Donkey Kong Still Reigns: Dwayne Johnson Hails Nintendo Classic as His All-Time Favorite

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the globally recognized actor and former professional wrestler, has revealed his enduring admiration for one of Nintendo’s most legendary arcade titles: the original Donkey Kong.

During a recent promotional interview with IGN for his upcoming film, The Smashing Machine, Johnson was asked to name his favorite video game of all time—a question that sparked nostalgia for an entire generation of gamers. Initially, Johnson, known for his success both in the WWE’s 'Attitude' era and in blockbuster films like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Black Adam, mentioned EA Sports’ long-standing Madden NFL franchise as his go-to choice when gaming at home.

However, the conversation quickly shifted to Donkey Kong, Nintendo's seminal 1981 arcade release.

When comparing Donkey Kong to its later sequels on platforms such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Nintendo 64, Johnson responded with characteristic wit, suggesting that none of the subsequent entries rival the impact of the original arcade classic. "For me, the original Donkey Kong is untouchable," Johnson remarked, noting the game's lasting significance in both his own life and the broader gaming culture.

His comments, delivered with a warm smile, reflected his affection for the title that not only introduced the iconic ape but also marked the debut of Mario—one of gaming's most recognizable figures. Donkey Kong’s legacy as a Nintendo milestone is undisputed.

Released at a pivotal juncture in the early 1980s, the game was instrumental in establishing Nintendo as a force in the burgeoning video game industry.

The addictive gameplay and innovative level design made Donkey Kong a fixture in arcades across the globe, paving the way for the company's future successes on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and its robust digital storefront, the eShop. The classic’s influence endures far beyond its initial coin-operated release.

In 2007, Donkey Kong gained renewed cultural relevance with the acclaimed documentary, The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, which chronicled the intense competition among high-score chasers.

Today, the Donkey Kong brand includes beloved titles such as Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong 64, but for fans like Johnson—and much of the broader gaming community—the original remains the definitive experience. Dwayne Johnson’s endorsement of Donkey Kong underlines the timeless appeal of Nintendo’s early innovation and the studio’s profound impact on video game history.

As the franchise continues to find new audiences on contemporary platforms, the legacy of that 1981 classic shows no signs of fading, securing its place as a touchstone for gamers and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

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