Donkey Kong has been rolling barrels and smashing expectations since 1981, and this list is our tribute to everything that makes the big ape such an icon. From arcade roots to handheld gems, bongo-controlled experiments, and full-blown 3D adventures, DK has swung through some of gaming’s most memorable moments. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or just want to see which game lets you punch the most stuff, we’ve got you covered.

This one’s a blast from the past, and it’s still got the chops to hook you. Arcade Archives Donkey Kong brings the OG barrel-dodging madness to the Switch with all its old-school charm intact. It’s the first time we’ve had the pure arcade version on modern hardware since its little detour in Donkey Kong 64, and honestly, it’s about time.

You play as Jumpman (a.k.a. Mario before the name stuck), climbing girders, leaping over barrels, and trying not to fall to your doom in some hilariously punishing ways. There’s no fluff here, just that raw, arcade challenge that still feels great to chase high scores in. And yep, the tiny falls that insta-kill you? Still here.

It includes multiple arcade versions, display tweaks, and online leaderboards. Bonus points for the vertical TATE mode, which lets you pretend you’re standing in front of a classic cabinet. It’s simple, sure, but Donkey Kong’s charm hasn’t aged a day.

Donkey Kong Land 2 is proof that big things can come in small, yellow cartridges. Rare took the spirit of Donkey Kong Country 2 and squeezed it down into a Game Boy-sized package — and it works surprisingly well.

This time, Donkey Kong’s the one who gets kidnapped, so Diddy and Dixie step up to save the day. The visuals are definitely scaled back compared to the SNES, but they’re cleaner and more readable on the Game Boy’s tiny screen. The game still captures the vibe of its console big brother while doing its own thing.

It’s fast, fun, and full of clever level design. You might not think a portable DK game could hang with the console versions, but this one makes a strong case.

This game is bananas — in the best way. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat isn’t your typical platformer. You’re not using a controller (unless you wimp out); you’re using bongos. Real, physical bongos. And it’s awesome.

Each hit on the drum makes DK move, and claps (detected by a built-in mic) let you jump, attack, or pull off wild combos. It sounds goofy, and it absolutely is, but it works better than you’d think. The game is short, yeah, but it’s packed with energy and creativity.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re literally pounding your way through a jungle, this is the game. It’s weird, it’s loud, and it’s a total blast.

Donkey Kong ’94 starts off looking like a straight port of the arcade classic… and then it goes absolutely wild. What begins as four familiar levels quickly turns into a massive, puzzle-packed adventure with over 100 stages.

Mario shows off some new moves here — backflips, handstands, and a ton of clever tricks to solve increasingly tricky levels. The music is catchy, the visuals are charming, and the gameplay is super smart. It’s like the arcade game went to college and came back with a degree in level design.

This one laid the groundwork for the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series and proved handheld games could think big.

Dixie’s in charge this time, and she’s bringing along baby powerhouse Kiddy Kong for another colorful, creative adventure. Donkey Kong Country 3 might not have the same instant wow factor as its older siblings, but it’s got depth, polish, and plenty of charm.

The level design is smart and varied, the overworld map lets you explore a bit more freely, and there are all kinds of fun gimmicks and secrets to find. Visually, it looks great — those pre-rendered graphics still shine — and the soundtrack holds its own.

It’s a solid, satisfying finale to the SNES trilogy that doesn’t get enough credit.

This is where the modern Donkey Kong story really kicks off. Donkey Kong Country exploded onto the SNES with visuals that melted our 90s brains and a soundtrack that still slaps.

The platforming is tight, the levels are clever, and Donkey and Diddy make a great team. It’s not just a tech showpiece; it’s a genuinely fun game that helped redefine what platformers could look and sound like.

Even decades later, it holds up. If you’ve never played it, you owe yourself a run through the jungle.

After years of silence, DK came roaring back with Donkey Kong Country Returns, and man, what a return it was. Retro Studios nailed the look, feel, and rhythm of the original games while adding just enough new twists to keep things fresh.

The levels are inventive, the co-op is chaotic in the best way, and the game is tough — like old-school Nintendo hard. But it’s the good kind of hard, the kind that makes you want to try again.

Returns brought DK back into the spotlight and reminded everyone why these games were such a big deal.

Bonus!

A free software update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is out now, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.

Take control of Dixie Kong in both solo play and two-player local co-op, and blast through faster, more intense versions of every level with the new Turbo Attack mode.

On Nintendo Switch 2, players can also enjoy sharper visuals, higher resolution, quicker load times, and new GameShare support. That means you can share the game locally with a friend, even if they don’t own it.

If Returns was a great comeback, Tropical Freeze is a full-blown victory lap. Everything here is dialed up: better visuals, an incredible soundtrack (David Wise, take a bow), and some of the best level design in any platformer.

Every stage feels unique and surprising. Whether you’re riding on a rocket barrel, dodging giant fruit, or diving underwater, the game keeps throwing new ideas at you. And it’s tough, but fair — the kind of challenge that makes beating a level feel like an achievement.

Tropical Freeze isn’t just one of the best DK games; it’s one of the best platformers, period.

This is the fan favorite, and for good reason. Diddy and Dixie team up in a pirate-themed adventure that hits all the right notes: moody music, gorgeous environments, and smart, layered level design.

The game is packed with secrets and challenges that reward careful exploration, and the atmosphere is just unmatched. Each world feels distinct, with music and visuals working together to set the tone.

If you only play one game from the SNES trilogy, make it this one. It’s a masterpiece.

This is it — the big one. Donkey Kong Bananza finally brings the big ape fully into 3D platforming, and it sticks the landing. It’s bold, colorful, and just plain fun from start to finish.

The movement is smooth and expressive, the world is packed with secrets, and the new Bananza Transformations add all kinds of chaos and creativity. Smashing stuff, solving puzzles, and tracking down Banandium Gems never gets old.

Whether you’re a long-time DK fan or just jumping in, Bananza is the full package. It’s the future of Donkey Kong, and it’s looking real good.