Nintendo has unveiled a refreshed design for Diddy Kong, following similar updates made earlier this year to his longtime companion Donkey Kong.
Earlier in 2025, sharp-eyed fans spotted noticeable tweaks to Donkey Kong's appearance in official artwork and early Mario Kart World gameplay footage. Now Nintendo's rolling out visual updates for Diddy Kong too, showcased through website assets and displays at the ongoing Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas.
As reported by Nintendo Life, the revised design gives Diddy a more animated look with rounded, expressive eyes and a playful grin that amplifies his mischievous charm.
Exhibition-goers at Licensing Expo 2025 - where brands showcase properties for merchandise and partnership opportunities - can check out both refreshed Kong designs firsthand. Social media user Cptn_Alex shared snaps of the new booth displays featuring the redesigned characters.
While Nintendo remains tight-lipped about the redesigns, many speculate the updates align the characters more closely with their portrayal in the blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie. Even Princess Peach received similar treatment recently - her image on the Princess Peach: Showtime! Switch cover art now mirrors her silver screen appearance, as previously reported.
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 will headline the upcoming Switch 2 title Donkey Kong Bananza. While Diddy Kong hasn't been officially confirmed yet, the presence of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong - combined with Nintendo's current focus on polishing Diddy's look - strongly hints at his inclusion.
The timing also aligns with development on the Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel, reportedly called Super Mario World. With Donkey Kong playing a major role in the first film (and Diddy making a brief appearance), it's safe to assume we'll see more of the redesigned primate pals when the sequel hits theaters.
