Published on: June 18, 2025
Nintendo celebrated an exciting new development for fans of the Donkey Kong franchise during the latest Nintendo Direct, officially confirming that both Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong will be making their return in "Donkey Kong Bananza." This highly anticipated Nintendo Switch release continues the publisher's iconic legacy, bringing cherished characters and fresh gameplay to a new generation of players.
First introduced to the world during the recent "Donkey Kong Bananza" segment of the Nintendo Direct, Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong received further attention on Nintendo’s official social media channels, where new visuals highlighted their latest in-game appearances.
The pair, who have been fan favorites since their debut in earlier titles, are set to return as part of the upcoming minigame "Rambi’s Rumble." Promotional images suggest this lively addition will showcase their dynamic partnership and enduring popularity.
Nintendo representatives revealed that the character models for Diddy and Dixie Kong maintain the classic designs that have defined their look throughout the Donkey Kong series.
Unlike Donkey Kong himself—who features a noticeable redesign for "Donkey Kong Bananza"—Diddy and Dixie appear largely unchanged, in keeping with their established visual legacy.
"The return of both Diddy and Dixie Kong, presented in their familiar iconic forms, reinforces our commitment to honoring the history of the Donkey Kong franchise," stated a Nintendo spokesperson, as shared in Nintendo UK's official announcement on June 18, 2025.
"Donkey Kong Bananza" is poised to make a substantial impact on the Nintendo Switch library.
Over the years, Donkey Kong titles have achieved notable commercial success, with combined series sales surpassing 65 million units worldwide, a testament to their enduring popularity.
As the latest mainline entry, "Donkey Kong Bananza" benefits from Nintendo’s decades-long expertise in platforming and family-friendly entertainment, ensuring anticipation remains high among both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The inclusion of Rambi’s Rumble as a new minigame further builds on Nintendo's tradition of innovative gameplay experimentation within the Donkey Kong universe.
The development team’s decision to emphasize recognizable characters and familiar settings will likely resonate with fans, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
"Donkey Kong Bananza" is scheduled for an exclusive launch on the Nintendo Switch platform, with more details expected as the release window approaches.
For ongoing updates and more Donkey Kong news, follow official Nintendo channels and keep an eye on upcoming Nintendo Direct events.
Donkey Kong Nintendo Nintendo Direct Donkey Kong Bananza Diddy Kong Dixie Kong Nintendo Switch Rambi's Rumble