Nintendo has unveiled a fresh take on Diddy Kong, following a similar redesign of his iconic partner, Donkey Kong. Earlier this year, fans observed significant changes to Donkey Kong's appearance in official artwork and early footage from Mario Kart World.
Now, Diddy Kong has also received a makeover, which is evident in new artwork featured on Nintendo's website and at the Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. As reported by Nintendo Life, the updated Diddy Kong sports a more playful and cartoonish style, characterized by rounder eyes and a more mischievous, friendly smile.
Visitors at the Licensing Expo 2025, a venue for brands to showcase their intellectual properties and negotiate merchandising and partnership deals, have the opportunity to view the new designs of both Diddy and Donkey Kong. Photos shared by attendee Cptn_Alex on social media highlight these changes.
Image credit: Nintendo.
Image credit: Nintendo.
Nintendo has not officially addressed the redesigns of Diddy Kong and the previous alterations to Donkey Kong, but these changes are thought to be influenced by the characters' appearances in the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Even Princess Peach has undergone a subtle redesign. Her appearance on the box art for the Nintendo Switch game Princess Peach: Showtime! was updated to more closely resemble her portrayal 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 title, Donkey Kong Bananza. While Diddy Kong's involvement has not been confirmed, the inclusion of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong, along with Nintendo's efforts to update Diddy Kong's look, suggests a high likelihood of his participation.
Additionally, the upcoming sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, tentatively titled Super Mario World, is expected to feature more of Nintendo's beloved apes, including the newly redesigned Diddy Kong.
