Nintendo has revealed a refreshed design for Diddy Kong, building on the earlier overhaul of its iconic Donkey Kong character.
Earlier this year, fans spotted notable updates to Donkey Kong’s appearance in official artwork and early Mario Kart World footage.
Now, Nintendo has shared a glimpse of Diddy Kong’s new look through artwork on its website and branding displays at Licensing Expo 2025, currently underway in Las Vegas.
As reported by Nintendo Life, the images depict a more cartoonish Diddy Kong, featuring rounder eyes and a playful, welcoming grin.
Visitors at Licensing Expo 2025, a trade show for brands to promote franchises and forge merchandising partnerships, can view the updated Diddy and Donkey Kong designs, as captured in photos shared by attendee Cptn_Alex on social media.
Nintendo has remained silent on the updates to Diddy Kong and Donkey Kong, though many attribute the changes to their appearances in the blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Even Princess Peach received a subtle redesign, with her look on the Princess Peach: Showtime! Switch game box art aligning more closely with her cinematic counterpart, as previously reported by IGN’s sister site Eurogamer.
Of course this post is popping off lmao. Here’s a better look at the new render :)
— CptnAlex (@Cptn_Alex) May 20, 2025
via Nintendo booth @ Licensing Expo pic.twitter.com/QzxJOWs9gF
Donkey Kong will headline the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game Donkey Kong Bananza. While Diddy Kong’s involvement remains unconfirmed, the inclusion of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong—and Nintendo’s effort to refine Diddy’s design—suggests he may appear.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel, tentatively titled Super Mario World, is also on the horizon. Given Donkey Kong’s prominent role in the first film and Diddy Kong’s brief cameo, fans can likely expect more of Nintendo’s beloved apes, complete with their revamped designs.
