Nintendo has unveiled a refreshed appearance for Diddy Kong, following the recent redesign of his iconic partner, Donkey Kong. Earlier in the year, fans noticed significant updates to Donkey Kong's design in official artwork and early footage from Mario Kart World.
Now, Nintendo has shared new artwork of Diddy Kong, available on the company's website and showcased at the Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. As reported by Nintendo Life, the updated Diddy Kong features a more cartoonish style, characterized by rounder eyes and a cheekier, friendlier smile.
Attendees at the Licensing Expo 2025, where brands display their franchises and forge merchandising and partnership deals, can see the new designs of both Diddy and Donkey Kong. Photos from attendee Cptn_Alex on social media have provided a glimpse of these changes.
Image credit: Nintendo.
Image credit: Nintendo.Nintendo has not officially commented on the redesigns of Diddy Kong and Donkey Kong. However, these updates are believed to align with the characters' appearances in the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Princess Peach has also undergone a slight redesign. Her appearance on the box art for the Switch game Princess Peach: Showtime! has been updated to match her look from the movie, as noted by IGN's sister site, 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 title, Donkey Kong Bananza. Although Diddy Kong's inclusion has not been confirmed, the presence of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong, along with the recent updates to Diddy's design, suggests a high likelihood of his involvement.
Moreover, with the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel, tentatively titled Super Mario World, fans can expect to see more of Nintendo's beloved apes, complete with their new designs. Donkey Kong had a prominent role in the first film, and Diddy Kong made a cameo, hinting at their continued presence in the franchise.
