Mario Kart Worldgot a deep dive thanks to its own Nintendo Direct on April 17, but fans spotted an attempt to overshadow an often forgotten character, Donkey Kong Jr. This is the first game to featureDonkey Kong’s redesign, but while fans are still getting used to it, theMario Kart WorldDirect brought up another interesting facet of the character’s history.
Carolyn Petiton Bluesky noticed an incongruity in a clip showingMario Kart Worldcharacters in front of a billboard showing theirSuper Mario Kartcounterparts in-game. Toad, Bowser, Peach, Koopa Troopa, Mario, Yoshi, and Luigi are all in front of pictures of themselves, butDK is posing in front of Donkey Kong Jr. Petit joked, “some of us have not forgotten and will not be fooled by this attempt to rewrite history.” DK Jr. hasn’t been a mainstay of the series for years, but eagle-eyed fans haven’t let this bit of erasure slip by unnoticed.
Donkey Kong Jr. Is A Separate Character, Playable In The Original Super Mario Kart
Or Is DK Jr. Actually Donkey Kong?
Donkey Kong Jr. is a distinct character from his father, usually identifiable by the white singlet adorned with a red J he wears. He originally appeared in a 1982 arcade game named after him, but more relevant toMario Kart World,Donkey Kong Jr. was one of eight playable characters inSuper Mario Kart, the series' original entryon the Super Nintendo. TheMario Kart WorldDirecthad this clever nod to the series' roots while showing off photo mode while playing online with friends, but prospective players noticed this incongruity – or is it an incongruity at all?
InSuper Mario Kart, Peach is simply named “Princess,” likely because of the variable naming she had at the time – Peach in Japan, and Princess Toadstool in the West.
Donkey Kong Jr. is actually one of the more complicated facets of DK’s character, becausemany believe the current DK is DK Jr. grown up. The confusion largely stems from theDonkey Kong Countryseries, where Cranky Kong is the eponymous Donkey Kong’s grandfather. However, Cranky Kong is simultaneously believed to be an aged DK from the original 1981Donkey Kongarcade game. Further confusion is added byDonkey Kong 64, where Cranky calls DK his son, thus an older Donkey Kong Jr.
DK Jr. Was Honored With A Roster Spot In Mario Kart Tour
Or Is He In Mario Kart World Too?
Donkey Kong Jr. hasn’t been completely forgotten by theMario Kartseries; he’s playable inMario Kart Tour, Nintendo’s mobile entry. DK Jr.’s identity mystery continues even withThe Super Mario Bros. Movie, where Cranky is reestablished as DK’s father, making him a once-junior if Cranky altered his title.ThisMario Kart Worldclip could also be a nod by Nintendo at confirming that Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. are one and the same, and it would be delightful if DK got the white singlet as an alternate costume in the game.
Until Nintendo makes a definitive statement on the matter, or new evidence surfaces in the upcomingSwitch 2 gameDonkey Kong Bananza, the Donkey Kong/Donkey Kong Jr. debate will likely continue.Mario Kart Worldseems unlikely to shed any light on the matter, though the keen-eyed fans who spotted this attempted erasure (or clever hint) will certainly be on the lookout.
Source:Carolyn Petit/Bluesky
Mario Kart World
Developed and published by Nintendo, Mario Kart World is the long-awaited sequel to Mario Kart 8. A sprawling, interconnected world features 24 racers navigate dynamic terrains and shifting weather. The Knockout Tour mode intensifies competition with eliminations at checkpoints, while Free Roam offers a leisurely exploration filled with secrets.
