Diddy Kong Receives New Design Update on Nintendo Switch, Following Donkey Kong Makeover
Entry information
Published on: May 15, 2025
Description
In recent months, Nintendo has continued its tradition of refining beloved characters, with Diddy Kong now receiving a subtle yet impactful redesign for the Nintendo Switch platform.
Following the headline-grabbing update to Donkey Kong's model, which debuted alongside Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s release in January 2024, Diddy Kong’s new appearance has been officially revealed through the Nintendo News channel on Switch.
This character update reflects Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to evolving its iconic franchises for both long-time fans and new generations.
For context, Diddy Kong, first introduced in Donkey Kong Country (1994), has established himself as a mainstay in Nintendo’s game library, appearing in numerous spin-offs and crossover titles across multiple hardware generations.
However, during the extensive marketing push for Nintendo Switch 2 and recent game updates, Diddy Kong’s presence has been notably low-key compared to his iconic uncle, Donkey Kong.
Curiosity heightened in January 2024, when Mario Kart World revealed a vibrant, updated Donkey Kong model.
This prompted many fans and industry watchers to wonder whether Diddy Kong would receive a similar treatment.
That question was answered when the Nintendo News tab showcased Diddy Kong’s fresh look.
When observed side-by-side with his previous design, the updates are immediately evident: Diddy now sports a rounder belly, a more expressive facial structure featuring newly visible teeth, and—most notably—a redesigned red cap.
Instead of the classic white Nintendo logo, the cap now proudly features a DK pin, a design element reminiscent of his cameo in The Super Mario Bros.
Movie, as highlighted by gaming journalist Chris Scullion.
Compared to Donkey Kong’s extensive visual overhaul, Diddy’s redesign is more understated, focusing on subtle refinements that align with contemporary Nintendo aesthetics while maintaining the character’s distinctive personality.
These updates reflect both a reverence for Diddy’s classic roots and a desire to ensure continuity with the evolving Donkey Kong franchise.
So far, the new Diddy Kong model has yet to be featured in upcoming titles such as Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong Bananza.
However, given Nintendo’s pattern of synchronizing character assets across their modern game lineup, it is anticipated that Diddy’s refreshed design will make appearances in future first-party releases and events on Nintendo Switch and beyond.
Nintendo has not issued a formal statement specifying when or where fans can expect to see Diddy Kong’s new look in gameplay.
In the meantime, the company has engaged its audience by inviting feedback and discussion within the Switch News ecosystem.
With Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and the promise of further Switch announcements, Nintendo continues to demonstrate its leadership in reshaping the legacy of its classic characters.
As fans await Diddy Kong’s next major appearance, the latest redesign underscores Nintendo’s enduring commitment to creative evolution and fan engagement.
