Here are the Top 10 Donkey Kong Games RANKED just in time for the new game coming on Switch 2 soon!
1. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Switch/Wii U, 2014/2018)
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Why #1: It’s a 2D platforming masterpiece. Tight controls, gorgeous HD visuals, inventive level design, and David Wise’s god-tier soundtrack.
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Bonus: Funky Mode makes it welcoming, but even on normal mode, this game doesn’t pull punches.
2. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (SNES, 1995)
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Why it’s classic: Many still consider it the peak of the DKC trilogy. Atmospheric worlds, deep platforming, and Dixie’s helicopter hair made this unforgettable.
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Arguably the best SNES soundtrack of all time.
3. Donkey Kong Country (SNES, 1994)
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Why it changed the game: This game sold the SNES. Its pre-rendered graphics were revolutionary, and the gameplay still holds up.
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Collecting bananas has never felt so urgent.
4. Donkey Kong (Arcade, 1981)
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The origin story: The game that introduced Mario (then Jumpman), Pauline, and DK himself. It’s still brutally hard and iconic in every way.
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OG arcade cred: It’s one of the most important video games ever made.
5. Donkey Kong ’94 (Game Boy, 1994)
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Why it’s genius: Starts like the arcade game, then explodes into a full-on puzzle-platformer. Way deeper than it looks.
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Mario flipping and backflipping like a gymnast? Yep, it started here.
6. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii, 2010)
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Retro reboot magic: Brought DKC roaring back after a long hiatus. It’s tough, creative, and full of energy.
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Controls were divisive (waggle to roll?!), but level design? Top tier.
7. Diddy Kong Racing (N64, 1997)
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Surprise, it’s racing: Not strictly a DK game, but Diddy headlines, and it’s better than it has any right to be. Story mode + planes + hovercrafts? Yes, please.
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A rainbow-colored fever dream with a killer soundtrack.
8. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (GameCube, 2005)
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Yes, this is the bongo game: You control DK by slapping bongos and clapping. It shouldn’t work—but it does. It’s bizarre and beautiful.
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Later re-released with normal controls, but that’s not the true experience.
9. Donkey Kong 64 (N64, 1999)
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The collectathon of collectathons: So many golden bananas. So many colored items. So many Kongs.
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Infamous for the DK Rap. Endearing for its scope, if overwhelming and janky by today’s standards.
10. Mario vs. Donkey Kong (GBA, 2004)
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Puzzle time: Revived the Donkey Kong ’94 gameplay with mini-Marios and loads of clever puzzles.
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More brainy than brawny, but still very much in the DK family tree.
🍌 Honorable Mentions:
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Donkey Kong Land trilogy (GB) – Great, if sometimes awkward, handheld versions of the DKC formula.
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Donkey Konga (GCN) – A rhythm game with licensed music and bongos. Wild times.
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Donkey Kong Jr. (Arcade/NES) – The sequel where you play as DK’s son to save your dad. Role reversal at its finest.