Diddy Kong’s Future: Debunking Claims of His Removal from Nintendo Games

In recent months, rumors across the gaming community have suggested that Nintendo is gradually phasing out Diddy Kong—a beloved figure who has been a staple of the Donkey Kong universe since the 1990s.

These claims have sparked debate, largely fueled by the relative inactivity of the Donkey Kong franchise during the Nintendo Switch era.

However, a review of recent releases, game appearances, and media investments shows there is no substantial evidence that Nintendo is sidelining Diddy Kong. During the Nintendo Switch generation, the Donkey Kong series saw limited new content, with its only titles—Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD—serving as remasters and ports of previous hits rather than new entries.

This era of dormancy naturally resulted in fewer appearances for Diddy Kong.

Outside of his playable roles in Super Mario Party and Mario Tennis Aces (both released in 2018 for Switch), Diddy Kong was absent from titles like Mario Party Superstars, Mario Party Jamboree, and Mario Golf: Super Rush. Diddy Kong’s presence in Mario Kart has also fluctuated.

Notably, he was not part of the initial roster for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a title that launched for Switch in 2017.

Fans welcomed his return via the Booster Course Pass DLC in 2023—over five years after the main game debuted on the platform.

While some may view this sporadic inclusion as cause for concern, it aligns more closely with the overall lack of new Donkey Kong content throughout the Switch’s life cycle. Upcoming projects have further intensified speculation.

Donkey Kong Bananza, the highly anticipated 3D platformer announced during a recent Nintendo Direct, introduces a redesign for Donkey Kong, prompting some to question how existing characters—particularly those originated by Rare, like Diddy Kong—will fit into the new vision.

Despite these uncertainties, early gameplay footage confirms Cranky Kong’s characteristic appearance, suggesting Nintendo is not retiring secondary Kong characters wholesale.

Although Diddy Kong has not yet been confirmed as a playable or non-playable character for Bananza, the precedent suggests he is likely to make at least a cameo. Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Country expansion, opening in 2024 at Universal Studios Orlando, further affirms Diddy Kong’s continued relevance.

The attraction is based heavily on Donkey Kong Country Returns—a game where Diddy Kong is a central figure.

It would be inconsistent for Nintendo to spotlight Diddy Kong in a major theme park expansion while simultaneously removing him from video games, particularly as Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and other classic characters remain central to the park's marketing and ride design. While Diddy Kong has yet to be announced for upcoming titles like Mario Kart World, his gradual reintegration into high-profile Nintendo Switch games and physical attractions demonstrates the company’s enduring commitment to the character.

Across platforms and media, Diddy Kong maintains a loyal fanbase and iconic status.

As the Donkey Kong franchise moves forward with the release of Bananza and the growing footprint of Universal theme parks, industry trends and company actions indicate Diddy Kong is here to stay—ready to swing back into the spotlight as Nintendo explores the next chapter for one of its most beloved universes.

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