After Redesigning Donkey Kong, Nintendo Has Tweaked Another Classic Character — and Here's Our Best Look Yet

Nintendo has recently unveiled an updated design for Diddy Kong, following the earlier redesign of his iconic companion, Donkey Kong. This year, fans observed significant alterations to Donkey Kong's appearance in official artwork and early footage from Mario Kart World.

Now, Nintendo has shared new artwork of Diddy Kong, which was displayed at the Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas and featured on the company's website. According to Nintendo Life, the updated Diddy Kong boasts a more cartoonish style, characterized by rounder eyes and a playful, more approachable smile.

Photos from the Licensing Expo 2025, shared by attendee Cptn_Alex on social media, showcase the new designs for both Diddy and Donkey Kong.

Image credit: Nintendo.Image credit: Nintendo.

While Nintendo has not officially commented on these changes, they are believed to align with the character designs seen in the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Even Princess Peach received a subtle redesign, with her appearance on the box art for Princess Peach: Showtime! on the Nintendo Switch updated to match her look from the movie, as noted by 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 game, Donkey Kong Bananza. Although Diddy Kong's involvement has not been confirmed, the presence of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong, combined with the recent update to Diddy's appearance, suggests a high likelihood of his inclusion.

Additionally, the upcoming sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, tentatively titled Super Mario World, is expected to feature more of Nintendo's beloved Kong characters, including the newly redesigned Diddy Kong.