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Nintendo Tweaks Another Classic Character Post-Donkey Kong Redesign

By JulianMay 22,2025

Nintendo has recently unveiled a refreshed appearance for Diddy Kong, following the earlier redesign of his larger counterpart, Donkey Kong. Earlier this year, fans noticed significant alterations to Donkey Kong's design in official artwork and in the initial footage of Mario Kart World.

Now, Nintendo has shared new artwork of Diddy Kong on their website and at the Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas, showcasing a more cartoonish version of the character. This updated Diddy Kong features rounder eyes and a more playful, friendly smile.

As reported by Nintendo Life, the following images illustrate the new, more animated take on Diddy Kong:

Image credit: Nintendo.

Image credit: Nintendo.

Attendees at the Licensing Expo 2025, an event dedicated to brands showcasing their franchises and forging merchandising and partnership deals, can see the revamped Diddy (and Donkey) Kong in person. Photos shared by attendee Cptn_Alex on social media provide a glimpse of the new designs.

Nintendo has not officially commented on the changes to Diddy Kong, nor the earlier alterations to Donkey Kong. However, these redesigns are believed to be inspired by the characters' appearances in the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Even Princess Peach has undergone a slight redesign. Her appearance on the box art for her Switch game, Princess Peach: Showtime!, was updated to more closely resemble her movie version, as previously 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. Although Diddy Kong's inclusion has not been confirmed, the presence of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong, along with the recent update to Diddy's look, suggests a strong possibility of his appearance.

Moreover, 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, following Donkey Kong's prominent role and Diddy's cameo in the first film.

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