, with a familiarity to the levels that never fails to feel fresh.

Why we chose it

Donkey Kong Country Returns

marked a turning point that brought

Donkey Kong

back to platforming greatness.

My Verdict:

Donkey Kong Country Returns

is a must-play for anyone craving a challenging, co-op platformer that honors DK ‘s legacy.

What do players say?

NickOfTime90 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ I like the shorter levels, the lack of water levels and the overall pacing of the game.

Donkey Kong 3 [Best (And Only) Donkey Kong Shooter]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Platformer, Shooter
Arcade, NES, Nintendo Switch
Creator/s
Nintendo
Average playtime
17 Minutes
Best for
Experimental shooter-style gameplay
What I liked
It’s completely unique in the series

Donkey Kong 3

ditched ladders for sprayers in this unique, experimental entry in the series. This is a shooter-style game starring Stanley the Bugman instead of our favorite Kong. You’ll blast insects, pushing DK upwards instead of having him climb. It’s a strange, wonderful entry that is definitely one of the most unique entries in the series. It’s worth a look for its original design alone.

Why we chose it

Donkey Kong 3

is the strangest and most experimental Donkey Kong title ever released.

My Verdict:

Check out

Donkey Kong 3

to see how the series experimented with gameplay before it became a platforming titan.

What do players say?

☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ I think it’s fun, it has some cool animations, and I love the victory theme.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! [Best Puzzles and Exploration in a DK Game]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Side-Scrolling Platformers
Game Boy Advance, Super Nintendo
Creator/s
Rare, Nintendo
Average playtime
6 Hours
Best for
Impressive vintage gaming visuals
What I liked
The overworld design
Dixie and Kiddy Kong take the spotlight in this adventurous sequel that caps off the
SNES

trilogy.

Puzzles and vehicle exploration take you through secret-filled worlds. Impressive visuals and a stunning overworld design make this one of the best

Donkey Kong Country

games to date.

It’s easy to miss DK himself, but this sequel is definitely not short on personality.

Why we chose it It gave the SNES trilogy a creative and satisfying send-off that isn’t short on personality.

My Verdict:

This is a great, shorter game if you love exploration-heavy platformers with a fun mix of thinking and reflexes.

What do players say?

TraditionalTree249 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ DKC3 is a wonderful experience. The music and art are bright and colorful. It helps to give DKC3 a distinct identity.

Donkey Kong 64 [Best Retro 3D Collectathon]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Platformer
Nintendo 64
Creator/s
Rare, Nintendo
Average playtime
29 Hours
Best for
Playing different Kongs
What I liked
The collect-a-thon elements
In 1999,

Donkey Kong

entered the world of 3D with

Donkey Kong 64

. This franchise first introduced
five playable Kongs, all with their own unique skills that would help you run through this collect-a-thon title

. There were so many puzzles and collectibles that it almost seemed overwhelming. Backtracking with each new skill could grow to be a chore, but how else were you supposed to gather everything?

Its humor, scope, and soundtrack made this a classic entry in the
DK
franchise. The successful leap to 3D (pioneering many mechanics that would define the
best 3D pla
tformers
) directly inspired the newest

Donkey Kong

game,

Donkey Kong Bananza.

Why we chose it

Donkey Kong 64

brought the series into 3D gaming in grand, unforgettable style.

My Verdict:

Donkey Kong 64

is the ultimate nostalgic 3D DK adventure with tons of personality and secrets.

What do players say?

Flashy_Section_4812 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ It’s one of the greatest collectathons that Rareware has ever made!

Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Best Mario Appearance in a DK Game

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Side-Scrolling Platformer, Puzzle
Nintendo Switch
Creator/s
Nintendo
Average playtime
7.5 Hours
Best for
Challenging puzzles
What I liked
The cute toy aesthetic
Before
Mario
and
DK
took their rivalry to some of the
best
Nintendo Switch
party games
, there was
Mario vs Donkey Kong
. This is a
remake of the classic 2004 puzzle-platformer that had Mario rescuing Mini-Marios

through puzzles and clever level design. The toy aesthetic and brain-teasing puzzles made figuring out the puzzles that much more satisfying.

Plus, this version includes the bonus Cloud levels and additional content that was only available in the 3DS version of the game. It’s a great definitive experience you can play with your kids.

Why we chose it

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

is the best way to experience a beloved modern classic, now at its visual peak.

My Verdict:

Ideal for players who want the definitive version of one of

Donkey Kong

‘s toughest, most rewarding adventures.

What do players say?

Three_Froggy_Problem ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ It’s arguably better than the original DKC games (though obviously not as historically significant) and it’s one of the best 2D platformers ever.

Donkey Kong Land 2 [Best Portable Donkey Kong Game Of Its Time]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Platformer
Game Boy
Creator/s
Rare, Nintendo
Average playtime
5 Hours
Best for
Portable DK nostalgia
What I liked
Fresh levels and impressive graphics for the time

Donkey Kong Land 2

brought the

Donkey Kong Country

sequel’s charm to the
Game Boy

. At the time, these graphics were seriously impressive.

Despite the smaller screen, the platforming felt faithful to the original.

Fresh level designs and the addition of Dixie Kong gave handheld fans a full-featured DK adventure.

At a time when handheld games were somewhat limited due to the capabilities of the hardware, this game was huge. You could take a full DK game with you anywhere you went, which made this title extremely special for fans of the series.

Why we chose it

It captured the console magic in handheld form, which proved that

Donkey Kong

could work anywhere.

My Verdict:

Great for those wanting the Donkey Kong Country 2 experience on the go.

What do players say?

sludgezone ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Really fun game, playing this on Gameboy when it came out felt like magic cause it plays so similarly to the SNES game.

Donkey Konga [Best Donkey Kong Rhythm Game]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Music/Rhythm
Nintendo GameCube, Wii
Creator/s
Namco, Nintendo
Average playtime
15 Hours
Best for
Rhythm gameplay with bongo peripherals
What I liked

The DK Bongos controller (it’s iconic!)

Donkey Konga

ditched barrels for bongos, turning rhythm into gameplay. Using the now-iconic DK Bongos controller, players clapped and drummed their way through pop songs and classic Nintendo tracks. Fans loved the fun and party vibes, though the limited song selection was a downside. Learn how to get a UK VPN to access more region-locked content.

There’s just something about the pure chaotic fun that this game brought to the table. As one of the most unique rhythm games on the GameCube, the bongo controllers are hard to find now, but they were the peripheral to have back in the day.

Why we chose it It showcased Nintendo ‘s creativity at its wildest, turning music into a

Donkey Kong

celebration.

My Verdict:

Play this for a uniquely joyful, rhythm-based take on

Donkey Kong

‘s world.

What do players say?

newbzoors ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Oh man, I loved this game. I still have the bongos sitting around in my room somewhere.

Everything You Need to Know About Donkey Kong: Games, History, and Legacy

Choosing the best

Donkey Kong

game really depends on what kind of adventure you want. There are so many games that suit different playstyles through the franchise’s long history. Fans of classic platformers should start with

Donkey Kong Country

or Diddy’s Kong Quest for some of the timeless 2D action that

Donkey Kong

is known for.

Modern gamers, on the other hand, would be happier with

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

or the newest

Donkey Kong

game, Donkey Kong Bananaza. Retro gamers can replay

Donkey Kong 64

for some nostalgic 3D collect-a-thon energy.

Across decades,

Donkey Kong

has remained a symbol of challenge and creativity in gaming. Each entry is distinct, with some even offering experimental ways to play your favourite ape.

They all build on the spirit of exploration and precision platforming that started with the original arcade release in 1981. New players and old pros can enjoy the full catalogue of

Donkey Kong

titles with the assurance that there is something there for everyone. They may even become some of your favorite games of all time.

How Many Donkey Kong Games Are There?

Great ideas never go out of style, and nothing is better proof of that than the expansive

Donkey Kong

franchise. There are over 60

Donkey Kong

games, including spin-offs and games made for abandoned or novelty consoles (like the Game & Watch, for instance).

Starting in 1981,

Donkey Kong

has featured in games for the arcade,
NES, Game & Watch, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Wii, DsiWare, 3DS, Wii U
,
Nintendo Switch
, and now the
Nintendo Switch 2

. Nearly every Nintendo console has had a DK game.

That’s over 40 years of gaming history!

Fans of the series were pulled in by the precise, rewarding platforming system, but were often treated to creative twists.

Mario vs Donkey Kong, for instance, had a strong focus on puzzle-solving with the classic Nintendo rivalry. Similarly, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat swapped platforming for rhythmic drumming on the DK Bongo controller.

The
Country
trilogy on the SNES redefined 2D platforming, while newer releases like
Donkey Kong Country HD
and
Tropical Freeze
keep the legacy alive. The new

Donkey Kong Bananza

reinvents the series with 3D platforming and destructible environments. With so many variations, the

Donkey Kong

franchise stands out as one of the most enduring series in gaming.

The History of Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong first appeared in the 1981 arcade classic as a villain hurling barrels at Mario. At the time, Mario was known only as “Jumpman”. That debut launched

Donkey Kong

as a franchise, but it also gave birth to Mario himself. The future of Nintendo (and gaming as a whole) was shaped by this game.

A major shift came in 1994 with

Donkey Kong Country

, which used groundbreaking pre-rendered 3D graphics to revolutionize its platforming design. The game’s success revived Donkey Kong as a fan favorite and solidified his place in gaming history. The jump to full 3D arrived with

Donkey Kong 64

, followed by a host of experimental titles like the rhythm-based Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.

Since then, Donkey Kong has swung into crossover games like Mario Kart, Smash Bros., and Mario Party. As a character, he has lasting appeal. The latest

Donkey Kong

game,

Donkey Kong Bananza

, reimagines the series with modern visuals and co-op gameplay. It preserves the classic charm while pushing into a new era in gaming. Innovative titles of this caliber ensure the series stays competitive with the hits on the Game of the Year nominees 2025 complete list.

Why Is Donkey Kong Called Donkey Kong?

Donkey Kong’s name has been confusing players for decades, but there’s a fun story behind it. When Shigeru Miyamoto created the character in 1981, he wanted to give him a name that communicated that he was a ‘stubborn ape’. Miyamoto consulted an English-Japanese dictionary, believing that “donkey” meant “stubborn” in English. Kong, on the other hand, is a common Japanese term for “gorilla”.

The result was

Donkey Kong

. By the time Nintendo executives tried to correct Miyamoto, he’d grown used to the way the name sounded and refused to change it. It quickly became iconic.

The unusual title (and name) helped the game stand out in arcades. It came to signify Nintendo ‘s playful creativity, which they continue to lean into today.

So while Donkey Kong’s name doesn’t make much sense linguistically, it perfectly captures the spirit of the franchise. It’s strange and memorable, making it exactly the kind of name that only Nintendo could make legendary.

My Overall Verdict on the Best Donkey Kong Games

Donkey Kong

is a huge, sprawling franchise that has something for everyone. With the constant evolution of the series to fit new gaming trends, there’s absolutely a game in the DK franchise that is perfect for you.

Best starting point for new Donkey Kong fans today?

For modern gamers →

Donkey Kong Bananza

Next-gen 3D romp with destructible environments and impactful gameplay.

For clever, remastered platforming → Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

Classic DK vibes with brilliant graphics and a tropical vibe.

For retro DK vibes →

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

A modern remaster of one of the best classic platformers in the DK franchise.

For family-friendly gaming → Mario vs Donkey Kong.

A puzzle-based game that is often challenging, but always engaging.

Every DK era hits differently, but they all share that same wild, banana-fueled charm. Pick your favorite and jump in – the jungle’s always open for another run.

FAQs What is the best Donkey Kong game?

The best

Donkey Kong

game is

Donkey Kong Bananza

. It’s the most recent game and is available for the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s a massively refreshing take on the DK formula that has fans (both new and old) thoroughly impressed.

What makes Donkey Kong Bananza stand out from other Donkey Kong games?

Donkey Kong Bananza

is a 3D platformer that introduces several new mechanics to the franchise. Its destructible environments are satisfying and weighty. Each swing and slam brings immediate gratification. It’s a fresh evolution of a franchise that started as side-scrolling platformer games.

How Old is Donkey Kong?

Donkey Kong

‘s first game debuted in 1981 in a self-titled arcade cabinet. That makes him 44 years old in 2025! In that time, Nintendo and its partners have created over 60 games that feature

Donkey Kong

Is Donkey Kong Country Returns a good choice for modern gamers?

Yes,

Donkey Kong Country Returns

is a great choice for modern gamers who are new to DK games. The HD version on the Nintendo Switch includes a “Modern Mode” for great accessibility, but this doesn’t detract from the difficulty of the core gameplay. It’s a great introduction to the series.

What is the significance of the Donkey Kong arcade games in gaming history?

Donkey Kong

‘s first appearance in a game was in 1981, where he appeared as the villain opposite Mario (back then, he was called ‘Jumpman’). The success of the

Donkey Kong

arcade game also propelled Mario to the forefront of gaming culture, and the rest is history.

How has Donkey Kong evolved from the 1981 original to today’s games?

As a franchise,

Donkey Kong

has always sought to adapt to current gaming trends. The first arcade cabinet featuring DK was a basic 2D platformer. Since then,

Donkey Kong

has introduced new mechanics, game modes, next-gen graphics, and even jumped to 3D exploration!