Players feel akin to these hairy heroes thanks to the detailed heart and soul that Nintendo is known to instill in its titles, and after 40 years, the characters of Donkey Kong have become more than gaming icons - they have become family. It seems the worst kept secret has finally been confirmed - Super Nintendo World is getting a Donkey Kong-themed 'expansion' and its set to open in 2024. Each ape has a distinct personality, unique talents, and specific likes and dislikes that breathes life into the whole bunch.

The Kongs have been bringing players together for four impressive decades. likely the last Kong that players recall. 3, but his lack of inclusion in the franchise makes Donkey Kong Jr. He does make his way into several games on the outskirts of Donkey Kong including Mario Tennis for the Virtual Boy and even as a transformed King in Super Mario Bros. There was a time when DK Jr was considered as a Diddy-like character for the franchise, but when that didn't happen, the white-shirted simian was nearly forgotten. The most mysterious member of the Kong family, DK Jr's first appearances were in Donkey Kong 2 and Super Mario Kart. Evidence in various DK games shows players which Kongs actually belong to the original Donkey Kong lineage, and they deserve to be recognized. However, there are multiple apes within the franchise that fall under the more general species also known as Kong. Throughout these forty years of Donkey Kong games, 'Kong' has become synonymous with the playable characters’ last names, implying that every surname of Kong is perhaps related to one another. Related: Super Mario 64 Intro's Classic Donkey Kong Easter Egg Discovered When the British development team Rare picked up the franchise in 1994, fans were introduced to Donkey Kong Country, bringing the extended Kong family into the spotlight rather than just the grabby patriarch. The first Kong was the villain atop a dangerous course that players navigated to ultimately free the maiden from his hairy clutches. The original Donkey Kong was an entirely different experience for players at its 1981 release than what it is today. The Kong family tree is tall and fruitful with roots extending back forty years, and each ape is equally unique. There are more than 40 million donkeys in the world, mostly in underdeveloped countries, where they are used principally as draught or pack animals. It derives from the African wild ass, Equus africanus, and has been used as a working animal for at least 5000 years.

Over the many years, players have had the opportunity to play as just about every member of the Kong family, but have rarely been reminded how each character relates to the others. The donkey or ass is a domestic animal in the horse family.

As far as big and powerful families go, the Kongs of Donkey Kong may be Nintendo’s most extensive.

Donkey kong family