Every Donkey Kong game ranked from worst to best

As a dedicated Donkey Kong fan, I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs in his gaming adventures. For every masterpiece like Tropical Freeze that leaves me absolutely thrilled, there’s been a King of Swing or Donkey Konga that left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.

But here’s the thing – most Donkey Kong games have this certain charm about them that makes you want to give them a try at least once. And then, every now and then, there are those true classics that you simply must experience. They’re the kind of games that stand the test of time and remain unforgettable in the world of gaming.

In this compilation, we’ve arranged all Donkey Kong games, excluding the Game & Watch versions and the Mario VS Donkey Kong series because they are distinct from the rest. Despite their absence, there remains an abundance of Donkey Kong games that span the spectrum from terrible to terrific for you to explore in this list. When ranking these games, we take into account both their initial quality and the influence they had upon release.

The bad Donkey Kong games

Donkey Kong Jr. Math (NES), the worst DK game

As a gamer, let me share my struggle: It’s not just me, I swear! Playing this game, the controls for platforming are as smooth as a Super Mario level, but when it comes to inputting numbers for math equations, it’s like playing a Donkey Kong Jr. spin-off – awkward and unintuitive. The visuals might be on point with Donkey Kong, but if fun is what they were aiming for, something got lost in translation. It’s a bummer because gameplay should be enjoyable, don’t you think?

Donkey Kong Barrel Blast (Wii)

Among the racing games on this list, Barrel Blast ranks as the least enjoyable. Originally intended for use with DK Bongos, players would need to hit the left and right drums to steer left and right. However, its development was later shifted to Wii, transforming it into a motion-controlled game. While not inherently offensive, there’s little incentive to play it more than once.

Donkey Kong 3 (Arcade)

In essence, Donkey Kong 3 shares a resemblance with the classic Mario Bros. arcade game combined with Space Invaders-style gameplay. In

DK: King of Swing (GBA)

DK’s exclusive adventure on Game Boy Advance offers a unique twist on the platformer genre. Instead of conventional controls, you manage Donkey Kong’s grip in each hand using the L and R buttons as you swing from pegs. Timing your grip and release is crucial for smooth movement, but it might feel more like an elongated Mario Party minigame. It’s an intriguing concept with some challenging elements, though its extended gameplay could be compared to a mini-game being expanded excessively.

Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber (DS)

Jungle Climber shares some similarities with King of Swing but offers a more advanced and immersive experience. It has surpassed the level of Mario Party minigames, allowing players to explore various levels as DK on solid ground. However, it does have some poorly designed levels that might not be enjoyable for long periods. So, it’s recommended to play it in short bursts.

The good Donkey Kong games

Donkey Kong Land 2 (GB)

In the end, we’ve moved onto Donkey Kong’s classic-style platformers. Donkey Kong Land 2 leans heavily on Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, but it’s not particularly distinctive on its own. Compared to other Donkey Kong platforming adventures, it’s generally considered the least impressive.

Donkey Konga 1+2+3 (GC)

We’re combining the Donkey Konga trilogy into a single package, since each sequel mainly offers additional songs along with some extra minigames. To clarify, this game plays similarly to Taiko no Tatsujin, but using a unique drum controller instead. Despite the differences, it’s generally well-regarded due to its distinct gameplay. The bongo controller has gained iconic status over time and even predates the era of plastic toy controllers popularized by games like Guitar Hero. In summary, Donkey Konga stands out as one of its more unusual yet commendable titles.

Donkey Kong Land (GB)

Donkey Kong Land, a version adapted from Donkey Kong Country for the Game Boy, manages to deliver an impressive visual style and controls, which many thought wouldn’t be possible. Although it may not match the design quality of later Donkey Kong Land games, it still looks good and plays well on the Game Boy.

Donkey Kong Land III (GB)

Donkey Kong Land III is the last Rareware platform game for the Game Boy, and it’s quite distinctive among its peers. Indeed, it draws heavily from DKC3 on the SNES, but Dixie and Kiddy explore entirely fresh environments and confront new adversaries. In terms of portable Donkey Kong platformers during that time, this one was simply the best you could find on-the-go.

Donkey Kong 64 (N64)

Titled as the most contentious Donkey Kong game, if you’re an enthusiast of Rareware from the late ’90s, chances are you adore Banjo-Kazooie. However, DK64 may not resonate with you in the same way. If the game allowed collecting bananas and coins using any character, it could have garnered a different reputation. Unfortunately, it can be overpowering and tedious at times. Regardless, it retains a minor classic status that fans fondly remember with nostalgia.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! (SNES)

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but get excited about another collaboration between Dixie and Kiddy! This particular game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is often hailed as their best work. By this stage, they had fully grasped the technology, allowing them to innovate with level design and animal transformations, while also learning from past errors. It’s a solid SNES platformer, though it might not have quite the same impact as some of their earlier games.

Donkey Kong Jr. (Arcade)

Following Mario’s underhanded capture and imprisonment of Donkey Kong in the initial arcade game, it falls upon Donkey Kong Jr. to navigate vines and rescue his father. In comparison to the first game, Donkey Kong Jr. features an expanded level count, with the innovative vine-climbing mechanic serving as a refreshing twist on the original’s climbing dynamics. This sequel embodies classic Nintendo ingenuity, and it remains a timeless classic.

The best Donkey Kong games

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (GC, Wii)

In 2002, Nintendo EAD’s Tokyo branch was established, and by 2003, a team of twenty members from Super Mario Sunshine had transferred to lead this new division. Their first project in 2004 was Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, a platformer that utilized the DK Bongo controller for gameplay, although it wasn’t primarily a rhythm game as one might expect. Instead, it served as the foundation for many mechanics later used in Super Mario Galaxy. Today, this same team is responsible for creating the modern Mario games and the recent Donkey Kong Bananza, and all of this innovation can be traced back to Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.

Donkey Kong (Arcade)

In 2025, it’s challenging to convey just how significant Donkey Kong was in the world of arcade games. It was the standout title of its time, and a key reason why Nintendo remains a dominant force in the video game market today. It’s possible that iconic franchises like Mario, Pokémon, and Zelda might never have been created without Donkey Kong. Despite having just four levels, each level was meticulously designed to keep players engaged for hours. A timeless masterpiece with an enduring influence on the industry.

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii, 3DS, Switch)

After some time away from his platforming escapades following Jungle Beat, Donkey Kong was once again revived by Retro Studios, who introduced the massive ape in Donkey Kong Country Returns. This game recaptures the essence of the original Donkey Kong Country with its side-scrolling action, but updates it with 3D graphics, an energetic soundtrack, and intricate level design. While it’s not flawless, it successfully reintroduced Donkey Kong in a grand manner.

Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

The first Donkey Kong Country was a groundbreaking game known for its exceptional graphics, and it remains cherished as an outstanding platformer from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) era. Nostalgia for this game is particularly strong, and even though later versions may have surpassed it in some ways, they wouldn’t exist without Donkey Kong Country setting the stage first.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (SNES)

I previously noted that Donkey Kong Country’s sequels improved upon the original game, and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest exemplifies this. It enhances all the wonderful aspects of the initial DKC and refines them to a gleaming level. The pairing of Diddy and Dixie works exceptionally well, and it ranks among Donkey Kong’s finest platforming journeys.

Diddy Kong Racing (N64)

Diddy Kong Racing, frequently debated as superior to Mario Kart 64, offers an immersive kart racing experience by allowing you to traverse a world filled with races, challenges, and more. Unlike many traditional racers, it leans towards adventure rather than being solely focused on racing, which is one of the reasons it has gained such enduring popularity. And let’s not forget about Conker and Banjo joining in the fun! We’re also including the DS remake in our discussion.

Donkey Kong ‘94 (GB)

It’s quite appealing to think about a Game Boy adaptation of the initial Donkey Kong arcade game, isn’t it? That’s essentially what Donkey Kong ’94 is about: as you progress through the original game’s stages, the music intensifies, and Donkey Kong flees to an entirely new location with fresh levels, puzzles, and a world map. This is an extreme reinterpretation of the original game, and it stands out as the best Donkey Kong title inspired by the arcade classics. Fans of Mario vs. Donkey Kong can attribute many mechanics and concepts from that series to this very game.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U, Switch)

Similar to how Retro Studios’ contemporary Donkey Kong series surpassed its initial installments, the sequels have proven even more impressive. The intricately designed stages in these games are nothing short of remarkable. As you progress through each level, the stage unfolds a captivating narrative. For instance, one stage might depict a sweltering day, gradually transforming into a raging wildfire you must flee from. Another could take you on a tour of a fruit processing factory, giving you a glimpse into every phase of the process. And while the gameplay remains challenging yet fair, it’s safe to say that this side-scrolling Donkey Kong series is unparalleled in its brilliance.

Donkey Kong Bananza (Switch 2), the best DK game

Is it simply a matter of recent excitement, or does Donkey Kong Bananza truly live up to the hype? In my opinion, it’s the latter. Bananza represents an evolution in the Donkey Kong series, offering players unprecedented ways for Donkey Kong to navigate and interact with each game environment. The most comparable title would be Donkey Kong 64, but even then, Bananza stands out as exceptional. Developed by the same team behind Jungle Beat and Mario Odyssey, Bananza is a fresh and distinctive Donkey Kong game that leaves me eagerly anticipating future installments featuring both DK and Pauline.

2025-08-11 18:31