After Redesigning Donkey Kong, Nintendo Has Tweaked Another Classic Character — and Here's Our Best Look Yet

Nintendo has unveiled a refreshed appearance for Diddy Kong, following the earlier redesign of his iconic counterpart, Donkey Kong. Earlier this year, fans noticed significant updates to Donkey Kong's design in official artwork and early footage from Mario Kart World.

Now, Nintendo has revealed changes to Diddy Kong through artwork on their website and brand images showcased at the Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. As reported by Nintendo Life, the updated Diddy Kong features a more cartoonish style, with rounder eyes and a more playful, friendly smile.

Attendees at the Licensing Expo 2025, where brands display their franchises to secure merchandising and partnership opportunities, can see the new designs for both Diddy and Donkey Kong. Photos from attendee Cptn_Alex on social media have captured these updated looks.

Image credit: Nintendo.Image credit: Nintendo.Nintendo has yet to comment officially on the redesigns of Diddy Kong and Donkey Kong, but these changes are believed to align with the characters' appearances in the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Even Princess Peach has undergone a slight redesign, with her appearance on the box of her Switch game, Princess Peach: Showtime!, resembling her movie version more closely, 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, coupled with the recent update to Diddy Kong's design, suggests a strong possibility of his involvement.

Additionally, the upcoming sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, tentatively titled Super Mario World, is expected to feature more of Nintendo's beloved apes, including the newly redesigned Diddy Kong, following their significant roles in the first film.