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Diddy Kong
Diddy Kong (Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze)
Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
Alias(es) Little Buddy
Little Warrior
Donkey Kong Wannabe
Champion of Chimpanzees
The Fastest Kong of Them All
The Acrobat
Second Banana
Prince of the Jungle[citation needed]
Homeland Donkey Kong Island


Residence(s) Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong's Treehouse
Family Donkey Kong (uncle/brother figure),
Cranky Kong (great grandfather),
Wrinkly Kong (great grandmother; deceased),
Dixie Kong (girlfriend),
Donkey Kong Jr. (grandfather)
Species Kong
Sub-Species Spider monkey[1]
Gender Male
Affiliation(s) Kong Family
Powers/Abilities High agility,
Quick momentum,
Tremendous strength,
Skilled climber,
Ground-pound,
Cartwheel attack,
Banana generation (Super Smash Bros. series),
Peanut Popguns,
Rocketbarrels,
Electric guitar (DK 64),
Blowing gusts of wind (DKCR & DKCR 3D)
Enemies King K. Rool,
Kremling Krew,
KAOS,
Wizpig,
Tiki Tong,
Tiki Tak Tribe,
Bowser,
Bowser Jr.,
Lord Fredrik, The Snowmad King,
Snowmads
Game(s) Every Donkey Kong game (excluding the classic Donkey Kong series games and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat)
Mario spinoff
Super Smash Bros. series (since Brawl)
Skylanders: SuperChargers
First Appearance Donkey Kong Country (for SFC/SNES) (1994)
Latest Appearance Mario Strikers: Battle League (2022)
Voice Actor/Actress Mark Betteridge (1994–1995),
Chris Sutherland (1997-2002),
Katsumi Suzuki[2] (2004-present),
Andrew Sabiston[3] (in the DKC TV series)
"Long-established second half of the big Kong double act, DK's nephew Diddy makes ever-bigger leaps and bounds towards fully-fledged videogame hero status with his part in each successful overthrow of K. Rool's hordes. He's more feisty and versatile than ever this time around, with the familiar cartwheel assault still intact and a whole host of new abilities at hand, including mastery of those very useful Jetbarrels."
Donkey Kong 64 - The Cast List[4]

Diddy Kong is the secondary Kong protagonist of the Donkey Kong series along with Donkey Kong. He is the fastest and most agile member of the Kong Family, a rather quick thinker on the fly, and Donkey Kong's eager best friend.

He is has been described by his designer as a "chimpney", a portmanteau merging the terms "chimpanzee" and "monkey". The type of monkey he was based on is a spider monkey.[1]

Diddy's look and role originally started as an updated/re-imagined Donkey Kong Jr., however Nintendo not being a fan of the new look encouraged Rare to make the redesign a separate character that fit in with their Donkey Kong Country universe, hence Rare's mascot Diddy Kong was born. He is a creation of the British company, Rare; however, he has the Nintendo logo on his red hat. This is to signify the actual publisher of the Donkey Kong series. Diddy has also gone on countless adventures by himself and has even starred in his own racing game for the Nintendo 64 and its remake/sequel for the Nintendo DS, games where he was the one that defeated Wizpig multiple times. He is also a recurring racer in the Mario Kart series as well as Mario sports games.

The name "Diddy" is a slang word used in some parts of northern England meaning "small", as Diddy Kong is one of the smallest Kong Family members (along with his girlfriend[5], Dixie Kong (who is the same size as Diddy) and her sister Tiny Kong (before Diddy Kong Racing DS), Diddy could also be used to describe a type of tune/song.

He is designed by Rare, specifically Kevin Bayliss who also designed Donkey Kong the Third, and is currently voiced by Katsumi Suzuki[2] but was voiced by Chris Sutherland in the games Diddy Kong Racing and Donkey Kong 64. In the Super Smash Bros. game series, Diddy Kong was given realistic spider monkey screeches, recorded by the late Walt Disney, instead of the respective voice actors from the Donkey Kong game series, where Diddy Kong was given a cartoonish voice. He was voiced by Andrew Sabiston[3] in the English version of the Donkey Kong Country animated series.

Biography[]

The First Adventure[]

Diddy1

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Donkey Kong Country.

Diddy Kong first appeared in Donkey Kong Country, where he was still Donkey Kong's apprentice and an in-training Video-Game Star. One day, Donkey told the inexperienced Diddy to guard their huge banana hoard until midnight, as part of his training. Unfortunately, once Diddy was assigned the task, the Kremling Krew attacked. Diddy was able to defeat a handful of Kremlings, but was eventually overpowered by Krusha. Afterwards, Diddy was sealed in a barrel to no longer hinder the Kremlings' mission.

The next morning, Donkey awoke and realized that Diddy and the bananas were missing. He found and released Diddy and the two set off to reclaim their bananas and drive the Kremlings off of Donkey Kong Island. Eventually, Donkey and Diddy managed to defeat King K. Rool and the Kremling Krew.

In the game, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong have the same basic abilities such as jumping, running, and rolling. Diddy is the weaker Kong, which makes him unable to defeat Krushas or Klumps by a jump attack, unlike Donkey Kong. Diddy is more agile and can jump higher and move faster than Donkey Kong. When Diddy picks up a barrel, he holds it in front, protecting himself from an enemy. He cannot throw a barrel as far as Donkey Kong.

In the Game Boy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country, it introduces a mode called 1 Player Hero, also known as Hero Mode (building on the plot-point of Diddy's Hero-in-Training Status from the manual), where Diddy Kong is the only playable character and clad in yellow (just like he wears in the mode Two-Player Contest in the original Super Family Computer/Super Nintendo Entertainment System version of the game) while Donkey Kong is napping. Throughout stages of this harder mode, there are no DK Barrels nor Star Barrels.

A False Fight[]

Unfortunately, this victory was short-lived as, shortly afterwards, Diddy and Donkey Kong were tricked into a bet by Cranky Kong in the game Donkey Kong Land, and the two once again set off to reclaim Donkey and Diddy's golden bananas from K. Rool. In the end, Diddy and DK managed to defeat King K. Rool and his Kremling Krew once more on their first 8-bit adventure. It was not too hard for them considering it was a similar fight.

Saving Donkey Kong[]

Diddy4

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Donkey Kong Country 2.

After the events of Donkey Kong Land, all seemed well for Diddy Kong; he even got a girlfriend by the name of Dixie Kong. Unfortunately, disaster soon struck in Donkey Kong Country 2, when the Kremling Krew kidnapped Donkey Kong and whisked him away to their own island, Crocodile Isle. Kaptain K. Rool threatened to never return Donkey Kong unless he was given the banana hoard, which Diddy refused to give it because all the trouble that he and Donkey Kong went through to recover it in the previous game.

Diddy feels that because he was originally responsible for guarding the banana hoard as part of his Hero Training, it is his fault that K. Rool managed to steal them and that this is his chance for redemption and prove that he is a hero in his own right. It was up to Diddy and Dixie to venture through Crocodile Isle and rescue Donkey Kong from K. Rool. Near the end of Donkey Kong Country 2, Donkey Kong was rescued by Diddy and Dixie and Crocodile Isle sank into the ocean. Diddy had saved the day once more.

In the game, Diddy retains his abilities from Donkey Kong Country. In the GBA version, Diddy is featured in a time attack mode, Diddy's Dash, where the player controls only Diddy through individual stages without the aid of Dixie.

The Revival of Crocodile Isle[]

After DK's rescue, Diddy and the rest of the Kongs once again went back to relaxing in Donkey Kong Land 2. Unfortunately, K. Rool and the Kremlings struck again. After raising their island back up to the surface, the Kremlings kidnapped Donkey Kong once more. Diddy and Dixie had to once again venture to Crocodile Isle and rescue Donkey Kong. After a long journey, Diddy and Dixie had once again saved DK.

From Hero to Captive[]

Diddy Kong ended up captured in the events of Donkey Kong Country 3. After the stressing events of Donkey Kong Land 2, Diddy and Donkey decided to go vacationing in the Northern Kremisphere, planning to return to Donkey Kong Island in a few days time. The duo never came back. Dixie, worried about the two Kongs, decided to venture to the Northern Kremisphere to search for them, her cousin Kiddy Kong in tow with her. After Dixie and Kiddy defeated Baron K. Roolenstein, they discovered that KAOS, K. Rool's stand-in leader for the Kremling Krew, contained Diddy and Donkey. It seemed K. Rool had abducted Diddy and Donkey for the purpose of using their brain energy to power KAOS. When rescued, Diddy and Donkey went back to Donkey Kong Island and left Dixie and Kiddy take care of the Kremling Krew. In the Game Boy Advance remake, Diddy appears in the Funky's Rentals mission "Protect", as one of the Kongs that Dixie and Kiddy must protect from the Kremlings.

A Reckless Adventure[]

A few months after the events of Donkey Kong Country 3, Diddy and Donkey Kong, restless, decided to enter a contest to find The Lost World leaving a disgruntled Dixie and Kiddy Kong behind. Dixie and Kiddy set out to prove to Diddy and Donkey that they are both equal to them. Diddy makes an appearance in Donkey Kong Land III (excluding Donkey Kong), however his only appearance is as the face depicted on Extra Life Balloons.

King K. Rool's Revenge[]

Diddy8

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Donkey Kong 64 for Nintendo 64.

Trouble once again brewed in Donkey Kong 64. King K. Rool, hungry for revenge, tried to attack DK Island. Luckily for the island's inhabitants, K. Rool's weapon, the Blast-O-Matic, was damaged after K. Rool's Mobile Island Fortress crashed into a small island. To buy time to repair his weapon, K. Rool had Donkey Kong's banana hoard re-stolen, and had several Kongs kidnapped, Diddy included.

Diddy was eventually freed from his captivity in Jungle Japes by Donkey Kong early on in the game. From then on Diddy aided Donkey and the other Kongs with shutting down the Blast-O-Matic and getting rid of King K. Rool by collecting red bananas, Banana Coins and using his abilities gained from Cranky, as well as his electric guitar from Candy and his Peanut Popguns from Funky. Eventually, K. Rool was defeated by the Kongs in a wrestling match. The method for defeating him for good involved a plan by Funky and Candy in which Funky brought a shoe gun to kick him out of the ring. In the Monkey Smash multiplayer mode, Diddy has three alternate color schemes (aside from his default red color): yellow, green, and blue.

King of Kongs[]

He starred in the first chapter of canceled game Diddy Kong Pilot. The first story set in the Beach Barricade.

Theft by Tikis[]

DiddyReturns

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Donkey Kong Country Returns for Wii.

Diddy Kong appears as one of the two playable protagonists in Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. In single player mode, once Diddy is freed from a DK Barrel, he stays on Donkey Kong's back. If Donkey Kong jumps into the air, Diddy can use his Barrel Jet to hover for a few seconds. In two player mode, the second player is Diddy, whom they can control individually, as well as keep Diddy on Donkey Kong's back. Diddy still remains more agile than Donkey Kong, and he can still control the Barrel Jet in midair and use his Peanut Popgun to stun enemies.

Diddy hears the animals outside the treehouse and notices that the banana hoard has been stolen. Angered, he pursues the animals, who were brainwashed and hypnotized by the malevolent Tiki Tak Tribe, as Donkey Kong comes out and notices as well. Diddy was presumably overwhelmed by the goons, as DK finds him stuffed in a DK Barrel after the first level's checkpoint (if playing in two-player, he comes back to help Donkey punch Krazy Kalimba out of their treehouse). The duo gets some help from Cranky, who sells them items; Tutorial Pig, who guides them on their movement controls and saves their progress at checkpoints; Rambi, who bashes spikes and boulders; and Squawks, who guides them to puzzle pieces.

In the Jungle, DK and Diddy come across Mugly, who is eating bananas. Kalimba enters the scene and possesses Mugly to destroy the Kongs. DK and Diddy defeat Mugly and beat Kalimba once again.

Upon reaching the Beach, DK and Diddy are consistently attacked by the pirate crabs that roam the area. Eventually, DK and Diddy arrive at the crabs' hideout to see Scurvy Crew enjoying some bananas. However, the Maraca Gang appears and possesses the pirates; DK and Diddy successfully defeat them.

The Kongs arrive at the Ruins, which consist of many crumbling temples. Eventually, DK and Diddy come across a giant egg in one temple. A Tiki named Gong-Oh appears and drops the egg into a cauldron before possessing its hatched form, Stu. DK and Diddy throw bombs to shatter the cauldron, defeating Stu and Gong-Oh.

DK and Diddy go down into the Caves, which are made up of mines and railways, and are inhabited by the moles. Later on, they find mole guards filling mine carts with bananas, and being led by Mole Miner Max. Banjo Bottom, overseeing the operation, notices the two apes before possessing Max and starting the train. After a hectic train ride, DK and Diddy defeat the moles, as well as Banjo Bottom.

The Kongs resurface into the Forest, which is infested with carnivorous plants and insects. Eventually, they enter an arena where Tikis are spectating on circular platforms and the Mangoruby is resting beneath. As it awakens, Wacky Pipes possesses the beast and chases after the Kongs. After its body is destroyed, the Mangoruby is knocked out while Wackey Pipes emerges and is punched out of the scene.

Making their way to the Cliffs, the Kongs face the hazards of tar pits, boulders, and fossilized enemies. Soon, they arrive at the den of Thugly, who is gorging on bananas. The Tiki Xylobone appears in a Tiki Airship and possesses Thugly, using much of the same tactics as Mugly, along with new ones. The fight ensues and ends with Thugly being knocked out cold while Xylobone is beaten by the Kongs.

DK and Diddy find the Factory, and get through its mechanical hazards. At this point they finally discover why the Tikis took all the bananas. Turns out, the hypnotized Colonel Pluck was smashing bananas to create new Tikis using his Stompybot 3000. The Tiki Cordian appears and with Colonel Pluck under its control, attempts to smash the Kongs with the robot. The Kongs destroy the Stompybot 3000 and defeat Colonel Pluck and Cordian, shutting down the Tiki production.

Diddy and Donkey explore the depths of the volcano and arrive at the Tikis' lair. After entering, they encounter Krazy Kalimba and all the other tiki lieutenants they faced on their journey as well as the tribe leader, Tiki Tong. The tikis load the banana hoard into Tiki Tong, who turns it to mush and vomits it over its smaller henchman to form hands. Tiki Tong and the Kongs then fight.

After defeating Tiki Tong, Diddy Kong has three different scenarios when the final battle is won with him and Donkey together or separately. He and Donkey Kong are hurtled into space and plummet toward the moon. DK beckons a panicking Diddy to him, who uses his barrel jet to thrust them further to the moon and causing DK to punch it out of orbit onto the tower. The tower is sealed back into the volcano while the bananas are released. Diddy gets him and Donkey safely to the ground. When DK ends the battle singlehandedly, he still manages the aforementioned events without Diddy but realizes he is plummeting toward the island and panics. Luckily, Diddy arrives out of nowhere and saves him. If Diddy finishes on his own, he panics upon noticing he is heading for the moon and tries to get away. However, gravity sets him flying at terminal velocity where he crashes headfirst into the moon, which falls onto the tower. As Diddy Kong is unconscious and falling out of the sky, he lands and awakens in the arms of Donkey Kong. No matter the ending, the Kongs rejoice as bananas rain around the island.

The Snowmad Invasion[]

Diddy is celebrating Donkey Kong's birthday with Dixie and Cranky Kong in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. As Diddy is blowing a party blower while Donkey prepares blow out his candles, a gust of wind and a snowflake extinguish it. The four Kongs go outside and see that a fleet of vikings called the Snowmads are invading. An ice dragon blows the Kongs away, allowing the invaders to claim the island unchallenged and freeze the landscape.

After traversing Lost Mangroves, Autumn Heights, Bright Savannah, Sea Breeze Cove, and Juicy Jungle, defeating the commanders of the Snowmads stationed in each island, the Kongs finally return to Donkey Kong Island, now covered in snow and ice. After braving the icy lands, they confront Lord Fredrik, The Snowmad King. After a tough battle, they send Lord Fredrik flying into his fleet, forcing their retreat and relinquishing their hold on the island. With Lord Fredrik's horn, Donkey Kong restores the island to normal. In the epilogue, Diddy, Cranky, Dixie, and Donkey play as a band, with Diddy playing bongos.

Spin-off appearances[]

Threat of Wizpig[]

Diddy car

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Diddy Kong Racing for Nintendo 64.

In Diddy Kong Racing, while lazing around one day while the rest of the Kong Klan was out, Diddy Kong eventually got a letter from his long-time friend Timber the Tiger. The letter was asking Diddy for help, as an intergalactic bully named Wizpig had invaded Timber's Island and Timber needed Diddy's help to get rid of him. Diddy then called Banjo and Conker for assistance, Diddy and Timber, along with few more friends eventually managed to drive off Wizpig and release those who were under his mind-control. Diddy drives blue vehicles with the number 1 on the front.

Music Gig[]

Diddybongos

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Donkey Konga for GameCube.

Diddy, along with Donkey and Dixie Kong, became a musical star in Donkey Konga and Donkey Konga 2. He also appears in Donkey Konga 3. He helped them earn plenty of money, which was presumably used to buy Bananas.

Saving The Party[]

In DK: King of Swing, Diddy Kong is capable of being played as in the game's adventure mode by collecting all twenty-four DK Medals with Donkey Kong, unlocking Diddy Mode. In the mode, Diddy replaces Donkey as the one who chases after King K. Rool who stole the medals for the Jungle Jam (with their placements even swapped in the opening and ending). Like the big ape, Diddy is challenged by King K. Rool to a climbing race and an attack battle. After emerging victorious, Diddy uses the king's hovercraft to depart from the K. Kruizer III and return home with medals, resuming the Jungle Jam tournament.

Return of Wizpig[]

DKRDS Diddy Kong

Diddy Kong's artwork from game Diddy Kong Racing DS for DS.

Diddy Kong appeared in Diddy Kong Racing DS, a remake and sequel of Diddy Kong Racing. In this game, he had to save Timber's Island again from the evil Wizpig, this time with Dixie and Tiny Kong by his side (who have replaced Conker the Squirrel and Banjo, respectively).

Vacation Adventure[]

Diddy Kong appears in the sequel to DK: King of Swing, DK: Jungle Climber as well. In this game, Donkey Kong can use him as a launch to hit objects and reach areas where the gorilla cannot reach. Diddy is also required to use three powerups: Hammer, Wings, and Torch. The player has to race a low-AI Diddy at the beginning of the game, and in one of the minigames, the player also has to race Diddy. Diddy plays a role in the plot as Donkey Kong's sidekick, as usual.

At the beginning of the adventure, Diddy went on vacation with DK and their friends on Sun Sun Island to relax from their adventures together. After playing with DK and Dixie, Diddy says that he saw a giant banana on the mountain summit, instigating a misadventure of him and DK climbing to the top to reach it. After reaching the mountaintop, they see King K. Rool and the Kremling Gang who jump into a wormhole. A few moments later, the Kongs are attacked by the Banana Spaceship. DK and Diddy decide to take it down. After the battle against the giant fruit, a banana-like alien named Xananab emerges from the rubble. Xananab apologizes and says he mistook the apes for Kremlings who stole his Crystal Bananas, artifacts that make users powerful and could take over the universe. Diddy and the Kongs, feeling responsible for destroying the ship, decide to help Xananab get the Crystal Bananas back for him.

On Lost Island, Diddy and DK follow Xananab into the wormhole to the Glass Labyrinth where DK stands before a mirror, causing himself to have reflection. Xananab explains these circumstance mean only DK can find the way out, thus having DK find the exit without Diddy's help. After Donkey Kong stands in front of another mirror, Diddy can travel through labyrinth with him again. Xananab opens another wormhole for them to go through. After reaching the top of the island's temple, Diddy and the others go through another wormhole that leads into Toybox. The group finds K. Rool, and evil reptile king sends one of his Kritters powered by a Crystal Banana on them, though Diddy and DK defeat him and claim their first Crystal Banana.

On Ghost Island, Diddy has to hold a map to show the way through the foggy area of the haunted forest. Diddy and the others then go into K. Rool's factory and corner him before K. Rool decides to send his incomplete Mega AMP to defeat them. The two Kongs emerge victorious and acquire another Crystal Banana.

On Chill 'n' Char Island, they find Kremling Dock, another one of K. Rool's hideouts and lairs. The four dive headfirst into a trap and fall into pit when they have another run-in with their enemy. There, a Kritter powers up and transforms into a dragon, though Diddy and DK once again gain victory. With two of the five Crystal Bananas left, King K. Rool escapes on the King Kruizer IV to Planet Plantaen, Xananab's home planet. Diddy comes up with a plan and suggests they climb the top of the mountainous High High Island and leap aboard the cruiser.

The two apes are too late to catch the cruiser, but Cranky gives them a Booster Barrel to catch the King Kruizer IV. After making it through K. Rool's security, the king sends his final Kritter and finished Mega AMP against Diddy, DK, Cranky, and Xananab. Donkey and Diddy destroy the robot and obtain the fourth Crystal Banana. The Kongs and Xananab catch-up with K. Rool who escapes into a wormhole to Planet Plantaen. Diddy, DK, and gang follow King K. Rool's trail through the dimensions before arriving at Planet Plantaen. Diddy and DK fight against King K. Rool and gain the upper hand before K. Rool uses the final Crystal Banana to turn into a giant monstrous form of himself. After his final defeat, K. Rool reverted to normal, unconscious and loses the last Crystal Banana. Diddy and DK are given lots of bananas by Xananab and the residents of Planet Plantaen for saving their planet and get back to their tropical vacation.

Barrel Blasting[]

Normal diddy

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Donkey Kong Barrel Blast for Wii.

Diddy Kong returned as a playable character in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast. Diddy has low speed, but a average boost and high agility. His rival is Kip, who shares his stats. He is one of the six characters playable at the start of the game. His rocket bongos have red fins with yellow stars, similar to his shirt, and he attacks with a tailspin. In the background scenarios, Diddy is shown briefly outpacing his friend Donkey Kong and the latter's rival, Kritter, before slowing down in Jungle Grand Prix, cheering Lanky Kong and Kass on as Kopter and Kalypso track their time and laps in Time Trial, training with Tiny Kong, Kip, and Kludge in Cranky's Flight School, and waving to the player when they return to the opening screen.

  • Stats:
    • Boost: ☆☆☆
    • Speed: ☆☆
    • Agility: ☆☆☆☆

Skylanders: SuperChargers[]

DiddyDKSuperchargers

Artwork of Diddy Kong riding with Turbo Charge Donkey Kong on the Barrel Blaster, from the game Skylanders: SuperChargers.

Diddy Kong also makes an appearance in the game Skylanders: SuperChargers for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Wii U as an attachment to Turbo Charge Donkey Kong's Barrel Blaster vehicle as well as when he is summoned by Donkey Kong's Soul Gem move.

Canceled appearances[]

Diddy Kong was to star in both Diddy Kong Pilot and Donkey Kong Racing as a playable character, respectively, but these racing games were canceled before they could be released when Rare was acquired by Microsoft Game Studios[6] in 2002. Diddy Kong Pilot was repurposed as the game Banjo-Pilot, featuring characters from the Banjo-Kazooie game series instead, and being released in 2005.

Mario Spin-Off Appearances[]

Diddy Kong has occasionally appeared throughout many Mario spin-off titles, sometimes as a playable character alongside Donkey Kong.

Mario Golf series[]

Diddy Kong was playable in Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour. He was put into the game to act as a partner for Donkey Kong. This was the very first time Diddy Kong appeared in any traditional Mario Bros. series game.

When Diddy gets a par, he nods and gives a thumbs up, and when he gets a birdie, he jumps in joy and then gives two thumbs-ups. His eagle or better animation show him doing a one arm handstand, flips, and then gives a thumbs up. If he gets a bogey, Diddy looks scared and moans in shame. If he gets a double bogey or worse, Diddy gets so frustrated that he jumps and twitches like crazy in midair. When he stops, he crashes neck-first back to the ground.

Diddy also returns as a playable character in Mario Golf: World Tour. In the Castle Club's Royal Room, he is seen looking at a bowl of bananas. Golf clubs and a ball based on him are available at the shop, and so are clothes themed after him, where Miis can purchase them from there or by participating in tournaments. His costume can be unlocked if all Star Coin challenges in the Sky Island course are completed. Some of his voice clips are recycled from Donkey Kong 64.

When Diddy Kong gets a par, he flips and strikes a pose, and when he gets a birdie, he puts on his jetpack and flies in victory. His eagle or better animation show him flying so high on his jetpack out of joy that he ends up in Earth's atmosphere next to space, leaving him completely shocked and baffled. If he gets a bogey, he lies down while eating a banana. If he gets a double bogey or worse, he lies down and eats a banana, then tosses the peel and tries to get up, only to slip on the peel in the process.

Mario Tennis series[]

Eventually, Diddy Kong appeared in the Mario Tennis series in Mario Power Tennis, Mario Tennis Open, and Mario Tennis Aces. In Mario Power Tennis, he was a speedy character, and was usually paired with Donkey Kong. His Offensive Power Shot and Defensive Powershot are Acrobatic Banana and Barrel Jet, respectively. Diddy's Mario Power Tennis trophy animation begins with Luigi and Peach waiting on stage with Donkey Kong. Diddy then goes on stage and starts walking around Luigi, much to his and Peach's curiosity, asking, "Hey, where are you going?" Then, Diddy flips the trophy with his tail in the air and catches while he celebrates his victory with Donkey Kong. He also appears in Koopa Troopa's trophy cutscene and Wiggler's trophy cutscene. This game is also the first time Katsumi Suzuki voices Diddy Kong.

Mario Baseball series[]

MsbDiddy

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Mario Superstar Baseball for GameCube.

In Mario Superstar Baseball, Diddy Kong was once again a playable character. He was a Team Captain in Exhibition Mode, and a Sub-Captain in Challenge Mode. During Challenge Mode, Diddy played on Donkey Kong's team. His special ball is the Boomerang Ball, which launches the ball out like a Boomerang, to trick the other team. This was also the first Mario spin-off game appearance of Diddy Kong's girlfriend, Dixie Kong as well as her sister Tiny Kong. He is playable in Mario Super Sluggers. In the intro of Mario Super Sluggers, Diddy Kong catches the ball that flew to DK Jungle. He suddenly screams in terror due to a giant rolling barrel about to crush him. Donkey Kong then comes to his rescue by smashing it, making Diddy sigh in relief. In Challenge Mode, Diddy is encountered near the stone bridge by Donkey Kong, the bridge lowered due to the Stone Tablet's absence. Diddy directs the baseball crew in following a Fire Bro who stole a piece. After the Stone Tablet is restored, Diddy joins the team from then onwards in order to rescue Tiny Kong and the ballpark. Once all the team members of the DK Wilds are recruited, Diddy will allow a ball game against them, but will refuse if the player uses DK as the captain and ask them to swap.

Mario Hoops 3-on-3[]

Diddy Kong was playable in Mario Hoops 3-on-3. Diddy Kong is a default player, and is of the Speedy class. His Special Shot is the Jet Shot, which summons a jet pack, which attaches to Diddy Kong's back. He then flies towards the basket. Additionally, Dixie Kong also managed to appear in this, once again, as an unlockable character.

Mario Sports Mix[]

Diddy Kong appears in Mario Sports Mix as a default playable character. He is a speedy character that has a slightly higher technique stat countered with a slightly lower power stat much like in his main series games, along with other three speedy characters, Bowser Jr., Toad, and Cactuar. His Special Shot has him throwing a banana that acts like a boomerang, attempting to stun any players that try to counter his shot.

In Volleyball, Diddy Kong can give his full power shots an added curve, which is something that is typically seen with the Technical characters.

Mario Strikers series[]

Mario Strikers Charged[]

Strikers diddy

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Mario Strikers Charged for Wii.

Diddy Kong is an unlockable captain in Mario Strikers Charged. He is unlocked by beating him in the Crystal Cup. Diddy Kong is a Playmaker Captain, and is very swift and agile. His Super Ability is Red Card!, which summons a beam of light that pulls any player, except for Diddy Kong, into the skies for fifteen Seconds. A new trait of Diddy Kong in this game is that he does not smile very often, with the exception of his victory scenes, as do most other players; as well as sounding deep on certain occasions such as getting shoved by an opponent, being affected by Wario's Gas Mask! ability, and getting electrocuted.

  • Unlocked By: Clearing the Crystal Cup
  • Character Type: Playmaker
  • Mega Strike: Diddy jumps high into the air, and, as the background turns orange he holds his hands together, crosses his legs and closes his eyes, as if he is chanting. The ball then suddenly bursts forward without him even touching it.
  • Super Ability: Red Card!
  • Deke: Diddy backflips over opponents.
  • Uniform: Yellow and red
  • Team Emblem: Star logo.
  • Team Number: 5
  • Ranked: #4 in Fire Cup
  • Away Entrance: Diddy holds a banana in a threatening way while making angry sounds and hitting it against his hand.
  • Home Entrance: Diddy dives down with an angry look on his face and pounds the ground quickly.
  • Theme: Hindustani Classical[7]

Mario Strikers Battle League[]

DiddyKong (MS-BL)

Diddy Kong's artwork for Mario Strikers Battle Legaue.

Diddy Kong returns in the game Mario Strikers: Battle League as a playable character alongside Pauline in a free update for September 2022.

Diddy Kong's character stats:

  • Character Type: Speed
  • Default Color: Red
  • Team Number: 5
  • Hyper Strike: Barrel Boom
  • Strength: 9/25
  • Speed: 16/25
  • Shooting: 9/25
  • Passing: 16/25
  • Technique: 13/25

Mario Kart series[]

Mario Kart: Double Dash!![]

Diddy Kong's first appearance in Mario Kart was in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. He is a light character, and his special weapon is the Giant Banana, which is shared with Donkey Kong. Additionally, his partner is Donkey Kong, and his own personal car is the Barrel Train. This is also the last game where Chris Sutherland's voice clips were used for Diddy Kong before Katsumi Suzuki took over the role. Diddy arguably makes a cameo in Mario Kart 64's version of the course Toad's Turnpike, in which a bus can be found with what appears to be Diddy's silhouette at the driver's seat[8] - although this has not been officially addressed anywhere and Nintendo was shy about using Rare characters at that point in time, before Rare left for Microsoft. Diddy also made a cameo at the end of Banana Ruins of 'Mario Kart Arcade GP.

Diddymkwii

Diddy Kong's artwork from the game Mario Kart Wii for Wii.

Mario Kart Wii[]

Diddy returns as a playable character in Mario Kart Wii as a middleweight character, but is unlockable this time. He is unlocked by winning the 50cc Lighting Cup, or by playing 450 races. Also joining the race is Funky Kong; the fourth Donkey Kong character to be playable in Mario Kart.

Mario Kart Tour[]

Diddy Kong was apart of the initial roster for Mario Kart Tour when it first debuted in September 2019, after missing Mario Kart DS , Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart 8. Diddy was only playable after purchasing the Diddy Kong pack for $39.99 US dollars. This garnered attention online as Mario Kart 8: Deluxe was easy to find for $49, added with the fact that Mario Kart Tour had a $5 monthly subscription, Diddy practically costed as much as a full Mario Kart game. This would become more ironic in late 2023 when Diddy Kong would be added to Mario Kart 8: Deluxe in the Booster Course Pass DLC which only costed $24.99 with 48 new tracks and 7 other playable characters. Diddy Kong was also the only character in Tour to not receive an alternate costume/ variant of any kind.

Diddy-kong-mk8

Diddy Kong alongside, Funky Kong, Pauline and Peachette for the final wave of Mario Kart 8: Deluxe DLC.

Mario Kart 8: Deluxe[]

Diddy Kong returned to a home console for the first time since Mario Kart Wii in wave 6 of the Booster Course Pass DLC. He is in the medium weight class this time around. Funky Kong and Pauline also joined the race alongside Diddy in the final wave. He is the staff ghost for DK Mountain 200cc.

Mario Party series[]

Diddy Kong has made occasional appearances here and there in the Mario Party series. In Mario Party DS, Donkey Kong received one of Bowser's dinner invitations, and, along with Diddy Kong, was going to join the "feast". However, Dry Bones cursed him and turned him into a stone statue. A distressed Diddy told the shrunken Mario characters to help him to remove the curse. After defeating Dry Bones, DK's curse is lifted and both DK and Diddy are grateful. They later show up to break the scepter Bowser used to shrink the heroes, returning them to their original size and allowing them to fight Block Bowser. After Bowser is defeated, DK and Diddy are shown enjoying the food that was meant to trap the heroes.

Diddy also appeared with DK in Mario Party 9. Though non-playable characters, they host the board DK's Jungle Ruins. Diddy hosts his "mid-boss" game "Diddy's Banana Blast"

Diddy's first playable appearance in the series is in Mario Party: Star Rush, where he is unlocked at party Level 11. In Toad Scramble, he can break Barrels much like Donkey Kong can, and his dice block consists of three zeroes and three sevens, providing high risk and high reward. He returns as a playable character in Super Mario Party.

Super Smash Bros.[]

Diddy Kong joins the Super Smash Bros. series as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and returns in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He is swift, agile, and very acrobatic, just like how he is in the Donkey Kong franchise. Diddy Kong's weight is 93 units in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U; in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, his weight is decreased to 90 units.

For the Super Smash Bros. series, Diddy Kong is given a realistic monkey voice instead of the cartoonish voice he is commonly given in the Mario series titles.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]

Diddy Kong makes his playable Super Smash Bros. debut in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, having only been mentioned in Donkey Kong's character biography and trophy in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Diddy Kong's special moves are Peanut Popgun, which lets him shoot peanuts at his opponents; Monkey Flip, which lets him leap forward and pummel (or kick) his opponents; Rocketbarrel Boost, which can be charged to fly through the air; and Banana Peel, which when thrown, makes his opponents trip. His Final Smash is Rocketbarrel Barrage, and it combines two of his special moves, Peanut Popgun and Rocketbarrel Boost, together.

In Diddy's codec conversation, Snake refers to him as a "chimpanzee in a Nintendo hat", despite the fact neither chimps nor any ape species have prominent tails.

Role in The Subspace Emasarry[]

When Donkey Kong has three Bullet Bills fired at him by the vehicle escaping with his banana hoard, Diddy Kong leaps from behind Donkey Kong and unleashes his Peanut Popguns onto the Bullet Bills, destroying them. He then joins Donkey Kong in pursuit of their stolen bananas. At one point, after getting their bananas, they encounter Bowser who aims the Dark Cannon at the two. Though Diddy attempts to fight, Donkey Kong, realizing what is about to happen, uses Giant Punch to send him flying to safety while he is shot instead and captured as a trophy.

Fleeing through the forest, Diddy Kong comes out to the lake, where he sees a crashed Arwing. Rayquaza comes out of the water and grabs Diddy Kong after blasting the Airwing. Fox ejects from the flaming Arwing and uses his Fox Illusion and Reflector to respectively save Diddy and send Rayquaza back into the lake. At his savior's beckoning, Diddy joins Fox him in fighting Rayquaza. After Rayquaza's defeat, Diddy attempts to enlist Fox's help to rescue DK, dragging him along when he's unwilling. They battle a Shadow bug clone of Bowser, but upon defeating it, the real Bowser attacks them and Fox drags Diddy to safety by fleeing down a cliff.

Later at the swamp, Fox and Diddy get ambushed by Bowser again, who fires a shot at both of them from his Dark Cannon. Diddy is hit and cloned by Shadow bugs, while Fox dodges the shot. Falco arrives just in time and destroys the Dark Cannon, but Bowser gets away in his Koopa Clown Car while the Shadow bug Diddy grows several times its normal size. Fox revives Diddy, who is shocked at what has happened. Diddy Kong and the two Star Fox pilots then fight his giant Shadow bug clone. After the fight, Diddy enlists and drags Falco along with him and Fox as they continue through the marsh. Eventually they see Donkey Kong's trophy on a ship in chains heading for the floating Isle of Ancients. Diddy is mad when can't follow after when the Great Fox appears.

Following the skiff, Diddy Kong is ejected out of Falco's Arwing and shoots peanuts at the Primids guarding DK's trophy on it. He lands on the skiff and revives Donkey just as Captain Falcon and Olimar jump to join them in fighting a horde of Primids on the little platform. After the Kongs and Captains have defeated them, Diddy waves thanks and good-bye to a congratulating Falco before the four then head into the Subspace Bomb Factory. Diddy, DK, Olimar, and Captain Falcon then fight their way through various armies of Primids, R.O.B. units, and other enemies, and reach where all the bombs are and where the Ancient Minister is standing in melancholy, coincidentally meeting Samus Aran and Pikachu as well.

Joining with Samus and Pikachu and confronting Ganondorf as a hologram, Diddy Kong and the other heroes watch as the Ancient Minister refuses to allow the R.O.B.s to set off any more Subspace Bombs, getting blasted by them when Ganondorf seizes control over their free will, before they too try to stop them. After more enemies are summoned, the six are joined by the Ancient Minister, revealed to the lead R.O.B., in fending them off. Diddy frantically shrieks for R.O.B. to do something to separate the other R.O.B.s from the bombs, but R.O.B. just slumps in sadness as he cannot do anything. Seeing there is nothing they can do, Captain Falcon calls his Falcon Flyer to escape the doomed factory. They all pile into the ship and are about to make a getaway when Meta Ridley appears to ensure they too are caught in the bombs' detonation. After Meta Ridley is defeated, Diddy joins the squadron of heroes as they bring the fight to Subspace.

After destroying the Subspace Gunship, all the characters are all preparing to confront Bowser and Ganondorf in Subspace. After Ganondorf and Master Hand are defeated by Tabuu, the true leader of the Subspace Army, Diddy and the rest of the heroes catch a glimpse of the evil power among them. In a single blow Tabuu defeats all of the characters and turned them into trophies. He is later revived by Kirby, Ness, King Dedede and Luigi and joins them to defeat Tabuu, with help from Sonic the Hedgehog, who ensures Tabuu can't his Off-Waves against them. After Tabuu's defeat, the World of Trophies returns to its original place (except for the Isle of the Ancients, as the explosion from a large number of Subspace Bombs has taken it beyond repair).

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U[]

Diddy Kong was revealed for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U on February 21, 2014, the day of the North American/European release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Diddy Kong's mobility has been improved; his limbs are longer, giving his attacks more range; and many of his attacks deal much more knockback. However, his damage output is lower overall.

Early on in the game's lifetime, Diddy became notorious in competitive play for his very powerful and easy-to-use throw combos, leading to some of his moves being slightly weakened in later balance patches.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

Diddy Kong reappears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, having new monkey voice clips alongside those from previous games. Diddy Kong benefits from universal changes: his mobility is even faster; his short hop timing is shortened; the landing lag in his aerials is reduced; he can directionally air dodge; and he can use any ground attack out of a run, or any aerial attack on ladders. Diddy Kong's damage output has been further decreased. Lastly, his weight has been reduced to 90 units, while Monkey Flip and Rocketbarrel Boost cover much less distance.

Owing to King K. Rool's ties to Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong appears alongside Donkey Kong in K. Rool's debut trailer for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Specifically, Diddy Kong lounges lazily in Donkey Kong's treehouse on a tire swing, only to be startled by quakes before looking outside with Donkey to investigate. They then see an ominous and familiar shadow, only for it to be revealed to be King Dedede wearing a cape and King K. Rool's mask, to their surprise. King Dedede then proceeds to laugh at the practical joke he played on them, only for him to be smacked upside the head and knocked away by the actual King K. Rool, much to Diddy and Donkey Kong's horror, with King K. Rool roaring. In the ending of the trailer, Diddy, alongside Donkey Kong, has their foot and fist, respectively, make contact with King K. Rool's fist with enough force as to cause a shockwave to be emitted throughout the jungle. He also appears in Banjo & Kazooie's trailer.

In the opening cutscene to "World of Light", Diddy is among the fighters who attempt to escape from Galeem's beams of light; Diddy himself attempts to flee using the Rocketbarrel Pack alongside Rosalina & Luma, but ultimately is consumed and used to create puppet fighters. Diddy is found in the sub-area in the Light Realm resembling the first world of the original "Donkey Kong Country", with Diddy himself serving as the "boss" of that area.

Appearances in Other Media[]

Donkey Kong Country animated series[]

CartoonDiddy

Diddy Kong as seen during the first season of the Donkey Kong Country animated series.

Diddy Kong was featured as a main character in the Donkey Kong Country animated series. Here, he was still Donkey Kong's best friend but not as happy-go-lucky as he is in the games. While he carries his mischievous and wise-cracking nature, he can also be envious, sarcastic, and inconsiderate at times, and try to absolve himself of blame when he and Donkey's antics often lead to consequences.

Diddy thinks he does not have a future as second banana in "Kong for a Day". When DK was banished to the White Mountains for crimes he did not commit, Diddy is put as his replacement as the future ruler of Kongo Bongo Island. At first elated, Diddy soon realizes the title is not all it is cracked up to be, as it also makes him the island's protector. Attempting to stop General Klump and his troops from taking control of the Barrelworks Factory, they brush off his attempt at authority and easily defeat him. Diddy frantically called on Cranky's hologram to bring back Donkey Kong, who soon arrived and thwarted the attack. Diddy then learned that he made a great sidekick instead of being in DK's place.

In "I Spy With My Hairy Eye", Diddy accidently wishes he was invisible from Crystal Coconut. Taking advantage of his newfound state, Diddy pulls pranks on his friends (making a fool of Donkey in front of Cranky, pretending to Funky Kong's "inner voice", stealing Candy Kong's banana cream pie for Cranky and framing DK, and, offscreen, nearly sending Bluster to the moon). Diddy becomes visible again after wishing from the Crystal Coconut again.

In "Watch the Skies", Diddy and Donkey believe aliens (referred to as "interplanetary visitor-dudes") have invaded the island and supplanted their friends after a talk with Funky, seeing a UFO, and everyone's strange behavior. In reality, it was actually plans for Diddy's surprise birthday party (DK initially not being included due to having a rep for spoiling surprises and secrets). DK tries to dissuade the conspiracy theory, but this just makes Diddy believe his friend had also been turned and allies with the Kremlings for help. King K. Rool instructs Diddy to use the Crystal Coconut to push back the "enemy", secretly deceiving the small primate into hand-delivering him the orb. Donkey Kong intercepts Diddy and takes the coconut back before he can bring it to the Kremling king and lures him to the surprise in the temple of Inka Dinka Doo, where his friend collapses in shock.

In "Speak No Evil, Dude", Diddy avoids taking his vaccination for the lethal Kongo Bongo Gone Wrongo disease only to be infected by its carrier, Polly Roger, a tropical toucan. Diddy soon becomes ill, loses his voice, and winds up passing his illness to Krusha, who passes it to K. Rool, whose underlings misinterpret his plans to subjugate the Kongs being genocidal when he loses his voice. DK is sent to obtain a Tin Banana-Tu, the sole cure being its nectar, before Diddy's illness completes its final, fatal stage. However, DK finds himself having to choose between saving Diddy or K. Rool when the latter is needed to call off his troops. Donkey Kong then gets an idea and gives the Tin Banana-Tu to K. Rool before rushing back to Diddy at Cranky's cabin. DK uses a pair of coconuts that Diddy used to avoid his vaccination in the first place, their nectar-infused milk curing Diddy.

In "It's a Wonderful Life", the plot centers around a world where DK didn't exist, and shows Diddy as the leader of Kongo Bongo Island. He is portrayed as a tyrant among the Kongs, being loud and incredibly demanding, to the point that even the Kremlings are afraid of him.

Diddy Kong was voiced by Andrew Sabiston during the entire run of the English version of the Donkey Kong Country animated series.

Donkey Kong Country comic[]

He also appeared in the Club Nintendo comic Donkey Kong Country, serving a similar role to the one in the game of the same name. Diddy Kong's task is to watch over the banana hoard, however King K. Rool finds him and puts him into a barrel. When discovered by Donkey Kong, both start searching for the villain.

Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens comic[]

During the events of the comic "Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens", published in the same magazine, he lives in a skyscraper in Brooklyn[9] together with many other Nintendo characters. Due to a contract signed by Wario, the skyscraper is invaded by several monsters. One of them, Chuckie, invades the Kongs' room, while Diddy and Donkey are watching TV. They are terrified by the evil doll, but get rescued by Mario, Link, and Kirby.

Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24 comic[]

Diddy Kong makes another appearance in the Club Nintendo comic "Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24". The Kongs have to save the world from freezing, since a giant U.F.O. is pulling the Earth away from the sun. Together with Donkey, Dixie, Kiddy and Cranky, Diddy enters a space shuttle and flies into space, in order to talk to the aliens. As it turns out, the reason for them pulling away the Earth is that they mistook the planet for a giant coconut. Diddy finds a solution to this problem by giving bananas to the aliens, and in return they promise to return the Earth to its original position.

Donkey Kong 64 Game Manuals[]

"Donkey's little nephew wannabe. He's quick, nimble and courageous but still a bit of a lightweight when compared to my fine physique. He's also got this new-fangled thing he calls a Jetbarrel, but it sounds like nothing more than a lot of hot air to me."
—Cranky Kong in the Donkey Kong 64 Instruction Booklet, page 7[10]
"You'll probably recognize his familiar furry mug from past adventures. A mere bantamweight in bulk, this courageous chimp is the heavyweight champion of hard-core attitude. Whether he's rocking out on a six-stringed, amplified guittar or rocketing through the sky, he's always giving it 100 percent–Diddy style."
Donkey Kong 64 Player's Guide, page 5[11]

German Donkey Kong 64 Website[]

German DK64 Website Diddy Kong Description

Diddy Kong's description from official German Donkey Kong 64 website.

  • NAME: DIDDY KONG
  • OCCUPATION: RACE CAR DRIVER
  • HOBBIES: PLUCKING THE GUITTAR, TUNING CARS
  • FAVORITE DISH: PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH
  • FAVORITE MOVIE: BANANA JONES 2
  • GREATEST HERO: MANKI LAUDA

"Diddy, meanwhile, also enjoys great respect since he has often actively supported his best friend Donkey. But most of all he is admired for his qualities as a race car driver.

The story about how he and his friends beat the evil Wizpig in an exciting racing adventure is just as well-known on the island as Donkey's courageous escapades. The bright Diddy can hardly wait until the next great challenge, and so he rushes into every adventure, no matter how dangerous.
It seems as if just this proved to be his downfall, for as he wanted to take on a group of Kremlings alone, he was literally overpowered by them and taken prisoner. All the wiser for the experience he now awaits his rescuer Donkey Kong...
"

Physical Appearance[]

At the base, Diddy has brown fur, brown (previously blue) eyes, and a distinctive monkey tail. He usually wears a red tank top with yellow stars on it, and a red cap with the Nintendo logo on it. Diddy rarely wears any other clothes, with one of the only examples being his armor from Mario Strikers Charged.

Diddy is one of the only Kong members that has a tail, the other is Donkey Kong, who used to have a tail as a child.

Personality[]

Diddy Kong is a friendly and adventurous character, willing to help out his friends during times of need, evidenced by his many game appearances. In the Donkey Kong Country Instruction Booklet[12], he was introduced as a young boisterous monkey, who always looked up to DK and dreamed of one day becoming a video game hero just like him, although he also inherited Donkey's recklessness, irresponsibility, and mischievousness.

Diddy is somewhat of a peace seeker, which is an offset to Donkey Kong's more aggressive behavior against his enemies, since he asks a Kremling to "show himself if he was friendly" in Donkey Kong Country. Diddy has made good friends with Banjo, Conker the Squirrel, his childhood friend Timber the Tiger, and even Krunch the Kremling. Diddy's defining personality traits are his energy, quick thinking, and gaiety, to the point of childishness. Diddy can be cowardly at times, but he does not let it get the best of him as he jumps into action regardless. He also has a somewhat bad temper, as he throws tantrums after facing defeat.

Diddy's boisterous, slap-happy personality comes into play in the Super Smash Bros. series games, where he is even given realistic monkey sounds. In the mode Subspace Emmissary from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, he is fearless to the point that he does not consider danger; eager to fight Bowser while Donkey Kong and Fox McCloud knew this was too dangerous when he had a Dark Cannon at his disposal and they act to keep Diddy safe.

Powers and Abilities[]

Diddy Kong has a wide range of powers and abilities that he uses throughout games.

  • Agility and speed: Given his small size, Diddy is faster and more agile than other Kongs, allowing for smooth momentum during gameplay.
  • Ground-Pound: Diddy can also ground-pound, an ability shared by many Kongs, but also shoots with his Peanut Popguns while pounding.
  • Donkey Kong 64 arsenal: in Donkey Kong 64, Diddy was given various abilities through Cranky's potions, used a pair of Peanut Popguns given to him by Funky Kong, and an electric guitar given to him by Candy Kong. In various games since Donkey Kong 64, Diddy's Rocketbarrels and popguns have been staples of his arsenal.

Relationships[]

Love Interest[]

Dixie Kong[]

DixieMeetsDiddy

Dixie Kong's first meeting with Diddy Kong is depicted on pages 88 and 89 of volume 2 of the Uho Uho Donkey-Kun manga series.

585px-8KongforaDay65

Diddy Kong, alongside Dixie Kong, as seen in the first season of the Donkey Kong Country animated series

Dixie Kong is Diddy's girlfriend, and another one of his adventuring companions. Dixie helped him save DK in Donkey Kong Country 2, and she later saved Diddy in Donkey Kong Country 3. Dixie has also appeared in a few sports games with Diddy, and was one of the Kongs that Diddy brought with him to help Timber in Diddy Kong Racing DS.

DiddyKissed

Diddy Kong being kissed by a human girl, as seen in the comic Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24.

JustForUsTwo

Dixie Kong wishing a merry christmas to Diddy Kong, as seen in the comic Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24.

The German comic "Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24" featured Dixie watching a human girl kissing Diddy, and then she later comments to him about how the stars shine "just for us two".

Relatives[]

Donkey Kong[]

Donkey Kong is Diddy's uncle and best friend, whom he has a brotherly relationship with. They've gone on many adventures together, and Diddy looks up to DK and his greatness; and Donkey (although he does not admit it) sees great potential in Diddy. They have occasionally appeared together in sports games, with Diddy always playing second banana in games that he and Donkey are playable in. They are also similar in personality, sharing the same adventurous spirits, occasional airheadedness, and even anger issues. He also cares a lot about Donkey, to the point where he forces Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi to help him rescue him from the Subspace Army in the Subspace Emissary.

Cranky Kong[]

Cranky Kong is Diddy's elder, and he also receives shade from him like Donkey Kong does for his supposed lack of talent. In Donkey Kong Country 2, although Diddy's goal was to save DK, he also partially wanted to take the quest as a chance to prove his worth to Cranky. So he did, by saving Donkey Kong and collecting all the DK Coins, Diddy earned the title of a true video game hero from Cranky.

Friends & Allies[]

Funky Kong[]

Diddy Kong maintains a great relationship with Funky Kong just as much as he does with Donkey Kong. They both share an affinity for technology/engineering, and Diddy seems to idolize him as much as Donkey; he is shown mimicking his surfing pose when he is riding on the flower pedals in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze or when he is on Funky's surfboard during an idle animation.

They are the only Kongs that wear sunglasses (shown in Diddy's victory animation in Donkey Kong Country 2 where he shows off his "funk") and the only Kongs that play boomboxes[13] as they are two of the most '90s-inspired Kong Family members. Like Cranky, Funky has teased Diddy about his relationship with Dixie.

Racing Comrades[]

Diddy has various friends and allies in the Diddy Kong Racing games that aren't seen anywhere else, including Timber the Tiger, Pipsy the Mouse, Tiptup the Turtle, Bumper the Badger, Banjo the Bear, Conker the Squirrel, and Krunch the Kremling.

Enemies[]

Kremlings[]

Similar to Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong also has an antagonistic relationship with the Kremlings and King K. Rool. Even in DK: Jungle Climber, Diddy calls him "King K. Fool" while demanding him to stop his evil plan and surrender.

Quotes[]

See also: Diddy Kong/Quotes

Game Appearances[]

Title Description Release Date System/Format
Donkey Kong Country Playable character 1994 Super Family Computer/
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Land Playable character 1995 Game Boy
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Playable character 1995 Super Family Computer/
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Land 2 Playable character 1996 Game Boy
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Non-playable character 1996 Super Family Computer/
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Mario Kart 64 Cameo as shadow in the course Toad's Turnpike 1996 Nintendo 64
Donkey Kong Land III Cameo as face on Extra Life Balloons 1997 Game Boy
Diddy Kong Racing Playable character 1999 Nintendo 64
Donkey Kong 64 Unlockable playable character 1999 Nintendo 64
Donkey Kong GB: Dinky Kong & Dixie Kong Cameo as face on Extra Life Balloons 2000 Game Boy Color
Donkey Kong Country Playable character 2000-2001 Game Boy Color
Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers Playable character 2001 (unreleased) Game Boy Advance
Diddy Kong Pilot Playable character 2002 (unreleased) Game Boy Advance
Donkey Kong Country Playable character 2003 Game Boy Advance
Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour Playable character 2003-2004 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Playable character 2003 Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Konga Playable character 2003-2004 Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Kong Country 2 Playable character 2004 Game Boy Advance
Mario Power Tennis Playable character 2004-2005 Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Konga 2 Playable character 2004-2005 Nintendo GameCube
DK: King of Swing Playable character in the Diddy Mode or Jungle Jam modes 2005 Game Boy Advance
Donkey Konga 3 Playable character 2005 Nintendo GameCube
Mario Superstar Baseball Playable character 2005 Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Kong Country 3 Non-playable character 2005 Game Boy Advance
Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Playable character 2006-2007 Nintendo DS
Diddy Kong Racing DS Playable character 2007 Nintendo DS
Mario Strikers Charged Unlockable playable character 2007-2010 Nintendo Wii
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Playable character 2007-2008 Nintendo Wii
DK: Jungle Climber Assist character, and playable character in the multiplayer 2007 Nintendo DS
Mario Party DS Non-playable character 2007 Nintendo DS
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Playable character 2008 Nintendo Wii
Mario Kart Wii Playable character 2008 Nintendo Wii
Mario Super Sluggers Playable character 2008 Nintendo Wii
Mario Power Tennis Playable character 2009 Nintendo Wii
Donkey Kong Country Returns Assist character, and playable character in the multiplayer 2010 Nintendo Wii
Mario Party 9 Non-playable character and mid-boss 2012-2013 Nintendo Wii
Mario Tennis Open Playable character 2012-2013 Nintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D Assist character, and playable character in the multiplayer 2013 Nintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Assist character, and playable character in the multiplayer or Hard Mode 2014 Nintendo Wii U
Mario Golf: World Tour Playable character 2014 Nintendo 3DS
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Playable character 2014 Nintendo 3DS/
Nintendo Wii U
Skylanders: SuperChargers Assist character 2015 Nintendo 3DS/
Nintendo Wii U
Mario Party: Star Rush Unlockable playable character 2016-2017 Nintendo 3DS
Super Mario Odyssey Cameo as a costume for Mario 2017 Nintendo Switch
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Assist character, and playable character in the multiplayer or Hard Mode 2018 Nintendo Switch
Mario Tennis Aces Playable character 2018 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Party Unlockable playable character 2018 Nintendo Switch
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Unlockable playable character 2018 Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart Tour Playable character (purchased separately) 2019 iOS/ Android
Mario Strikers: Battle League Playable character 2022 Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart 8: Deluxe Playable character (included in the Booster Course Pass DLC) 2023 Nintendo Switch

Gallery[]

Artwork[]

Sprites[]

Trivia[]

  • Diddy Kong was originally a redesigned Donkey Kong Jr. for the game Donkey Kong Country, however since Nintendo was not fond of the redesign by finding it drastically different, they told Rare to either have Junior in his original appearance, or make the redesign its own new character. Rare chose the latter choice and the redesign became Diddy Kong.
    • Donkey Kong Jr. in the Saturday Supercade animated series[14] had a personality somewhat like the character Scrappy-Doo[15] from the Scooby-Doo franchise[16], complete with his catchphrase MONKEY MUSCLE!!. Diddy Kong however in the Donkey Kong game series seems to have fully adopted Jr.'s cartoon counterpart's traits barring the catchphrase while Junior became more of a Mario/Mickey Mouse[17] type character. In Donkey Kong Country Returns, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Diddy strikes up a fighting pose similar to Scrappy during the boss cutscenes. To add, both Diddy and Scrappy are the boisterous machismo nephews of the main characters (Donkey Kong and Scooby-Doo[18], respectively).
  • Diddy Kong's Chimpy Charge move sound effect in the game Donkey Kong 64 is very reminiscent to the running sound effect from the Scooby-Doo franchise (though that is probably because it is just an asset from a library of sound effects).
  • In the Donkey Kong 64 Instruction Booklet, Diddy is referred to as DK's "little nephew wannabe".[10]
    • Cranky Kong has been mentioned as being related to Diddy in both games Donkey Kong Country[19] and Donkey Kong Country 2[20], and Rare's old website[4], gaming news websites[21], and the game Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 64 have all called him DK's nephew.
  • Some artwork for the games Donkey Kong Country 2, Donkey Kong 64 (and his in-game model), Diddy Kong Racing, and in the sidelines of the two Mario Kart Arcade GP titles depicts Diddy Kong with blue eyes.
    • On the other hand, Super Smash Bros. Brawl gives him brown eyes. The color of his eyelids varies depending on his appearances, sometimes they are either brown (like in Donkey Kong 64 and Diddy Kong Racing DS), tan (like in Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong Country 2, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U), or he may have no eyelids at all, with his irises stylistically blinking instead. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, he has a slight lighter shade of brown on his eyelids and most of his alternate costumes would share the same patten by matching his fur with the exception of his pink and cyan costumes which have tan eyelids instead.
  • Cranky Kong, Wrinkly Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Dixie Kong, and Diddy Kong have conjoined eyes whereas modern Donkey Kong does not.
  • Diddy Kong is one of the only Kongs that has a monkey tail (another one is Baby Donkey Kong) which he uses for his tail whip attacks and Simian Spring.
  • Diddy Kong is generally a very positive, happy/enthusiastic guy with a curious fixation on superheroes and justice, standards of what makes a superhero, and what a superhero is supposed to do, his hat-stomping outbursts normally only arise from his own mistakes, he considers himself an apprentice/sidekick of DK (Diddy looks down on himself), until Donkey Kong Country 2. He is a little sensitive also does not take too kindly to being ignored
  • The ages between Dixie and Diddy Kong are left uncertain. Rare mentions that Dixie is a young chimp Kong[22] and Diddy's designer Kevin Bayliss stated that Diddy was made to resemble a spider monkey Kong[1] which aligns with Diddy's long limbs and so he can use his prehensile tail as his main tool to climb and it suits his eager personality.
  • In the mode Subspace Emissary of the game Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Diddy Kong's team-up with the characters Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi, both from the Star Fox game series, relates to the Japanese fairy tale of Momotarō[23]. In the tale, the character Momotarō is a boy born from a peach, and later on, he travels to a distant island to defeat a group of oni (ogres and demons). During the travel, Momotarō befriends and forms a group composed by a dog, a monkey and a pheasant. In the Subspace Emissary, Diddy simply reflects with a monkey, while foxes and dogs belong to the Canidae family[24], whereas Falco is also a bird, like the pheasant.
  • It could also be a reference to Rare, who made Diddy, since the studio also made Star Fox Adventure on the GameCube.
  • In the game Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, Diddy Kong's limbs can stretch farther, similar to Lanky Kong in the game Donkey Kong 64.

References[]

Diddy Kong Racing (DS) Characters
Playable Characters
Diddy KongKrunch the KremlingDrumstick the RoosterBumper the BadgerBanjo (N64 only) • Conker the Squirrel (N64 only) • Tiptup the TurtleT.T.Pipsy the MouseTimber the TigerTiny Kong (DS only) • Dixie Kong (DS only) • Taj the Genie (DS only) • Wizpig (DS only)
Bosses
Tricky the TriceratopsBluey the WalrusBubbler the OctopusSmokey the DragonWizpig
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