Nintendo Tweaks Another Classic Character Post-Donkey Kong Redesign: First Look

Nintendo has revealed a refreshed appearance for Diddy Kong, following recent updates to the iconic design of his larger companion, Donkey Kong. Earlier this year, adjustments to Donkey Kong's aesthetic were observed in official artwork and early footage from Mario Kart: World Tour. Now, similar transformations have surfaced for Diddy Kong, showcased through images from Nintendo's website and displayed at Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas.

As highlighted by Nintendo Life, the new depiction of Diddy Kong features a more cartoonish touch, with softer, rounder eyes and a warmer, friendlier grin. Attendees at Licensing Expo 2025, an event where brands exhibit their franchises for licensing opportunities, also caught sight of the updated Diddy and Donkey Kong designs, as shared by attendee Cptn_Alex on social media.

Image credit: Nintendo.

Image credit: Nintendo.

While Nintendo has remained silent regarding these modifications, the changes align closely with the characters' appearances in the highly successful animated film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Even Princess Peach has undergone subtle alterations, with her box art for the Nintendo Switch game Princess Peach: Showtime! adopting a style reminiscent of her cinematic counterpart, as noted by IGN sister site Eurogamer.

Of course this post is blowing up! Here’s a closer look at the new Diddy Kong design from the Nintendo booth at Licensing Expo!
via Twitter @Cptn_Alex

Donkey Kong will return prominently in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title Donkey Kong Bananza, and although Diddy Kong's involvement remains unconfirmed, the inclusion of other Kongs like Cranky Kong and the recent attention to Diddy's redesign suggest his potential participation. Furthermore, anticipation builds for the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, titled Super Mario World, where audiences may witness even more appearances of Nintendo's beloved primates in their revamped forms.