Donkey Kong
News, coverage and analysis tracking Donkey Kong across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Original Donkey Kong Poster That Was Nearly Thrown Away Sold at Auction for Record-Breaking $329,400
A 1981 promotional poster for the original Donkey Kong, which marked the first appearance of Mario, has sold at auction for a record-breaking $329,400, making it the most expensive piece of original video game art ever sold. The poster was nearly discarded before its significant sale.
An Iconic Piece Of Gaming Artwork Just Fetched A Princely Sum At Auction
An iconic piece of Donkey Kong artwork, which served as the first visual representation of the game and Mario, sold for nearly $330,000 at auction. The illustration, created by Leslie Carbaga to sell arcade cabinets, was part of a collection of Nintendo memorabilia from former advertising director Donna Darbous. This sale highlights the growing recognition of the historical and monetary value of gaming artifacts.
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto says the most interesting thing about Super Mario Bros. is that you don't actually…
Shigeru Miyamoto shared his perspective on the original Super Mario Bros., highlighting that Mario's initial encounters with Bowser were not direct fights but rather environmental challenges. He also commented on AI in game development, seeing it as an opportunity for reflection on core principles.
Nintendo reveals why you don’t actually fight Bowser in Super Mario Bros. 1
Shigeru Miyamoto shared insights into the original Super Mario Bros., explaining that the team struggled to create a direct battle with Bowser due to early hardware limitations. The iconic "jump over Bowser" mechanic was conceived as a way to progress to the right of the screen, a design choice that proved surprisingly fun and became a core element of the game.
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto says AI could have 'positive' impact on gaming
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto believes generative AI can positively impact game development by allowing creators to focus on core concepts rather than labor-intensive tasks. He compares its introduction to the advent of computers, suggesting it will highlight individual creativity and intent. While acknowledging potential pitfalls, Miyamoto remains optimistic about AI's role as an assistant that ultimately requires human guidance for meaningful creation.
Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto says he's working on several projects right now – but I wouldn't expect…
Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, has stated he is currently working on several projects. While the exact nature of these projects is not specified, Miyamoto's recent involvement in multimedia ventures like theme parks and movies suggests they may extend beyond traditional game development. He also commented on AI in game development, seeing it as an opportunity for reflection.
Zelda and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto becomes first-ever dev to receive Japan's greatest cultural award, but he's crediting all of Nintendo: "These achievements were not the work of one person"
Shigeru Miyamoto, the acclaimed creator behind Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, has become the first video game developer to receive Japan's prestigious Order of Culture award. Miyamoto expressed his honor and credited his long career at Nintendo to the collaborative efforts of many individuals.
Bitmap Books’ new 408-page arcade history celebrates 120 classic coin-op games and the people who made them
Bitmap Books has released a new 408-page hardback titled 'The Arcade 1971–1999: The Stories Behind Classic Coin-Ops, Told by Their Creators.' The book features 120 classic arcade games and details their development through interviews with the people who made them, including notable figures like Nolan Bushnell and Toru Iwatani.
Hey amiibo fans - If I were you, I'd grab these diorama accessories while you still have a chance
Nintendo's collectible Amiibo dioramas, originally exclusive to Japan, are currently available at Amazon for $9.99. These pop-out displays offer a way to showcase Amiibo figures beyond simple display cabinets. While not all diorama series are available, the Super Smash Bros. and Kirby series displays are a rare find at US retailers, especially at this price point.
A Lego replica of the original PlayStation will be available next month
Sony and Lego have revealed a 1:1 scale replica of the original PlayStation console, featuring 1,911 pieces and playable elements like an openable disc tray and pressable buttons. This collectible set, which includes a Lego PlayStation controller and dioramas of Ape Escape and Gran Turismo, will be available for purchase starting October 1st for $179.99 in the US.
Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime in The Transformers, dies aged 85
Peter Cullen, the iconic voice actor behind Optimus Prime in The Transformers franchise, has passed away at the age of 85. Cullen's extensive career also included memorable roles in various video games such as Transformers: Devastation and Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans, as well as other animated characters.
Nintendo Download – August 20, 2026 (North America) – DayZ, 1000xResist and Wobbly Life for Switch 2, more
Nintendo's North American eShop update for the week of August 20, 2026, features new releases like DayZ, 1000xResist, and Wobbly Life for the Switch 2. The update also highlights ongoing limited-time events for Donkey Kong Bananza DLC and collectible Donkey Kong-themed digital cards for Nintendo Switch Online members.
Uniqlo's Mario Kart collection is live in the US and UK, and I bet I know which one is going to sell quickest
Uniqlo has launched its Mario Kart collection in the US and UK, featuring four adult T-shirt designs and eight children's items including T-shirts and hoodies. The collection, previously released in Japan, offers apparel with designs inspired by the popular racing game. The article also briefly mentions other Nintendo merchandise collections.
Europe: Nintendo Store announces custom Nintendo Switch 2 bundles
The European Nintendo Store is now offering custom Nintendo Switch bundles. Customers can select a console, a game such as Donkey Kong, and a Nintendo Switch Online membership to receive a free accessory. This promotion allows for personalized packages for the Nintendo Switch.
Thanks to Pokemon, X-Files, and Donkey Kong, this month's new Lego sets might be the best we've had all year
Lego is releasing over 100 new sets in August 2026, featuring popular franchises like Donkey Kong, The X-Files, and Pokemon. Highlights include an interactive Donkey Kong Arcade cabinet, a detailed X-Files display piece, and various Pokemon-themed kits. The article also details new sets for Star Wars, Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, and more.
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto doesn't play games anymore - with one exception
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto revealed in a Famitsu interview that he rarely plays video games anymore, with the exception of helping his grandchildren clear titles like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. He also discussed his views on console hardware, suggesting that players prioritize gameplay experiences over raw specs, citing the success of the original Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo added a bizarre "anti-brother romance failsafe" to NES Remix to stop Mario from getting too close…
Nintendo implemented an "anti-brother romance failsafe" in NES Remix, altering a scene between Mario and Luigi that would have otherwise displayed a heart graphic. This change, discovered by fans, appears to be a preemptive measure to prevent any perceived romantic implications between the brothers, even though the original scene was practically impossible to trigger in the game.
Lego's latest Nintendo collab is a playable Donkey Kong arcade machine
Lego has released a new collaboration with Nintendo, featuring a playable Donkey Kong arcade machine set. This collectible allows fans to build and interact with a classic arcade experience.
New Lego Donkey Kong Set Is A Throwback To Before Mario Had A Name
Lego has unveiled a new 1,371-piece Donkey Kong arcade cabinet set, a nostalgic tribute to the 1981 arcade game that originally featured Mario as Jumpman. The set, priced at $200, includes buildable figures of Jumpman, Donkey Kong, and Lady, and a mechanism to circulate barrels. This release follows other Nintendo-themed Lego sets, including the Game Boy and various Pokemon kits.
"It's a massive failure": Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto slams short-term profit gains that have "burned through the talents of so many people"
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto criticized the focus on short-term profits and recouping investments in game development, stating it leads to a "massive failure" by burning through talent. He believes games that resonate most are created from fundamental ideas and unique concepts, rather than chasing market trends or immediate financial returns.
